The Detroit native, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, has etched his name into the annals of music history with a blend of provocative storytelling, technical prowess, and the ability to oscillate between humor and darkness effortlessly. Eminem’s discography is a treasure trove of hits that have not only defined his career but also shifted the trajectory of hip-hop culture. Collaborating with an eclectic mix of artists across different tracks, from the edgy and energetic vibes of “Venom – Music From The Motion Picture” to the introspective and heartfelt “Mockingbird,” Eminem’s versatility is unmatched. His ability to collaborate effectively, whether with mainstream powerhouses or exploring deeper cuts, showcases a unique adaptability in style and substance. Each track stands as a testament to Eminem’s enduring influence on the genre, his peers, and the generations of artists that have followed in his footsteps.
So let’s get into it. From “The Real Slim Shady” to “Believe,” here are the best of Eminem’s solo hits as ranked by fan votes.
1 Mockingbird
Released: 2004
The track serves as both an apology and a promise, underscored by minimalistic beats that let his raw emotion take center stage. A standout line, “And if you ask me to, Daddy’s gonna buy you a mockingbird, I’mma give you the world”, encapsulates the depth of his paternal love and the lengths he’ll go to for her happiness, making it one of Em’s most heartfelt offerings.
2 Without Me
Released: 2002
It’s a track that marries his signature rapid-fire wit with a bouncing, infectious beat, becoming an anthem for Eminem’s irrepressible presence in the music scene. With a smirk and a shrug, he drops, “Guess who’s back, back again, Shady’s back, tell a friend,” encapsulating the whole vibe of the song as both a call to arms for his fans and a middle finger to his detractors.
3 The Real Slim Shady
Released: 2000
It’s filled with sharp wit and Eminem’s signature blend of humor and darkness, critiquing pop culture and the music industry’s cookie-cutter expectations. Eminem satirizes the notion of conformity, compelling listeners to question societal norms and embrace individuality. A standout line that encapsulates the song’s essence is “I’m Slim Shady, yes I’m the real Shady / All you other Slim Shadys are just imitating”, reinforcing his unique position in the genre.
4 Not Afraid
Released: 2010
Eminem, with unflinching honesty, delves into his battles with addiction and the pressures of fame, but more importantly, he shares a message of hope – rallying his fans to stand up with him. A standout line that encapsulates the song’s essence is “I’m not afraid to take a stand / Everybody come take my hand / We’ll walk this road together, through the storm / Whatever weather, cold or warm”, showcasing Eminem’s readiness to be a beacon for those struggling.
5 Lose Yourself
Released: 2005
An absolute classic, need we say more?
6 Sing For The Moment
Released: 2002
Eminem lays bare the deep connection between artist and audience, highlighting how lyrics can act as both a mirror and a beacon for those navigating their personal battles. The track, sampling Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” underscores the timeless nature of this artistic exchange. One of the most striking lines, “That’s why we seize the moment try to freeze it and own it, squeeze it and hold it,” encapsulates the essence of capturing life’s fleeting moments through the power of music.
7 My Name Is
Released: 1999
Eminem’s brilliance in flipping personal turmoil into captivating rhymes is evident, and his mastery of crafting catchy hooks is undeniable. A standout line that encapsulates the track’s essence is “Hi! My name is… (what?) My name is… (who?) My name is… Slim Shady”. This line is not just an introduction but a declaration of Eminem’s alter ego that would come to define his early career.
8 Rap God
Released: 2013
Eminem name-drops hip-hop luminaries and boasts about his lyrical prowess, making clear his dominance isn’t just perceived—it’s real. Eminem challenges contemporaries and critics alike, daring them to keep up. The track’s complexity and speed are emphasized when he assertively declares, “I’m beginnin’ to feel like a Rap God, Rap God.” This line alone encapsulates the essence of Eminem’s claim to the throne, marking his territory in the rap universe with unwavering confidence.
9 Cleanin’ Out My Closet
Released: 2002
10 The Way I Am
Released: 2000
11 Killshot
Released: 2018
Eminem’s mastery in wordplay and battle-ready rhymes shines as he deconstructs Kelly’s claims with precision, painting a picture of an unbridgeable gap between their successes. “The day you put out a hit’s the day Diddy admits that he put the hit out that got Pac killed, ah!” stands as a testament to Em’s relentless assault, leaving no stone unturned in this high-profile rap feud.
12 Business
Released: 2002
Dre, ushering in an era where their collaboration meant chart-topping hits were about to rain down. This track, a standout from “The Eminem Show,” rolls deep in comic book and pop culture references, underlined by Eminem’s razor-sharp wit. Eminem’s flow is impeccable, bouncing over Dre’s beats, proving yet again why this collaboration is gold. A standout line that punches hard is “Let’s get down to business, I don’t got no time to play around, what is this?” showcasing Eminem’s no-nonsense approach to his craft.
13 Venom – Music From The Motion Picture
Released: 2018
It’s a relentless display of his lyrical prowess, serving as a reminder of his unparalleled ability to blend pop culture references with deep introspection on fame, backlash, and his indelible impact. A standout line that encapsulates the track’s essence is “I’m the super villain Dad and Mom was losin’ their marbles to”, highlighting the generational impact of his music while embracing the chaotic energy that defines both Eminem and Venom.
14 Ass Like That
Released: 2004
15 Role Model
Released: 1999
16 Big Weenie
Released: 2004
17 Berzerk
Released: 2013
It’s a track that demands listeners to let loose and dive into the chaos of the party scene while reflecting on Eminem’s roots in the genre. The song throws back to a simpler time in hip-hop, encouraging everyone to just “go berzerk” in the moment. Eminem’s clever wordplay shines throughout, but it’s lines like “Been public enemy since you thought PE was gym, bitch!” that underscore his unrivaled ability to blend humor with hard-hitting lyrical prowess.
18 Soldier
Released: 2002
19 The Ringer
Released: 2018
With surgical precision, he dissects his frustrations and lays bare the complexities of being a rap legend in a rapidly evolving genre. Eminem’s relentless flow and sharp wordplay remind the world of his unmatched skill and passion for the craft. A standout line that encapsulates the track’s fiery essence is, “I’m
18 Soldier
Released: 2002
17 Berzerk
Released: 2013
It’s a track that demands listeners to let loose and dive into the chaos of the party scene while reflecting on Eminem’s roots in the genre. The song throws back to a simpler time in hip-hop, encouraging everyone to just “go berzerk” in the moment. Eminem’s clever wordplay shines throughout, but it’s lines like “Been public enemy since you thought PE was gym, bitch!” that underscore his unrivaled ability to blend humor with hard-hitting lyrical prowess.
16 Big Weenie
Released: 2004
15 Role Model
Released: 1999
14 Ass Like That
Released: 2004
13 Venom – Music From The Motion Picture
Released: 2018
It’s a relentless display of his lyrical prowess, serving as a reminder of his unparalleled ability to blend pop culture references with deep introspection on fame, backlash, and his indelible impact. A standout line that encapsulates the track’s essence is “I’m the super villain Dad and Mom was losin’ their marbles to”, highlighting the generational impact of his music while embracing the chaotic energy that defines both Eminem and Venom.
12 Business
Released: 2002
Dre, ushering in an era where their collaboration meant chart-topping hits were about to rain down. This track, a standout from “The Eminem Show,” rolls deep in comic book and pop culture references, underlined by Eminem’s razor-sharp wit. Eminem’s flow is impeccable, bouncing over Dre’s beats, proving yet again why this collaboration is gold. A standout line that punches hard is “Let’s get down to business, I don’t got no time to play around, what is this?” showcasing Eminem’s no-nonsense approach to his craft.
11 Killshot
Released: 2018
Eminem’s mastery in wordplay and battle-ready rhymes shines as he deconstructs Kelly’s claims with precision, painting a picture of an unbridgeable gap between their successes. “The day you put out a hit’s the day Diddy admits that he put the hit out that got Pac killed, ah!” stands as a testament to Em’s relentless assault, leaving no stone unturned in this high-profile rap feud.
10 The Way I Am
Released: 2000
9 Cleanin’ Out My Closet
Released: 2002
8 Rap God
Released: 2013
Eminem name-drops hip-hop luminaries and boasts about his lyrical prowess, making clear his dominance isn’t just perceived—it’s real. Eminem challenges contemporaries and critics alike, daring them to keep up. The track’s complexity and speed are emphasized when he assertively declares, “I’m beginnin’ to feel like a Rap God, Rap God.” This line alone encapsulates the essence of Eminem’s claim to the throne, marking his territory in the rap universe with unwavering confidence.
7 My Name Is
Released: 1999
Eminem’s brilliance in flipping personal turmoil into captivating rhymes is evident, and his mastery of crafting catchy hooks is undeniable. A standout line that encapsulates the track’s essence is “Hi! My name is… (what?) My name is… (who?) My name is… Slim Shady”. This line is not just an introduction but a declaration of Eminem’s alter ego that would come to define his early career.
6 Sing For The Moment
Released: 2002
Eminem lays bare the deep connection between artist and audience, highlighting how lyrics can act as both a mirror and a beacon for those navigating their personal battles. The track, sampling Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” underscores the timeless nature of this artistic exchange. One of the most striking lines, “That’s why we seize the moment try to freeze it and own it, squeeze it and hold it,” encapsulates the essence of capturing life’s fleeting moments through the power of music.
5 Lose Yourself
Released: 2005
An absolute classic, need we say more?
4 Not Afraid
Released: 2010
Eminem, with unflinching honesty, delves into his battles with addiction and the pressures of fame, but more importantly, he shares a message of hope – rallying his fans to stand up with him. A standout line that encapsulates the song’s essence is “I’m not afraid to take a stand / Everybody come take my hand / We’ll walk this road together, through the storm / Whatever weather, cold or warm”, showcasing Eminem’s readiness to be a beacon for those struggling.
3 The Real Slim Shady
Released: 2000
It’s filled with sharp wit and Eminem’s signature blend of humor and darkness, critiquing pop culture and the music industry’s cookie-cutter expectations. Eminem satirizes the notion of conformity, compelling listeners to question societal norms and embrace individuality. A standout line that encapsulates the song’s essence is “I’m Slim Shady, yes I’m the real Shady / All you other Slim Shadys are just imitating”, reinforcing his unique position in the genre.
2 Without Me
Released: 2002
It’s a track that marries his signature rapid-fire wit with a bouncing, infectious beat, becoming an anthem for Eminem’s irrepressible presence in the music scene. With a smirk and a shrug, he drops, “Guess who’s back, back again, Shady’s back, tell a friend,” encapsulating the whole vibe of the song as both a call to arms for his fans and a middle finger to his detractors.
1 Mockingbird
Released: 2004
The track serves as both an apology and a promise, underscored by minimalistic beats that let his raw emotion take center stage. A standout line, “And if you ask me to, Daddy’s gonna buy you a mockingbird, I’mma give you the world”, encapsulates the depth of his paternal love and the lengths he’ll go to for her happiness, making it one of Em’s most heartfelt offerings.
20 Hailie’s Song
Released: 2002
This track is a testament to the complexities of fatherhood under the microscope of fame, delivering lines that cut deep into the listener’s soul. A particularly poignant line encapsulating the emotional depth of the song is, “And when I see my baby, suddenly I’m not crazy, It all makes sense when I look into her eyes”, highlighting the transformative power of love and fatherhood.
21 Gnat
Released: 2020
Through intricate metaphors and hard-hitting bars, Eminem parallels the virus’s impact on society with his own infectious influence in hip-hop. The track stands out for its clever lyricism and Eminem’s ability to turn contemporary issues into compelling rap narratives. A standout line that encapsulates the song’s essence is, “They say these bars are like COVID, you get ’em right off the bat.” This line not only plays on the controversial origins of the virus but also showcases Eminem’s skill at crafting impactful lines that resonate.
22 Fall
Released: 2018
With a flow as relentless as the message is personal, Em navigates through his struggles with fame, backlash, and the rap game’s ever-evolving landscape. A standout line, “The closest thing he’s had to hits is smacking bitches”, showcases Eminem’s unapologetically confrontational style, targeting fellow rapper Joe Budden. This track doesn’t just walk; it sprints through Eminem’s psyche, pushing back against a culture quick to judge. “Fall” is Eminem at his most defiant, refusing to tumble under the weight of criticism.
23 Never Love Again
Released: 2020
It’s a raw, unfiltered exploration of his struggles, encapsulating the push and pull between desire and destruction. Eminem articulates the chaotic dynamic of dependency and the hard-to-swallow reality of its impact on his life. The lyrics, “You’re my Xanax and my Valium, I’m an addict, you’re a downer,” highlight the duality of addiction as both solace and destroyer, showcasing Eminem’s masterful storytelling and emotional depth.
24 We Made You
Released: 2009
25 8 Mile
Released: 2002
Eminem, through his vivid storytelling and intricate rhymes, paints a picture of life’s battles and the determination to emerge victorious. It’s a narrative of personal and artistic triumph. The standout line, “This world is mine for the taking, make me king, as we move toward a, new world order, A normal life is borin’, but super stardom’s close to post mortem”, hits hard, echoing the ambitious spirit of not just Eminem, but of anyone who dares to dream big.
