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Lose Yourself

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"Lose Yourself"
Song

"Lose Yourself" is an Academy Award winning song by American hip-hop artist Eminem, released as the first single from the original soundtrack to the movie 8 Mile on October 22, 2002. It was written and produced by Eminem himself, along with longtime collaborator Jeff Bass, one half of the production duo Bass Brothers, along with brother Mark Bass. The song was largely written during the filming ILIKEGUYS!!!!!!!!!! of 8 Mile, including several elements written entirely on set by Eminem. The song largely plays to the themes of the film, as it is largely based around, and written from the viewpoint of, the character of Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith, Jr., the role taken on by Eminem in the film, and the events of the film itself. Lose Yourself became the first rap song to win The Academy Award for Best Original Song.[1]

"Lose Yourself" is a mid-tempo hardcore hip-hop track, which incorporates several aggressive themes, largely dealing with the struggles dealt with by "B-Rabbit" during the film, and how he eventually overcomes his many problems and obstacles to gain the respect of other rappers, as this is his ambition, but he has constantly been held back by his own personal problems.

The song earned Eminem five Grammy nominations at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003 and the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2002, making it the first ever rap song to have received this accolade. It is also one of only three hip-hop songs from the twenty-first century to have been included on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and is also the highest ranking, at number 166. As of August 31, 2011, it has had over 4,000,000 downloads in the United States alone,[2] and has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of 500,000 copies in the United States.

Background

Eminem says that "Lose Yourself" was written on set, during breaks during the filming of 8 Mile.[3] Taryn Manning, who played Eminem's ex-girlfriend Janeane in the movie 8 Mile, said in an interview with MTV, that during the filming of the movie, in any downtime, Eminem was writing and that "you could just see him formulating stuff in his head."[4] According to studio engineer Steven King, who spoke to Rolling Stone magazine, Eminem recorded the song in a portable studio on the set while he was on a break from shooting, recording all three verses in one take.[5] The sheet on which he wrote the song appears in 8 Mile in a scene where his character is writing while riding the bus. This sheet was sold on eBay for $10,000.[6]

The song's lyrics explicitly sum up the background info about Eminem's character in 8 Mile, B. Rabbit, with the first verse summing up much of the plot of the movie.

The song's production incorporates elements of several instruments, including piano, violins and several other string instruments. The song is one of three new Eminem solo songs featured on the soundtrack, the other two being titled "8 Mile" and "Rabbit Run". "Lose Yourself" was later released on Eminem's compilation album, Curtain Call: The Hits, in 2005.

Success and legacy

"Lose Yourself" is the most successful single of Eminem's mainstream career. Upon its release, the track was a worldwide chart success, peaking at number one on 24 national charts worldwide, these included the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Eminem's first number-one hit in the United States. It had a 12-week run at #1 in the United States & Australia, and topped the charts in many other countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Denmark. It debuted at number nine in Canada and moved up to #1 the following week. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, "Lose Yourself" became the "Longest Running Single at Number One for a Rap Song" at 23 weeks.

In the United States, "Lose Yourself" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart the week of October 5, 2002, at #43. A week later, the single jumped to #18, and hit #1 by 9 November. The single spent 16 total weeks in the Top 10, and a total of 23 weeks in the Top 50. While in the #1 spot (from 11/09/02 through 1/25/03), "Lose Yourself"'s impressive run kept several top contenders for the #1 spot from ever reaching #1, including Jay-Z, Nelly, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, and especially Missy Elliott, whose single "Work It" was at #2 for 10 weeks.

The song went on to receive the Academy Award for Best Original Song[1] (the first time a rap song ever won this award), beating potential winners such as, "The Hands That Built America", by U2. Eminem, who was not present at the award ceremony believing he would not win, said in a Shade 45 Behind The Boards interview with Cipha Sounds that he was actually sleeping at the time the award was announced.[7] This was the first time in 14 years the winner of the Best Original Song category did not perform at the ceremony. Luis Resto, one of the song's co-writers, had attended the ceremony and accepted the award instead. "He's creative, he has symphonies in his head," Resto said at the lectern about Eminem.[8] The American Film Institute later ranked it #93 on their list of the 100 Greatest Songs from American Films.

At the Grammy Awards of 2004, "Lose Yourself" became Eminem's second career nomination for Record of the Year (following "Without Me"), and the first rap song ever to be nominated for Song of the Year. It won Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song, which was a brand new category at the time.

At #166, "Lose Yourself" is the highest ranked of the three songs from the 21st century featured in the 2004 List of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (joining "Stan" at #290). Outkast's "Hey Ya!" was the other, at #180. The magazine later ranked the song the twelfth best of the decade.[9] The song was the 51st best-selling single of the 2000 decade in UK.[10]

"Lose Yourself"
The song's chorus consists of two repeated short verses.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In October 2011, NME placed it at number 57 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years".[11] VH1 placed it at #4 for the best songs of the 2000s.

Several critics cited this trio of songs as the best three from the soundtrack, as well as the most aggressive songs ever recorded by Eminem. "Lose Yourself" itself was also received very positively, with many critics praising the song's aggressive themes and describing it as Eminem's best work to date. Eminem's rapping ability, the lyrics and the production were also praised as well. In many retrospective reviews and lists, critics have cited the song among Eminem's finest, as well as one of the best hip-hop songs of all time.

Music video

The song's accompanying music video, directed by Eminem himself, manager Paul Rosenberg and Phillip G. Atwell, was released on October 7, 2002. The video is a mixture of several scenarios, largely including several scenes from 8 Mile, however it also contains scenes addressing problems the real life Eminem has addressed, as well as "B-Rabbit"'s difficulties, including the ostracism by rap communities towards him due to his colour, and his difficult personal life.

The music video for "Lose Yourself" was filmed in Detroit, Michigan, and thus contains numerous shots of the city, including the Ambassador Bridge. The video is a mixture of multiple scenarios, including scenes from and reminiscent of the movie 8 Mile, and Eminem rapping next to the "8 Mile Rd. Mobile Court" sign that appears on the cover of the movie's soundtrack.

It contains scenes focusing on Rabbit's and the real life Eminem's character, for example, the difficulties he has to face while rapping, the insult and booing of crowds as he is a white rapper and the trouble he has to face due to his alcoholic mother and people he hangs out with.

At the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards it received the award for Best Video from a Film in the final year this award was given out. It also received nominations for Video of the Year, Best Male Video, Best Rap Video, and Viewer's Choice. He won a MuchMusic Video Award in 2003 for Favorite International Artist with the video for "Lose Yourself".

The official video (uploaded by Eminem) has been viewed over 65 million times on YouTube making it one of Eminem's most popular videos on that site. However, it was restricted from viewing in 2011, spawning various privately uploaded versions.

Uses of the song

Cover versions

  • "Weird Al" Yankovic made a parody of the song, titled "Couch Potato", on his 2003 album Poodle Hat. Eminem had given him permission to parody the song.
  • Irish pop rock band The Script did an alternative cover to this song in the BBC Radio's live lounge.
  • In 2003, the Australian comedy duo Scared Weird Little Guys produced a rap version of the folk song "Waltzing Matilda" called "Cleanin' Out My Tuckerbag", which parodies both "Lose Yourself" and "Cleanin' Out My Closet", but does not credit Eminem.
  • Christian parody band ApologetiX parodied the song as "Look Yourself". It is available on their 2003 album, Adam Up.
  • The show Robot Chicken parodied part of the film in the rapping sequence involving Bugs Bunny and a collection of other Looney Tunes characters.[18]
  • Lupe Fiasco sampled this song on his track "Lu Myself" (Jypsyeye on bass) on his mixtape, Lupe the Jedi and the Touch the Sky mixtape.
  • During an October 2006 interview with the K102 Morning Crew in Minneapolis, country artist Taylor Swift did an acoustic rendition of the intro and first verse of "Lose Yourself" live on the air, citing it as her favorite workout song.
  • The East Village Opera Company performs this song live, usually as an encore with full orchestra backing.
  • Fabolous made a remix to this track to honor Eminem.
  • Singer Justin Bieber performed a part of "Lose Yourself" on his My World Tour, in 2010.
  • Canadian rock band Three Days Grace have been covering "Lose Yourself" in a medley with their song "Home".
  • During the farewell concert, Polish hip hop group Paktofonika performed their song "W moich kręgach" ("In My Circles") with music background from "Lose Yourself".[19]

Track listing

UK / European CD single
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Lose Yourself"M. Mathers, L. Resto, J. BassEminem, Luis Resto, Jeff Bass5:27
2."Renegade" (Jay-Z feat. Eminem)M. Mathers, S. Carter, L. RestoEminem5:37
3."Lose Yourself" (instrumental)M. Mathers, L. Resto, J. BassEminem, Luis Resto, Jeff Bass5:29
4."Lose Yourself" (video)M. Mathers, L. Resto, J. BassEminem, Luis Resto, Jeff Bass5:29
5."8 Mile Trailer"   

Credits and personnel

The credits for "Lose Yourself" are adapted from the liner notes of the original soundtrack to the movie 8 Mile.[20]

Recording
Personnel

Charts and certifications

See also


References

  1. ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 137. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. ^ "Week Ending Aug. 28, 2011. Songs: Jagger As Icon". Yahoo! Chart Watch. 2011-08-31. Retrieved 2011-09-01.
  3. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2009-07-27). "‪Eminem on Behind the Boards - Part 6 of 12‬‏". YouTube. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  4. ^ Moss, Corey (2001-11-14). "Britney's Pal, Eminem's Squeeze — Taryn Manning's Been Both - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. Retrieved 2011-08-04. {{cite web}}: C1 control character in |title= at position 33 (help)
  5. ^ Cranky and Difficult (2008-01-18). "The View From Over Here: The Greatest Rock Songs 200-500". View-from-over-here.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  6. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298203/trivia?tr=tr0768680
  7. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2009-07-27). "‪Eminem on Behind the Boards - Part 6 of 12‬‏". YouTube. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  8. ^ Elson, Rachel F. (2003-03-24). "Eminem Naps Through His Oscar Victory - Eminem". People.com. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
  9. ^ [1][dead link]
  10. ^ Radio 1 Official Chart of the Decade, as broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on Tuesday 29th December 2009, presented by Nihal
  11. ^ http://www.nme.com/list/150-best-tracks-of-the-past-15-years/248648/page/10
  12. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2010-08-03). "‪Lenßen und Partner Intro‬‏". YouTube. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  13. ^ "Eminem Filmography". Celebrity9.com. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  14. ^ "Queen + Paul Rodgers Concertography". Ultimatequeen.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  15. ^ Mr.Scully (2006-03-07). "07.03.2006 - Queen + Paul Rodgers live in Gwinett Center, Duluth, Georgia, USA". Queen Concerts. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  16. ^ "Jodie Foster Quotes Eminem in Commencement Speech - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment". FOXNews.com. 2006-05-16. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
  17. ^ "Instant Star Rox// *Your Source to Everything Instant Star* - A Bravenet.com Hosted Site". Instantstarrox.bravehost.com. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  18. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2006-12-04). "Youtube.com". Youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  19. ^ om een reactie te plaatsen! (2008-09-05). "Live version of "W moich kręgach" on YouTube". Youtube.com. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  20. ^ (2002) Release notes for Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture 8 Mile by various artists (liner notes). Interscope Records (0694935261)
  21. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  22. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  23. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  24. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  25. ^ "Eminem > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved January 15, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  26. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself". Tracklisten. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  27. ^ "Eminem: Lose Yourself" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  28. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  29. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  30. ^ "Chart Track: Week 49, 2002". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  31. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself". Top Digital Download. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  32. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 2, 2003" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  33. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  34. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself". VG-lista. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  35. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself". Singles Top 100. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  36. ^ "Eminem – Lose Yourself". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  37. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  38. ^ "Eminem Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  39. ^ "Eminem Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  40. ^ "Eminem Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  41. ^ "Eminem Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  42. ^ "Eminem Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  43. ^ 2003 Australian Singles Chart aria.com . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  44. ^ 2003 Austrian Singles Chart Austriancharts.at . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  45. ^ 2003 Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart Ultratop.be . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  46. ^ 2003 Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart Ultratop.be . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  47. ^ "Single top 100 over 2003" (PDF) (in Dutch). Top40. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  48. ^ 2003 French Singles Chart Disqueenfrance . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  49. ^ 2003 Irish Singles Chart Irma.ie . Retrieved December 11, 2008.
  50. ^ 2003 New Zealand Singles Chart Rianz.org.nz . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  51. ^ 2003 Swiss Singles Chart Hitparade.ch . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  52. ^ "Die ultimative Chart Show | Hits des neuen Jahrtausends | Download". RTL.de. Retrieved 2011-08-04.
  53. ^ "The Billboard Hot 100 Singles & Tracks - Decade Year End Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved February 10, 2011.
  54. ^ Australian certifications aria.com . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  55. ^ Austrian certifications ifpi.at . Retrieved August 23, 2008.
  56. ^ Belgian certifications Ultratop.be . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  57. ^ Finnish certifications [2] . Retrieved September 21, 2010.
  58. ^ French certifications Disqueenfrance.com . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  59. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank ('Lose+Yourself')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  60. ^ Greece certifications [3] . Retrieved 2011.
  61. ^ "レコード協会調べ　3月度有料音楽配信認定＜略称：3月度認定＞". RIAJ (in Japanese). April 20, 2011. Retrieved April 20, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  62. ^ New Zealand certifications Rianz.org.nz . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  63. ^ Norwegian certifications Ifpi.no . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  64. ^ Swedish certifications Ifpi.se (Retrieved January 4, 2009)
  65. ^ Swiss certifications Swisscharts.com . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  66. ^ UK certifications Bpi.co.uk . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  67. ^ U.S. certifications riaa.com . Retrieved August 24, 2008.
  68. ^ http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-extra-top-25-hits-200054457.html
Order of precedence
Preceded by
"Dilemma" by Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland
 Billboard Hot 100 number one single
November 9, 2002 - January 25, 2003 (12 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Irish IRMA number-one single
December 7, 2003 - January 4, 2003 (5 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Australia ARIA number-one single
December 8, 2002 - February 23, 2003 (12 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by UK number-one single
December 8, 2002 (1 week) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
"Per me è importante" by Tiromancino
 Italian FIMI number-one single
December 12, 2002 (1 week) 		Succeeded by
"Per me è importante" by Tiromancino
Preceded by
"Dilemma" by Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland
 Belgian (Flanders) number-one single
January 4, 2003 - January 18, 2003 (3 weeks) 		Succeeded by
"Live on Mars" by Jasper Steverlinck + Steven & Stijn Kolacny
Preceded by Dutch Top 40 number-one single
January 4, 2003 - February 1, 2003 (5 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Norwegian VG-Lista number-one single
2/2003 - 5/2003 (4 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Finnish number-one single
2/2003 (1 week)
6/2003 - 7/2003 (2 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
"Der Steuersong (Las Kanzlern)" by Die Gerd Show
 Austrian number-one single
January 12, 2003 - January 26, 2003 (3 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Eurochart Hot 100 number-one single
January 18, 2003 - February 8, 2003 (4 weeks)
March 22, 2003 - April 12, 2003 (4 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Swedish number-one single
January 23, 2003 - March 13, 2003 (8 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Belgian (Wallonia) number-one single
January 25, 2003 - February 15, 2003 (4 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by New Zealand RIANZ number-one single
January 26, 2003 - February 9, 2003 (3 weeks)
February 23, 2003 (1 week) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
"Every Little Part of Me" by Julie
 Danish number-one single
January 30, 2003 (1 week) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Swiss number-one single
March 9, 2003 (1 week)
March 23, 2003 (1 week) 		Succeeded by
"Le Frunkp" by Alphonse Brown
"Take Me Tonight" by Alexander
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