Will anyone even notice the big game with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar headlining the Super Bowl 56 halftime show? And to top it off, Eminem will be joining them too.
Despite some previous criticism, the collaboration between Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and the NFL received a positive response with the release of the Super Bowl 2022 halftime show lineup. This marks the third successful performance resulting from Roc Nation’s partnership with Pepsi. The Weeknd performed in 2021, following the memorable performances by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez in 2020.
On February 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Eminem will join a quintet of performers to electrify the Super Bowl stage. Alongside this thrilling musical spectacle, football fans will witness an equally exhilarating co-main event: Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams facing off against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Collectively, the group possesses over 40 Grammy Awards and numerous other honors and nominations. Moreover, Snoop, Dre, and Kendrick Lamar proudly embody the spirit of California, while Mary J. Blige, hailed as the queen of all, represents the East Coast, and Eminem from Detroit showcases unparalleled lyrical genius.
The rapper from Detroit continues to create music, indicating that his performance at the Super Bowl show might incorporate newer tracks, although it is more probable that it will evoke nostalgic vibes.
Given that the setlist will probably be kept confidential, we decided to provide some educated guesses on the songs that Marshall Mathers may likely perform. (And who knows, this might even assist with your Super Bowl betting selections!)
No. 5: The Monster, featuring Rihanna
The album “The Marshall Mathers LP 2” was released in 2013.
Similar to the mythical creature residing under Rihanna’s bed, this captivating melody has probably found a permanent place in your mind.
The song, which symbolizes the struggles of mental health, particularly in the context of fame, was awarded the prestigious “Best Melodic Rap Performance” at the 2015 Grammys. Its energetic melody makes it perfect for enjoying while pumped up about football. Perhaps even Rihanna could make an appearance to enhance the experience.
No. 4: Forgot About Dre, featuring Eminem
The album “2001” by Dr. Dre was released in 1999.
Featuring the dynamic duo of Eminem and Dr. Dre, a snippet from their collaborative effort becomes an absolute essential. This particular gem hails from Dre’s immensely successful album “2001” and emerged victorious in the “Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” category at the esteemed 2001 Grammy Awards.
The track served as a bold reintroduction of Dre to the music scene, effectively highlighting his immense impact on hip-hop in a not-so-subtle manner. Essentially, it can be considered a diss track.
Performing in-between halves of the biggest battle in the National Football League season is a perfect choice.
No. 3: The Real Slim Shady
The year 2000 saw the release of Eminem’s highly acclaimed album, The Marshall Mathers LP.
“Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?” is undeniably one of Eminem’s most iconic anthems, known even among those who aren’t fans of rap music.
Were there any criticisms directed at the song for its controversial lyrics, like?
“You all behave as if you have never witnessed a white individual before, as if Pam and Tommy abruptly stormed through the entrance and commenced beating her even more mercilessly than prior occasions…”
Certainly, however, the responsibility of censorship and bleeping lies with the Super Bowl halftime show operators. It’s worth mentioning that one of the accolades bestowed upon the song was a Grammy in 2001 for “Best Rap Solo Performance”.
No. 2: Till I Collapse, featuring Nate Dogg
The Eminem Show, released in 2002, is an album.
Those who are not avid fans of Eminem or the genre might not recognize this song. However, in 2012, the Recording Industry Association of America awarded it a double-platinum certification for its remarkable digital sales. After six years, the song achieved an impressive milestone of five million digital sales in the U.S., earning it a well-deserved quintuple-platinum certification.
The movie “Real Steel” also includes this powerful message: Never give up. It’s similar to the New England Patriots’ determination in their game against the Atlanta Falcons. Although it may not be wise for people from Detroit to boast about the Super Bowl, the point remains clear. This song serves as an excellent source of inspiration with its captivating lyrics that perfectly suit the context.
Another California-born artist, the late Nate Dogg, known as the “King of Hooks,” is also showcased in this track. Moreover, it stands as one of Eminem’s highly streamed songs on Spotify, amassing over one billion listens as of February 2021.
No. 1: Lose Yourself
The album “8 Mile soundtrack” was released in 2002.
This hip-hop anthem is the equivalent of a “Rocky” theme song. It’s the Tom Brady of chart-topping hits, and its list of awards and accolades is longer than a Lions fan’s ultimate wishlist.
“Lose Yourself” has served as an inspiration in various arenas, from hockey teams to UFC fighters, as an entrance song, pregame motivation, halftime encouragement, and beyond worldwide. This iconic track was unveiled as the primary single from the soundtrack of the film “8 Mile,” which delves into Eminem’s personal journey growing up in Detroit and his tumultuous introduction to the immensely talented hip-hop scene of the city.
It appears to be tailor-made for players participating in America’s grandest game, incorporating universal themes like nervousness during crucial moments and capitalizing on opportunities.
In addition, as previously mentioned, it is a triumphant achievement. “Lose Yourself” emerged victorious, securing an Academy Award for Best Original Song, making it the pioneering hip-hop track to accomplish such a feat. Furthermore, it earned two Grammys in the categories of “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Solo Performance,” to mention only a couple of its accolades.
The Recording Industry Association has certified it as a Diamond record, with over a billion downloads in the United States. It achieved the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in November 2002 and held that position for a remarkable 12 weeks.
The instrumental version of the Eminem anthem was featured in a Chrysler 200 ad titled “Imported From Detroit” during the Super Bowl in 2011, which cost a staggering $12.4 million.
Regardless of the song choices made by Eminem and his friends, it is undeniable that Detroit has finally made it to the Big Show, as far as local people are concerned.
Sort of. Sigh.
