Eminem's "Tobey": A Multifaceted Hip-Hop Anthem
"Tobey," the second single from Eminem's twelfth studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), is a multi-faceted hip-hop anthem that showcases the rapper's lyrical prowess, his Detroit roots, and his mentorship of younger artists. The track features fellow Detroit rappers Big Sean and Babytron, creating a powerful synergy that pays homage to their shared hometown while asserting their dominance in the rap game.
The Sound of Detroit Hip-Hop
The production of "Tobey" is a sonic journey that complements the lyrical themes. It begins with a spacey, atmospheric feel, with a distorted electric guitar fading into the background as Babytron sets the stage with his opening verse. As the song progresses, the beat intensifies, incorporating booming basslines, sharp snares, and a relentless tempo that creates an electrifying atmosphere. The addition of ethereal elements and the recurring electric guitar riff add depth and texture to the overall soundscape.
Lyrical Assertions and Homages
Lyrically, "Tobey" is a bold and unapologetic declaration of Eminem's status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. He references his iconic alter ego, Slim Shady, and addresses those who have questioned his relevance, confidently asserting his lyrical dominance and unmatched impact on the genre. Big Sean and Babytron also deliver impressive verses, showcasing their lyrical dexterity and reaffirming Detroit's significance in hip-hop culture.
The song's title pays homage to actor Tobey Maguire, who portrayed Spider-Man in the early 2000s film trilogy. This reference serves as a metaphor for Eminem's role as a mentor to younger artists, much like Maguire's Spider-Man mentored the next generation of heroes. The lyrics also allude to this dynamic, with Eminem stating, "Way beyond crazy, Shady gone, but hey, maybe, I am the goat / That bit Sean and BabyTron, and that’s why they be on the shit they be on, ‘cause (Ugh)."
A Celebration of Detroit Hip-Hop Legacy
Beyond its individual elements, "Tobey" is a celebration of Detroit hip-hop and its enduring legacy. The collaboration between Eminem, Big Sean, and Babytron represents a passing of the torch, with the younger generation building upon the foundation laid by their predecessors. The song's music video, directed by Cole Bennett, further solidifies this connection, featuring visual elements that pay homage to Detroit's vibrant hip-hop scene.
In conclusion, "Tobey" is a multi-layered track that showcases Eminem's lyrical mastery, his mentorship of younger artists, and his deep-rooted connection to Detroit hip-hop. It is a bold and unapologetic statement that solidifies his place among the greats and leaves a lasting impact on the listener.
Listen to Eminem Tobey
Eminem Tobey Lyrics Meaning Explained Featuring BabyTron and Big Sean
"Tobey": A Lyrical Breakdown of Eminem's Dominance and Mentorship
Eminem's "Tobey" is a lyrical tour de force showcasing his self-assuredness as a rap titan while subtly acknowledging his role as a mentor to the next generation.
Chorus (BabyTron):
The chorus, delivered by BabyTron, sets the stage with a clever comparison between Spider-Man's origin story and the rappers' own rise to fame. Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man was bitten by a spider, but BabyTron attributes his own "bite" to a goat, symbolizing a different path to power. The lines "If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke" convey a warning to those who dare to challenge their dominance. The references to "White Cartiers" and seeing "dope" highlight their material success, while the "Leia and Obi-Wan" comparison suggests a mission to protect and guide their city's hip-hop scene.
Verse 1 (BabyTron):
BabyTron's verse is a whirlwind of braggadocio and street-smart wisdom. He boasts about his wealth, drug-fueled lifestyle, and ability to outsmart his rivals. Lines like "No español, I'm allergic to rojo and legally blind, all I'm seein' is 'go'" and "All Wock', no pop, how we drive, you can come and take a baby sip, still taste that it's potent" paint a vivid picture of his reckless confidence and disregard for authority.
Verse 2 (Big Sean):
Big Sean's verse touches on themes of independence, success, and staying true to oneself. He addresses those who try to exploit him, emphasizing his self-reliance and determination. Lines like "They wanna bleed me and lead me to act like they need me, but fuck it, I do it alone" and "I paid attention, don't need no payola" showcase his refusal to compromise his integrity for fame.
Verse 3 (Eminem):
Eminem's verse is a masterclass in lyrical dexterity and self-awareness. He acknowledges the Tobey Maguire reference, playfully twisting it to his own narrative of being "bit by a goat." He reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a rap icon, emphasizing his ability to inspire others to pursue their dreams. He also addresses criticism from fellow rappers, asserting his position as one of the greatest and dismissing those who try to undermine him. The lines "Way beyond crazy, Shady gone, but hey, maybe I am the goat / That bit Sean and BabyTron, and that’s why they be on the shit they be on" solidify his role as a mentor and influencer in the rap game.
"Tobey" is a complex and layered song that celebrates ambition, success, and the power of mentorship. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Detroit hip-hop and a reminder of Eminem's unwavering confidence and lyrical prowess.
Eminem Tobey Lyrics
[Intro: BabyTron]
Shit, fuck, shit
Boy, huh
[Chorus: BabyTron]
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin', be thinkin' so woke
White Cartiers, all I'm seein' is dope
My city Leia and I'm Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin', be thinkin' so woke
White Cartiers, all I'm seein' is dope
My city Leia and I'm Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope
[Verse 1: BabyTron]
No español, I'm allergic to rojo and legally blind, all I'm seein' is "go"
D to the A, there and back, if we ride with the Drac', can't smoke from the T to the O
Upped than a bitch, you can keep what you owe
Granny told me, "Boy, you reap what you sow"
Do the most, we over-even the score
Said he on the run, glued his feet to the floor
Up in my Tesla, I'm rollin' up 'Ishers, I stopped at Valero, think I should quit smokin'
Life is a gamble and I'm playin' slots, pull it down, close my eyes and I pray I win tokens
All Wock', no pop, how we drive, you can come and take a baby sip, still taste that it's potent
One of one, sittin' 'round the stars, double R, finna race, yeah, the Wraith like a spaceship, it's floatin'
All this drip, think I am below sea level
Cut your own wrist off with that weak bezel
Ride around with the Iron Giant, make 'em eat metal
Watch unc' break a rock down to three pebbles
Bam-bam, down three, hit the grand slam
Four pockets full, fully switched, go wham-wham
Pants cramp, pull it down, I'm countin' 'til my hands cramp
Wrote "DSM" on the beach, now the sand stamped
[Interlude: BabyTron & Big Sean]
Boy
Ayy, ayy
[Verse 2: Big Sean]
They wanna bleed me and lead me to act like they need me, but fuck it, I do it alone (Woah)
She wanna touch me and rub me and go back to hubby, he probably could smell my cologne (Damn)
I was immersed in the Murcié, I show 'em no mercy, I really was watchin' the throne (For real)
Niggas ain't turnin' me down, when my baby asleep only time that I'm watchin' my tone, look (Shh)
We don't want chips with a chip on our shoulder
If he Obi-Wan, then I gotta be Yoda
Don't need no promoter, we pull up, they know us
I'm the Ayatollah snatching your controller
I don't give a fuck about you when I'm focused
Fuck all the drugs you take, I'm takin' over
I paid attention, don't need no payola
Can't take 'way from me, you just need to take cover (Frr)
I can paint a picture like I made the stencil
Fuck your whole image, I'm with Cole Bennett
I don't know what the fuck they done told niggas
I put all of my heart and my soul in it
I met you in person, you so different
I can't listen to you for a whole minute
Took a blood test, ain't no ho in it
Watch your motherfuckin' mouth 'fore I go in it
They like, "No, he didn't," got 'em more invested
If it's one thing I make, I make no exceptions
I got new addresses, I got no reception
I got love and hate comin' from both directions
Bitch, I come from the D where they BMFing
Where they movin' them keys like a chord progression
Bitch, I'm omnipresent, I got no reflection
Made a livin' off bars, I need no correction (No)
Grindin' shit out, gotta stay patient
While you outside, we on staycation
Locked the fuck in, ain't no playin', for real, 'less you playmakin'
I take the chances you hate takin'
Fuck it, dog, I'ma go Wes Craven
I'm at the safe, fuck a safe haven
They play with my name and I can't take it (Lil' bitch)
[Chorus: BabyTron & Eminem]
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin', be thinkin' so woke
White Cartiers, all I'm seein' is dope (Yeah)
My city Leia and I'm Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope
[Verse 3: Eminem]
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, me? Must've got bit by a goat (Yeah)
I used to dream as a kid I would grow (Baa) to be one, I hope that I inspire hope (For what?)
For you to go get what you desire most (Yeah)
Spit fire, bitch, I was just flyin' coach (Yeah)
Y'all thought you were sick, you were misdiagnosed (Nope)
I'm dope and you'll never have this high a dose (Nope, yeah)
Now my 'states in the buildin' and bitch, I done slept on more floors than the Empire State ('Pire State) Building
I got so many stories, but I hate ceilings (Haha)
Ain't feelin' your top five favorite rappers (Woo)
So I know they 'bout to be pissed at me (Why?)
But this, to me, is a mystery
How rappers I've already ripped could be (What?)
Higher up on a list than me (Ha)
Yet, here I sit on your list though at five (Hm)
Which still is fine
But just know inside, to me, that shit's hilarious, so when I (Haha)
Get dissed though and by a pioneer
Who was one of the reasons why I am here
They tell me I should just let that shit go and slide (Why?)
"Melle Mel shouldn't get no reply" (Why?)
"That man is a legend," bitch, so am I (Haha, yeah)
And anyone else who thinks it'd be wise and easy as pie
To beat me and tries can treat me just like poison (What?)
They can eat me and die (Hehe)
Middle finger stuck up, but I never conceded
When have I ever retreated? (Never) You never seen it
Every dream that I ever dreamt, I exceeded
Cement my legacy, I definitely did controversy, I always fed on, I need it
Treat it like a truck, hit it head-on, I meet it (Krrk)
I get on a beat and it's like that "Eye of the Tiger" song is playin' on my head on repeat
I been knocked down so many times, can't count (Ugh)
Sometimes, shit does not pan out
That's just the way that the card hand's dealt
John Manziel, odd man out (What?)
But heavyweight, word to Scott Van Pelt
I can't help but feel like a victim of child abuse
'Cause I am 'bout to get that goddamn belt (That strap, man)
Way beyond crazy, Shady gone, but hey, maybe I am the goat
That bit Sean and BabyTron, and that's why they be on the shit they be on 'cause
[Chorus: BabyTron]
Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat
If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke
Even while sleepin', be thinkin' so woke
White Cartiers, all I'm seein' is dope
My city Leia and I'm Obi-Wan, got a mission to pass, I just might be the hope