At the beginning of my career, I had this whole canvas that I could paint on. If I had a choice between being the best rapper or making the eminem songs about addiction best albums, I’d rather be the best rapper. Obviously, all of that is subjective, and everybody’s got their favorite rappers, but in my head, I would rather do that than just make good songs. Encore took a whole fuckin’ different trajectory because Encore was during my addiction. I was realizing I’m getting addicted to these fuckin’ pills.
That’s probably my biggest weapon mixed with lyricism. Amy Winehouse’s iconic “Rehab” is both a defiant declaration and a cry for help. The catchy tune and candid lyrics about resisting rehab capture the complexities of addiction and the reluctance to seek help. Winehouse’s soulful voice and the song’s retro vibe create a memorable and impactful listening experience. The repeated refrain, “They tried to make me go to rehab, I said no, no, no,” reflects the internal struggle many face when considering treatment. Sadly Amy Winehouse in 2011 became a member of the 27 club and passed away due to Alcohol Poisoning.
Pink’s raw honesty shines through as she questions her choices and contemplates sobriety. This track is relatable for anyone in recovery, capturing the complexities of staying clean. Eminem’s songs about addiction offer important lessons about the destructive nature of substance abuse, the challenges of recovery, and the power of resilience and self-reflection. His music serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and support in confronting addiction and rebuilding a healthier, more fulfilling life. My writing process is different now than it was back in the day. It used to be, give me whatever piece of paper is laying around and I’m going to write some ideas down.
The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics speak to the pain of addiction and the yearning for a fresh start. Kushner’s soothing voice and the uplifting message of finding light after darkness make this track a comforting companion for anyone going through tough times. It’s a beautiful reminder that there’s always hope, even in the darkest moments. K’s Choice addresses the denial and slippery slope of addiction in “Not an Addict.” The haunting chorus and gripping verses show the conflict of recognizing addiction while trying to stay in control. The lyrics, “It’s not a habit, it’s cool, I feel alive,” reflect the common excuses used by those struggling with addiction.
The problem was, in the recording process as I was getting more addicted to drugs, I was in more of a goofy mood. So now, I go make “Ass Like That,” “Big Weenie,” “Rain Man,” all those silly songs, which I’m writing in fuckin’ seconds at that point in time. I was just writing high and feeling good about what I’m doing because I got fuckin’ 20 Vicodin in me and this is fun to do, and I’m having fun, so fuck it. When things started happening for me, I was getting a lot of heat, being a White rapper, and XXL wrote something about that. I remember going to one of those newsstands in New York when the magazine had just started out, and I bought that and a couple of other rap magazines.
The most iconic ones include “Dark Times” by the Weeknd, “Otherside” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song is just another one of those tracks that we did one day just fucking around. I wanted to touch on how last year I was always fucked up. It was the first year that I blew up and I did a lot of celebrating. The rap star entered a rehab facility in 2005 and stayed clean for a while.
During recovery from addiction, it is crucial to be able to connect with other people who are going through similar struggles. While having a strong sober support system consisting of actual people is certainly the best resource, music can be a source of consolation and inspiration throughout the day. Eminem’s songs about addiction have had a profound impact on his fans, resonating with those who have faced similar struggles and providing a sense of connection and understanding. His honesty and vulnerability have inspired others to confront their own demons and seek help in their own journeys towards sobriety. Eminem has credited his music as a form of therapy and self-expression that has helped him stay sober and navigate his journey towards recovery. His songs about addiction serve as a reminder of his past struggles and a source of strength and resilience in his ongoing battle with substance abuse.
‘Drug Ballad’ is therefore not just a recounting of chemical escapades; it’s the seedling of Eminem’s future philosophy on sobriety and redemption. Eminem opened up about the way his struggle with drug addiction was a constant, if unseen, presence throughout much of his early career in a new as-told-to in XXL. “Habits” is the second track on Eminem’s highly anticipated album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coupe de Grâce), delving into Em’s personal battle with addiction. The track features vocals from Eminem’s past collaborator, White Gold. “Guilty Conscience 2” is a song by American rapper Eminem from his twelfth studio album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) (2024).