“Stimulate” by Eminem

Usually when Eminem, back when he was one of the most-influential artists in the industry, went about reminding the world that his lyrics aren’t meant to be taken seriously and that he didn’t want to be regarded as a role model, he did so in frustration or in a way which itself could be taken as offensive.

“Stimulate” (which comes from that era) deals with that same subject matter. But somewhat surprisingly we can find Marshall relatively calm, even if throwing around an occasionally curse word here and there.

Of course for a celebrity, especially one as influential as Mathers was in his heyday, to turn around and expect people not to copy his style is of course unrealistic. Eminem actually acknowledges that fact in the third verse. But he also makes it clear that his job is “to entertain”.

And concerning his serious, society-damning songs, it’s not like he’s trying to cause a riot or anything. Instead as presented, he’s “been through [so much] pain” that the rapper releases it through his music. So as for those who still get offended by music, as stated in other Eminem tracks as well, this is something he revels in. Or put more plainly, he likes making some people uncomfortable.

Back around the time this song was dropped, there wasn’t anything Eminem could have said or done to stave off his fandom. But at least he cleared the air that his “goal is to stimulate”. In other words, he doesn’t want to be taken as anything more than a poppin’ musician.

When did Eminem release “Stimulate”?

This song originally came out on 29 October 2002. It was associated with the soundtrack to the Eminem semi-biography 8 Mile. It also served as the B-side to “Cleanin’ Out My Closet“. “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” was released as a single from Marshal’s studio album, “The Eminem Show”. However, its B-side, “Stimulate”, was not included on the album itself. But in 2022, it was added to “The Eminem Show (Expanded Edition)”, i.e. the 20^th anniversary reissuance of the LP.

Credits

Eminem co-wrote and co-produced “Stimulate” with Jeff Bass of The Bass Brothers.

FYI: the Bass Brothers were amongst Shady’s regular turn-of-the-century collaborators. In fact it was through their label, Web Entertainment, that Em put out his actual debut album, the largely-unheard of “Infinite” (1996).