Phenomenal

Album: Southpaw (2015)
Charted: 57 47
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This DJ Khalil produced song was recorded by Eminem for the boxing movie Southpaw. The rapper's label Shady Records produced the OST for the film. Originally Eminem was earmarked to star in the movie when it was announced in December 2010 but he later dropped out and was replaced by actor Jake Gyllenhaal.
  • The song was previewed in a Beats By Dre advert, which features Eminem's fellow Michigan native Draymond Green, a forward for the Golden State Warriors.
  • Filmed in Tokyo, the 7-minute video features Eminem as a person with superhuman abilities. The clip starts off with the Detroit rapper waking up in a hospital then breaking out as he wishes to find out his true identity. We then see Eminem encounter a stranger played by John Malkovich with whom he has a conversation, before getting chased across the city where the stunts include Slim Shady riding a flaming motorbike and jumping out of an exploding helicopter. Eventually Em lands on stage at a massive gig with Dr Dre.
  • Asked during a Twitter Q&A how he approached this song as the title track, given the success of the 8 Mile theme tune "Lose Yourself," Eminem replied: "'Phenomenal' is different from 'Lose Yourself.' Its just grit and determination. 'Lose Yourself' was more of a theme for the film."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.