Collaborating is a form of art. There are some collaborations that we long to see and there are others that we could have gone our entire lives without. A collaboration that we never knew we deserved, but definitely needed was a Eminem and Beyoncè track.
The two pair up on the Rick Rubin produced single “Walk On Water” that was released on November 10th. This is the first Em led single since his 2009 comeback. “Walk On Water” is a heartfelt and raw testimony of Eminem’s struggle with pressure – being pressured by himself, the public and fans. The track just exudes emotion. He accounts how he has certain standards for himself that he feels he is not meeting while having high expectations from his loyal fans. Em also discusses the change of sound in hip-hop/rap and how he does not plan to retire without a fight.
Beyoncè’s vocals add an element of soul and perspective to the track that only she can provide. By the end of the track, Em has deserted his insecurities and humbleness that is heard throughout the song to show us a more familiar side. In his well-known aggressive tone, Em delivers a harrowing message that although we have some things in common, we are ultimately not alike. As long as he has a mic, Slim Shady is sure to tell it like it is.
The song serves as an overall reminder that artists/celebrities are human too. They have issues and insecurities like everyone else. The only difference is that there are thousands of people who know their business.
With his cypher freestyle at last month’s BET Hip-Hop Awards and the release of a new single, Eminem is amping us up for a historic comeback that could rival Jay-Z coming out of retirement. Em is showing us that he hasn’t fallen off, so we might as well keep up. The single “Walk On Water” will be featured on Eminem’s 9th studio album, Revival, slated for release later this month. A leading single with vocals from Bey is not such a bad return for the Rap God.
Stream Em’s live performance of “Walk On Water” at Sunday’s MTV European Music Awards below.
