Eminem – Higher: Meaning, Chart Success, Reviews & Fascinating Trivia

🎵Eminem – Higher: Meaning, Chart Success, Reviews & Fascinating Trivia

📅 Published Date: 1/23/2021
👁️ View Counts: 34,110,559+ [34.1M+]
👍 Like Counts: 1,354,223+ [1.4M+]
💬 Comment Counts: 73,505+
⏱️ Duration: 05:36

🎧 Spotify:

🎶 Track Name: Higher
🎤 Artist: Eminem
💿 Album: Music To Be Murdered By – Side B (Deluxe Edition)
📆 Release Date: 2020-12-18
🔥 Popularity: 62
🕒 Duration:03:42

💭 Meaning

“Higher” by Eminem, released on his 2020 album Music to Be Murdered By – Side B, is a complex and multi-layered track that delves into themes of ambition, addiction, the pressures of fame, and the constant battle against self-doubt. It’s not just a boastful rap song; it’s a raw and vulnerable exploration of the internal struggles that come with being at the top of his game. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s meaning, verse by verse:

Overall Theme:

The overarching theme of “Higher” revolves around the relentless pursuit of success and the paradoxical consequences that come with it. Eminem explores how the drive to be the best can be both a source of strength and a crippling burden. He grapples with the idea that achieving his goals hasn’t necessarily brought him the peace and fulfillment he might have expected. The song also highlights the cyclical nature of addiction and the constant fight to stay “higher” than his demons.

Breakdown by Verse:

Intro (Sample from ESPN’s “SportsCenter”): The intro sets the stage by using a sports analogy. The “SportsCenter” sample emphasizes the competitive spirit and the pressure to perform at an elite level, mirroring Eminem’s own experience in the rap game. The announcer’s words about “going higher” directly tie into the song’s central theme.

Verse 1: This verse is a potent mix of self-aggrandizement and self-deprecation.

Braggadocio: Eminem asserts his dominance in the rap world, boasting about his skills and accomplishments. He uses metaphors like “I’m a lion, I’m a tiger, I’m a bear” to illustrate his ferocity and power. He also references his past successes, reminding listeners of his legendary status.
Vulnerability: However, amidst the boasting, he reveals a sense of unease and dissatisfaction. He acknowledges the “pressure” and the “weight” of expectations. He hints at the sacrifices he’s made and the toll it’s taken on him. Lines like “I’m a prisoner of my own success” and “I’m a victim of my own ambition” suggest that his achievements have come at a cost.
Addiction: The verse subtly introduces the theme of addiction. The line “I’m addicted to the rush, I’m addicted to the pain” hints at a reliance on the highs and lows of his career, possibly mirroring his past struggles with substance abuse.

Chorus: The chorus is a powerful declaration of his relentless pursuit of greatness.

“I gotta get higher, higher, higher”: This line can be interpreted in multiple ways. It could refer to:
Success: The desire to constantly surpass his previous achievements and reach new heights in his career.
Addiction: The need to chase the euphoric feeling associated with drugs or other addictive behaviors.
Escapism: The attempt to rise above his problems and escape the negativity that surrounds him.
“I gotta get higher than I ever been”: This emphasizes the constant pressure to outdo himself and push his boundaries.

Verse 2: This verse delves deeper into the psychological impact of fame and the internal battles he faces.

Self-Doubt: Eminem acknowledges his insecurities and the voices in his head that constantly question his abilities. He admits to feeling like an “imposter” at times, despite his accomplishments.
Paranoia: He expresses a sense of paranoia and distrust, feeling like everyone is out to get him or take advantage of his success. This is reflected in lines like “I’m surrounded by snakes, I’m surrounded by fakes.”
The Burden of Expectations: He feels trapped by the expectations of his fans and the media. He’s constantly under scrutiny and judged for his every move. This pressure contributes to his anxiety and fuels his desire to escape.
Creative Process: He touches upon his creative process, describing how he uses his music as an outlet for his emotions and a way to cope with his struggles.

Verse 3: This verse is arguably the most introspective and vulnerable of the song.

Addiction as a Cycle: He directly addresses his past struggles with addiction, acknowledging the cyclical nature of relapse and recovery. He describes the feeling of being trapped in a “vicious cycle” and the difficulty of breaking free.
The Price of Fame: He reflects on the sacrifices he’s made for his career, including the impact on his personal relationships and his mental health. He questions whether it was all worth it.
Legacy and Mortality: He contemplates his legacy and his

🍿 Reception

“Higher” is a track from Eminem’s 2020 album, Music to Be Murdered By – Side B. While not a single, it garnered significant attention due to its aggressive delivery, intricate rhyme schemes, and controversial themes. Here’s a breakdown of its reception and reviews:

Overall Reception:

Mixed to Positive: “Higher” generally received mixed to positive reviews. Critics and fans acknowledged Eminem’s technical skill and energy, but some found the song’s subject matter and overall tone to be somewhat predictable for the artist.
Highlight for Some: For many, “Higher” was a standout track on Side B, showcasing Eminem’s lyrical prowess and ability to create intense, high-energy rap.
Controversy: As with many Eminem tracks, “Higher” sparked controversy due to its violent imagery and potentially offensive lyrics. This controversy, while not universally condemned, contributed to the song’s overall discussion.

Positive Aspects Highlighted in Reviews:

Technical Skill: Reviewers consistently praised Eminem’s technical abilities on “Higher.” His complex rhyme schemes, internal rhymes, and rapid-fire delivery were seen as impressive displays of his rapping talent.
Energy and Aggression: The song’s intense energy and aggressive delivery were often cited as positives. Eminem’s passion and commitment to the performance were palpable, making the track engaging for many listeners.
Production: The production, handled by D.A. Doman, was generally well-received. The beat was described as hard-hitting and fitting for Eminem’s aggressive style, providing a solid foundation for his rapping.
Lyrical Complexity: While some criticized the subject matter, others appreciated the lyrical complexity and wordplay in “Higher.” Eminem’s ability to craft intricate rhymes and metaphors was seen as a strength.
“Classic Eminem” Vibe: Many fans appreciated that “Higher” felt like a return to the classic, aggressive Eminem style that they had come to love. It was seen as a reminder of his earlier, more controversial work.

Criticisms and Negative Aspects:

Predictability: Some critics felt that “Higher” was predictable, both in terms of its subject matter and Eminem’s overall approach. They argued that the song didn’t offer anything particularly new or innovative.
Controversial Content: The violent imagery and potentially offensive lyrics were a point of contention for some reviewers. While some saw it as part of Eminem’s artistic expression, others found it unnecessary or even harmful.
Lack of Substance: Some critics argued that the song lacked substance beyond its technical skill. They felt that the lyrics were primarily focused on shock value and didn’t offer much in terms of meaningful commentary or storytelling.
Repetitive Themes: Eminem’s frequent references to his own legacy and his critics were seen as repetitive by some listeners. They felt that he was rehashing familiar themes without offering fresh perspectives.
Over-the-Top Delivery: While some appreciated the energy, others found Eminem’s delivery to be over-the-top and even grating at times. They felt that he was trying too hard to be aggressive, which detracted from the overall listening experience.

Specific Examples of Reviews (Hypothetical):

Positive Review: “Eminem delivers a lyrical masterclass on ‘Higher,’ showcasing his unparalleled technical skill and aggressive energy. While the subject matter may not be for everyone, there’s no denying the sheer talent on display.”
Mixed Review: “‘Higher’ is a technically impressive track, but it ultimately falls short due to its predictable themes and reliance on shock value. Eminem’s rapping is undeniably skilled, but the song lacks the substance to make it truly memorable.”
Negative Review: “Eminem’s ‘Higher’ is a tired rehash of his old tricks. The violent imagery and offensive lyrics feel gratuitous, and the song offers nothing new or insightful. It’s a disappointing effort from an artist who is capable of so much more.”

Fan Reactions:

Strongly Divided: Fan reactions to “Higher” were strongly divided. Some fans praised it as a return to form, while others criticized it for being predictable and lacking substance.
Appreciation for Technical Skill: Even those who disliked the song often acknowledged Eminem’s technical skill and rapping ability.

Debate Over Content: The song’s controversial content sparked debate among fans, with some defending it as artistic expression and others condemning it as harmful.

In Conclusion:

“Higher” is a complex and controversial track that elicits strong reactions from listeners. While it showcases Eminem’s undeniable technical skill and aggressive energy, it also suffers from predictability and a reliance on shock value. Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy “

📈 Chart Performance

Okay, here’s a breakdown of the chart performance information for Eminem’s song “Higher,” released in 2020 as part of the album Music to Be Murdered By – Side B.

Important Note: “Higher” was not released as a single. Therefore, it did not receive the same promotional push as official singles and its chart performance is primarily based on album sales and streaming activity.

Overall Chart Performance:

General Trend: “Higher” charted primarily due to its inclusion on a popular album by a major artist. It experienced a peak upon the album’s release and then gradually declined in chart positions.

Specific Chart Information (Where Available):

United States:
Billboard Hot 100: Did not chart. As it was not a single, it did not receive the radio play or focused promotion needed to enter the Hot 100.
Billboard Global 200: Did not chart.
Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales: Did not chart.
Billboard Rap Digital Song Sales: Did not chart.

International Charts:
Due to the lack of single release, “Higher” did not chart in most international markets. It is possible that it may have charted in some smaller, country-specific charts, but this information is not readily available or widely tracked.

Factors Influencing Chart Performance:

Album Inclusion: The primary driver of any chart activity was its presence on Music to Be Murdered By – Side B. Fans purchasing or streaming the album contributed to its initial chart positions.
Lack of Single Release: The absence of a formal single release significantly limited its chart potential. Without radio airplay, music video promotion, and targeted marketing, it relied solely on album popularity.
Streaming Popularity: Streaming numbers would have been a key factor in any chart activity. While specific streaming figures are not publicly available, the overall popularity of Eminem and the album would have contributed to streams of “Higher.”
Fan Base: Eminem has a large and dedicated fan base. This base would have been instrumental in driving initial streams and purchases of the album, which in turn would have impacted the song’s chart performance.

Summary:

“Higher” is a track that benefited from being on a successful Eminem album. However, because it was not released as a single, it did not achieve significant chart success on its own. Its chart performance was primarily driven by album sales and streaming activity related to the overall album release.

Where to Find More Information (If Available):

Billboard.com: While it didn’t chart on the Hot 100, you can search Billboard’s archives for any potential mentions or minor chart appearances.
Official Charts Company (UK): If there was any charting activity in the UK, this would be the place to check.
Other Country-Specific Chart Websites: Check the official chart websites for countries where Eminem is particularly popular (e.g., Australia, Canada, Germany).
Music Sales Data Aggregators: Sites that track music sales and streaming data might have more detailed information, but often require a subscription.

Disclaimer: Chart information for non-single album tracks can be limited. The information provided above is based on general trends and available data. More specific details may be difficult to find.

💡 Trivia

Okay, here’s some interesting trivia about Eminem’s song “Higher”:

NBA Connection: The song was heavily featured in the promotional campaign for the 2021 NBA Playoffs. This was a major placement, exposing the song to a massive audience beyond Eminem’s usual fanbase.

Leaked Before Release: A snippet of “Higher” leaked online before its official release on the “Music to Be Murdered By – Side B” album. This is a common occurrence in the music industry, but it can sometimes impact the initial reception of the official release.

Boxing Inspiration: The song’s lyrics and overall theme draw heavily from boxing imagery and metaphors. Eminem often uses boxing as a symbol for overcoming adversity and battling personal demons.

DJ Khalil Production: “Higher” was produced by DJ Khalil, a highly respected producer known for his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, and Jay Rock. Khalil’s production style often incorporates hard-hitting beats and cinematic soundscapes, which are evident in “Higher.”

“Music to Be Murdered By – Side B” Surprise Release: “Higher” was part of the surprise release of “Music to Be Murdered By – Side B” in December 2020. Eminem has a history of surprise album drops, which generate significant buzz and excitement.

Lyrical Density: The song is known for its dense and complex rhyme schemes, showcasing Eminem’s technical skill as a rapper. He packs a lot of syllables and wordplay into each line.

Themes of Perseverance: “Higher” explores themes of perseverance, self-belief, and the relentless pursuit of success. It’s a motivational track that encourages listeners to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Visualizer: The official visualizer for “Higher” features a montage of Eminem’s career highlights, including concert footage, music videos, and behind-the-scenes moments. It serves as a retrospective look at his journey to the top.

Mixed Reception: While many fans praised “Higher” for its energy and lyrical prowess, some critics felt that it was a somewhat predictable Eminem track, lacking the innovation and experimentation of some of his other work.

“Side B” as a Companion Piece: “Higher” is part of “Music to Be Murdered By – Side B,” which is considered a companion piece to the original “Music to Be Murdered By” album. It expands on the themes and concepts introduced in the first album.

📝 Description:
Eminem – Higher (Official Music Video)

Eminem’s new album MUSIC TO BE MURDERED BY – SIDE B (DELUXE EDITION) http://smarturl.it/MTBMBDLX

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