Lucky You (feat. Joyner Lucas)

The song is a dialogue between two artists at different stages of their careers, exploring themes of success, frustration, and the state of modern hip-hop. Joyner Lucas represents the hungry underdog fighting for recognition, while Eminem is the established veteran battling for continued relevance and respect. They both critique the current rap scene, particularly "mumble rap" and the use of ghostwriters.

The song presents a duality of perspectives on fame and success in the rap industry. Joyner Lucas opens, expressing his hunger and frustration for not yet receiving the highest accolades like a Grammy, despite his talent and growing recognition. He feels it's his time to take over, pushing aside the current, in his view, less deserving artists. Eminem's verse provides the counter-perspective: a titan of the industry who has achieved every imaginable award and level of success but now feels alienated and disrespected by the new generation of "mumble rappers" and the shifting landscape of hip-hop. He reflects on the commercial failure of his previous album, "Revival," and channels his anger and disappointment into a display of lyrical superiority, proving he can still dominate the very style he criticizes. The track's core message is a complex commentary on the price of fame, the struggle for relevance, and the generational divide in music, all delivered with intricate wordplay and rapid-fire flows. The "Lucky You" title is ironic, with Joyner envying Eminem's success and Eminem sarcastically reflecting on his "luck" amid criticism.

The song is from Eminem's 2018 surprise album "Kamikaze". It was co-produced by Boi-1da, Jahaan Sweet, IllaDaProducer, and Eminem himself. Jahaan Sweet created the initial beat with "Christmas-type elements," which Boi-1da then sped up and added "ugly," gritty drums to create a contrast. Boi-1da sent the beat to Joyner Lucas, knowing he was going to work with Eminem. Joyner Lucas had built a relationship with Eminem through Royce da 5'9". The collaboration was highly anticipated by fans who noted similarities in their intricate rhyming styles.

The song features intricate and fast-paced rhyme schemes, with both artists using complex internal and multi-syllable rhymes. Joyner Lucas's verse has a very structured pattern, often with rhymes falling on specific beats, reminiscent of early Eminem. Eminem's flow is more varied, shifting speed and pattern, culminating in a breathless, high-speed section. The rhythmic interplay between their vocal delivery and the trap beat is a key feature.

The song is noted for its virtuosic, rapid-fire delivery from both artists, a technique often referred to as "chopper" style. They employ complex multi-syllabic and internal rhyme schemes. There are numerous wordplays (e.g., "mansions" vs. "manners"), paradoxes, and allusions, including an interpolation of Kendrick Lamar's "DNA.". The beat itself is a modern trap production, which is ironic given the song's critique of contemporary rap trends.

"Lucky You" was a commercial success, debuting at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Joyner Lucas his first top-10 hit. It topped the Streaming Songs chart. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song. It sparked significant discussion online about the state of hip-hop, lyrical skill versus modern trends, and the "mumble rap" subgenre. The music video was also widely discussed for its symbolism.

The music video features Eminem and Joyner Lucas surrounded by hooded figures with glowing red eyes who mimic their every move. This symbolizes the new generation of rappers who are seen as clones or "copycats," lacking originality. The post-apocalyptic setting represents the desolate state of hip-hop in their view. The title "Lucky You" is used ironically by both artists.

The hook "Y'all gotta move" is a recurring demand for space and respect within the industry. The concept of "luck" is a central, ironic motif. The theme of critiquing the new wave of rappers ("mumble rap," "face tats") is a recurring motif throughout the album "Kamikaze" and is central here.