Higher

In Music to be Murdered by-Side B, which was the surprise follow up to the Eminem’s eleventh solo album that was released at the beginning of 2020, Eminem releases the inspirational song, “Higher.” The song incapsulates the feelings of Eminem’s success in the music industry and his motivation to continue to strive for more.

According to many, fans and critics alike, it would be easy to believe that Eminem has reached his peak and cannot achieve much more in his art and in his craft, but it seems that Eminem would beg to differ from the majority. We can see this with the catchy chorus to the song:

Chorus:
“Where am I supposed to go from here?
Really I have no idea
All I know is every time I think I hit my ceiling
I go higher than I've ever f-in‘ been
Where am I supposed to go from here?
Really I have no idea
All I know is every time I think I hit my ceiling
I go higher than I've ever f-in’ been.”

According to Eminem, he has not reached his peak, but he believes that he has a lot more to prove to himself and then to his critics. Even in the midst of his recent failures, which he acknowledges in this song, it is easy to see that Eminem will continue to strive for his best with each new release.

Even when people try to disrespect is art or his ability to keep up with the newer artists, Eminem pens that he has not lost his dedication to the art form that he loves, but on the contrary, he seems to strive even more to be the best.

“Got no time for no haters in this bit-
Or toleration for this sh-
But like medication, my dedication
And the time it takes to do this sh-
Reminds me of how an overcrowded hospital waiting room'll get
What I mean is maybe I have more patience (patients) than I'm able to admit”

Eminem has shown his dedication to his craft with every new song that he has released. Every song is well-crafted and well-performed. It is obvious that Eminem still has plenty in the tank and a lot more to say. It seems that not only does Eminem use his current struggles as inspiration for his songs, but he also uses his struggles throughout his life to stay motivated when creating.

“Been in survival mode
Since a five year old, it was I alone
Since my trike was stole, spiral notebook and microphone
But lookin' back how bad it was then
If it hadn't been for the pad and the pen
Addict mom and deadbeat dad
I wouldn't have had the savage within
Havin' to win every single battle I'm in."

In the first lines of the third verse, Eminem admits that he has had this desire to be the best at his craft from an early age because he wanted to ensure that he would not repeat the pattern that his family set before him. Instead he wanted to strive for better.

At my first listen, this was the line that immediately grabbed my attention. One, for it’s clever word-play and delivery but secondly, for the way that it seemingly resigned within me. I immediately recalled having a similar desire from a young age.

My connection to Eminem and and his music has been evident since the release of his first studio Album, “The Slim Shady LP.” With songs like “Brain Damage” and “Rock Bottom” instantly let me know that Eminem was pulling from his real-life experiences to craft his songs. I was instantly able to connect to the real-life stories. This has not changed in the 20 plus year career.

When it comes to the song “Higher” from Music to be Murdered by-Side B, I instantly felt the survival instinct that was penned into each verse. As a newly married man who was struggling to not slip back into poverty while at the same time studying to pass an important exam that would allow me to keep my job, I too felt like I was in survival mode.

With every listen I was encouraged to keep pushing myself my limits. I was able to stay focused, study longer, and eventually pass my exam. Even though I failed the exam multiple times, I was determined to work harder and not allow my previous attempts to determine my future. I often found myself replaying the song to keep myself motivated and moving forward.

Even with a more solid marriage and a stable path for my future, “Higher” serves as a reminder of what I have been able to accomplish and what more I still have to prove to myself as well as those who may doubt me.

I am not done, in fact, I am just getting started. I have been able to build the foundations of a career, maintain a marriage, and co-create a household that I can be proud of. Yet, from here I will build a strong family unit that places their faith in God and bring change to the world.

These goals are valid. These goals are obtainable. These goals will grow and develop as life progresses. Just as the song indicates:

“All I know is every time I think I hit my ceiling
I go higher than I've ever f-in’ been.”