Eminem's latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), features a poignant track that samples Jelly Roll's song "Save Me." The closing track, "Somebody Save Me," has resonated deeply with fans of both artists, blending their powerful narratives.
A Special Moment in Detroit
On Friday, Jelly Roll shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a photo with Eminem taken in Detroit. They had just performed at the all-star event, Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central. Jelly Roll's caption read, "I always say my childhood hero’s lived somewhere between Willie Nelson and Eminem. As a teenager (and still today) I could recite every song on the Slim Shady album, the Marshal Mathers album, and the Eminem show."
A Journey from Jail to Freestyle Battles
Jelly Roll reminisced about his teenage years, highlighting how Eminem's music was a significant influence. "When I bonded out of jail at 17 years old and was sneaking into cyphers and battles in Nashville they would also play the 'Lose Yourself' beat when I came out on stage at the freestyle battles. I related to every word Eminem wrote," he shared.
Emotional Connection and Mutual Understanding
Jelly Roll continued to express how deeply he connected with Eminem's music. "I understand him and felt like he understood me, which was rare cause I spent most of my life feeling misunderstood. So you can imagine how I felt when I got the call that Eminem would be sampling my song 'Save Me' on his new album. And for him to use the song to discuss the other side of what could’ve happened if he had allowed his demons to win brought me to tears."
Gratitude to Eminem and Paul Rosenberg
Jelly Roll also extended his gratitude to Eminem's manager and Def Jam CEO, Paul Rosenberg. "You’ve been nothing but kind to me and treated me like family and gave me opportunities I didn’t deserve, forever grateful," he wrote.
"Somebody Save Me" – A Powerful Collaboration
In the emotional track "Somebody Save Me," Eminem samples Jelly Roll's "Save Me" and delivers a heartfelt apology to his children for his past mistakes. The lyrics are raw and honest, with Eminem rapping, "Sorry that I chose drugs and put 'em above you, Sorry that I didn't love you enough to give 'em up, how the fuck do I not love you more than a pill," followed by Jelly Roll's haunting chorus: "I've spent so long livin' in hell. They say my lifestyle is bad for my health. It's the only thing that seems to help."
A Star-Studded Album
The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) spans 19 tracks and features collaborations with artists like White Gold, Sly Pyper, JID, Dem Jointz, Ez Mil, Skylar Grey, Big Sean, and BabyTron. This album continues to showcase Eminem's ability to connect deeply with his audience while bringing in powerful voices like Jelly Roll.
