The Detroit-based Rap God, Eminem kicks off Recovery with his lead single “Not Afraid” on April 29, 2010. In this masterpiece, Eminem talks about his drug addiction, finding one’s purpose, fatherhood, and his Stans (A term coined by Eminem himself that means die-heart fans). This song is an anthem in nature and rebellious to the core.
The modern-day Shakespeare “Eminem” gave the world another anthem that the general public could relate to. The song tackles the difficult subject of drug addiction and one’s road to redemption. Eminem’s strong vocals and lyrical content combined with a choir singing with him give this song an enchanting feeling.
Not Afraid was released on April 29, 2010, as a lead single of Eminem’s seventh studio album “Recovery”. The song also has a music video which was released on June 4, 2010. Presently, it has been viewed over 1.6 billion times on YT.
How to Download Eminem – Not Afraid
You can download the song from a digital store, such as Apple Music or Amazon Music. Click on the Download button at the end of the review. Check out also other songs by Eminem – Love the Way You Are (with Rihanna), Venom, Lucky You (with Joyner Lucas), or Fall.
The Song Review
Not Afraid – A Big Commercial Hit!
“Not Afraid” went on to become the 16th number historically to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at No.1. Moreover, it debuted as a topper on the music charts in Canada. In June 2014, the song was received the 10x Platinum by RIAA. That ultimately led to Eminem becoming the first artist with digital diamond awards for two of his songs.
With “Not Afraid”, Eminem bagged the MTV Video Music Awards, Grammy Awards, MTV Music Awards Japan, and Billboard Music Awards. He also earned the Detroit Music Award. This is one of Eminem’s most influential songs just behind “Lose Yourself”, and “The Way I Am”.
An Influential Track – Critical Performance
Overall, the song received positive reviews and was praised massively by critics, globally.
Rolling Stone critics shared positive reviews about the song’s tone. They wrote, “Over a dark, operatic beat. Eminem delivers rhymes that are typically acrobatic – and typically heavy-handed. But the anger has a gathering quality.” Moreover, they also noted that the theme of this song was quite inspirational. The critics wrote, “The only completely commendable sentiment on the entire album comes” and referred it to as a “proud rehab anthem”.
About.com critics positively reviewed the song. They wrote, “Boi-1da’s bouncy charm” and “heart-wrenching lyrics from a master poet”.
If you watch the video, you will see that Eminem’s words speak right to your soul and his flawless delivery makes it an influential track that people will remember for a very long time.
Not Afraid – The Video
The music video of “Not Afraid” was shot in Newark, New Jersey as well as New York City.
The video starts with Eminem standing on the rooftop of the Manhattan Municipal Building. He convinces the viewers that they can leave the past behind and get to a better place and that he will assist them in their journey through his music.
The music video also shows Eminem running from his inner demons and eventually conquering them.
The final scenes show Eminem flying through the city as if he is now free from all the darkness and he lands on the same building.
The music video was beautifully directed by Rich Lee.
Music & Lyrics
Eminem’s “Not Afraid” has been written in C minor. It has a moderate tempo with 86 beats each minute. The song also featured a beautiful choir that was composed by Kip Blackshire, Christal Garrick II, Terry Dexter, Rich King, Kristen Ashley Cole, and Sly Jordan. Moreover, you will find piano, guitar, and synthesizer.
As far as lyrics go, we know that Eminem is one of the most profound wordsmiths of our time. The inspirational lyrics and immaculate delivery alone are enough to captivate the viewer.
