White America

About this song

The song was part of Eminem's response to the controversy, congressional hearing and censorship that his lyrics drew once they reached a mainstream white American audience. The attempts to censor him came mostly from white, suburban people who had not paid attention to rap before.

What it's about

The song examines inconsistencies in American society, including censorship of free speech and racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. It argues that Eminem, as a white rapper, was placed as a figurehead for hip hop, a genre dominated and originated by African Americans, largely because of his skin color rather than only his artistry.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 4 other songs, like “Rap god but the instrumental keeps changing by William Maranci”.
• Written by Jeff Bass, Steve King, Eminem and Luis Resto.
• Produced by Eminem.
• Recorded at 54 Sound (Ferndale.