Find out why Eminem appears in the credits of Justin Bieber's "SWAG" and how a Slim Shady lyric ended up in the track "Yukon""
Justin Bieber is back with a bang with his brand new album “SWAG,” which was released on July 11 and has already caused a stir in the music industry. The album, with strong R&B influences and 21 songs that combine pop and hip-hop, managed to pleasantly surprise the Canadian superstar’s fans. Among the numerous surprises on the album, Eminem’s presence stands out in the credits of the track “Yukon” – a detail that caused a stir on social media and opened countless discussions about how and why this happened.
Those who paid close attention to the tracklist noticed that Eminem, aka Marshall Mathers, is listed as the composer-lyricist on the song. Many initially assumed that this was a new collaboration, with Slim Shady participating either with a rap verse or backing vocals. However, the reality turned out to be simpler but equally interesting: Justin Bieber chose to use a verse from Eminem's song "Untitled," which was released on the deluxe edition of Recovery the 2010.
In the opening verse of “Yukon,” Bieber sings characteristically: “I can help you get a move on, like U-Haul, and I know”This line is a clear reference to Eminem's verse from "Untitled": “Get up, baby, get a move on like a U-Haul, you can rack your brain”Bieber's production team saw fit to credit Eminem for the creation of the lyric, demonstrating how important it is to respect creativity and intellectual property, especially in the modern music scene where interpolations and samples are key production tools.
The choice of this reference was not accidental. Eminem had used the U-Haul simile in another of his songs, “She Loves Me” from Music to Be Murdered By: Side B (2020), where he raps: “I put the moves on you like a U-Haul”This constant return to this imagery demonstrates his ability to create memorable phrases and highlights his influence on rap culture.
Bieber has never hidden his admiration for Eminem. In 2022, he was photographed wearing a graphic Slim Shady T-shirt while walking with his wife, Hailey Bieber, through the streets of Los Angeles. Fans were thrilled to see the pop star pay tribute to the rapper who has influenced generations of artists with his unique writing style and explosive stage presence.
Read also: Justin Bieber “Swag”: The surprise new album with 20 songs that are already taking off on the charts
It’s not just Eminem who leaves his mark on “Yukon.” The track also features signature ad-libs from 2 Chainz, which lend an old-school rap vibe to the track. The veteran rapper features as a background vocalist, and his collaboration with Carter Lang on production gives the song a distinct dynamic.
“SWAG” was released almost unexpectedly, without any major promotional campaign from Bieber. However, observant fans spotted billboards in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, as well as in Reykjavik, Iceland, the day before the release. This surprise strategy has become a trend in recent years, with artists releasing albums without any warning to create a buzz on social media.
Read also: Justin Bieber: The confession of love to Hailey and the post that lit fires among fans
According to sources close to Bieber, “SWAG” is just the beginning of a new creative era. The 31-year-old artist is already preparing an even more pop-oriented album, aiming to expand his musical boundaries and experiment with new sounds. His collaboration with major rap artists, even indirectly, proves his intention to combine different genres of music and remain relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.
The decision to credit Eminem is not only legally correct, but also shows respect for one of the most iconic lyricists of all time. Fans of Bieber and Eminem are now hoping for a more direct collaboration in the future - a possibility that could break the internet.
Read also: Eminem: He wanted Mariah Carey as his mother in “8 Mile”
“Yukon” is proof that Bieber isn’t afraid to take inspiration from artists he admires and incorporate them into his own sound. With Eminem on the credits and 2 Chainz adding his signature energy, the track stands out as one of the album’s highlights. Bieber’s attention to detail and respect for the artists who influenced him is something that makes him stand out in the modern music scene.
