In "Freestyle #2 - Live From Tramps, New York / 1999," Eminem showcases his lyrical prowess and takes on a confrontational and braggadocious tone. The song is a freestyle, meaning it is improvised and not pre-written. It was performed at Tramps nightclub in New York in 1999. The lyrics contain various references and wordplay that Eminem is known for. The opening lines mention an eighth of marijuana and a reference to being "beamed up and land in space," suggesting a desire to escape reality and indulge in drugs. The lines "I'mma sit on top of the world and spit on Brandy and Ma$e" express Eminem's confidence and disregard for established artists at the time. He considers himself superior and more skilled than Brandy and Ma$e, two popular musicians from that era. Eminem compares himself to a "human horror film" with a comedic twist, suggesting that his lyrics can be dark and frightening but also humorous. He acknowledges that people relate to and understand his music because he brings entertainment. The mention of being the "Madd Rapper" is a reference to a persona Eminem adopted on his earlier works. It signifies his rebellious and unpredictable nature. Eminem plays with wordplay and irony when he says "Whether I got money or not, as long as I'm on pills, and I got plenty of pot" reflecting his dependency on drugs as a source of inspiration and fuel for his creativity. Eminem expresses his desire for recognition and awards in the lines "I would like an award for the best rapper to get one mic in The Source." The Source magazine was known for its influential music rankings and ratings. The mention of striking at Ford refers to his previous job at the Ford Motor Company assembly line before he found success as a rapper. It implies that he will not hesitate to resort to menial work if he doesn't achieve success. In the final lines, Eminem reflects on his anger and frustration, mentioning that even the No Limit Tank (a reference to the rap group No Limit Soldiers) seems to provoke him. He suggests that his volatile nature is a danger to his own well-being, emphasizing the question of why he continues to rely on drugs like Vicodin. Overall, "Freestyle #2 - Live From Tramps, New York / 1999" showcases Eminem's lyrical dexterity, his confidence, and his struggle with fame, addiction, and finding his place in the rap industry.
