"Marshall Mathers" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his third studio album, "The Marshall Mathers LP" released in 2000. The song serves as a response to the sudden fame and attention Eminem received after his previous album, "The Slim Shady LP," achieved commercial success. The lyrics depict Eminem's frustration and disbelief at the sudden change in the way people treat him. He reflects on his previous status as a nobody and questions why everybody now wants something from him. He expresses his resentment towards those who think he owes them something just because of his newfound success. Eminem also addresses various controversies surrounding him at the time. He describes himself as a regular guy, known as Marshall Mathers, who doesn't understand why everyone is making a fuss about him. He references his confrontation with boy bands like Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync, as well as his rivalry with Vanilla Ice. The lyrics also touch on his strained relationship with his mother and legal issues. The song showcases Eminem's trademark aggressive and confrontational style, as he criticizes the music industry, fake imitations of his success, and individuals who doubt his talent and try to take shots at him. Overall, "Marshall Mathers" serves as a reflection of Eminem's feelings about his sudden rise to fame, the negativity he faced, and his desire to express himself freely without being constrained by expectations. It captures his rebellious attitude and determination to defy those who doubt him.
