“25 to Life” by Eminem

The lyrics of Eminem’s “25 to Life” see him dealing with a plethora of topics, including most notably his career in the hip-hop industry. According to him, his intense devotion and obsession with hip-hop music is primary responsible for the remarkable success he has achieved thus far in the industry. However, it came at a price. And the price in question is that it has negatively affected many spheres of his life, including his relationships with women. He therefore likens his unbreakable bond with hip-hop and the success that it brings him to being sentenced to jail. And this is where the song’s title (“25 to Life”) comes into play.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Eminem's 25 to Life at Lyrics.org.

Meaning of “25 to Life”

So when Eminem talks about being caught up “in a chase, 25 to life”, he is basically saying this addiction is tantamount to being sentenced to time in prison. And the prison sentence in question is 25 years to life. But why 25? What is so special about 25 years? We hear you ask! Now, anyone who knows Eminem is well aware of the fact that he began pursuing rap music in his early teens. But he never met with success until age 25. This is what makes “25” a very important number/age to him. It was at this age that he released his iconic album “The Slim Shady LP”, which produced a ton of hits, including “My Name Is”. With the release of this album at age 25, Eminem was instantly transformed into one of the world’s most famous celebrity. The album not only gave him fame but it also made him very wealthy.

In addition to fame and fortune, this album also won him a Grammy in 2000 for the “Best Rap Album”.

Having been exposed to the sweet taste of success, Eminem naturally wanted more. He therefore devoted the rest of his life into giving his career all that he had. And it actually paid off. He met with success upon success. And at the end of the day, he ended up becoming a slave or rather prisoner to this intoxicating pursuit. Now he wants to stop chasing after hip-hop/success. It got a hold of him when he was only 25 and imprisoned him for about a decade. He has had enough of being in its captive and now wants his life back because according to him, his life sentence has been served.

Eminem talks about “25 to Life”

In an interview with Vibe magazine, Em shed some light on “25 to Life”. According to him, it is basically about how he has dedicated his life to hip-hop and literally given it “everything” he’s got to the point where it adversely started affecting his personal life.

Eminem talks about "25 to Life"

Release Date of “25 to Life”

Eminem released this as part of his hit “Recovery” album in June 2010. This album spawned the following hit singles:

  • “Space Bound”
  • Not Afraid
  •  “Love the Way You Lie”
  • “No Love”

And did Eminem eventually escape from hip-hop’s prison?

Fortunately and unfortunately, he didn’t. He went on to serve several more years as a prisoner of hip-hop. As of 2020 (a decade after the song’s release), Em is still serving his “prison” sentence.

Quick Eminem Facts

Em is popularly known as the man who made hip hop popular in Middle America. He is widely considered to be among the greatest rappers of all time.

Em’s was first introduced to hip-hop via his uncle Ronnie whom he was very close to. He actually considered Ronnie his musical mentor. This is why he was very broken when his Ronnie committed suicide.

Em had a complicated relationship with his mother even though she took care of him. He started rapping as a teenager and dropped out of school not long after that because he was struggling with his studies.

He is believed to be of Scottish, English, German, Polish and Swiss Origins.

Em had a very rough childhood. He grew up in a black dominated environment and because he was a loner, the kids picked on him a lot.

As of 2020, Em has sold over 200 million records and won hundreds of awards, including several Grammys.

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