DISSNATION
Verified archive entry

RAP DEVIL

By Machine Gun Kelly · Targeting Eminem

RAP DEVIL is a diss track by Machine Gun Kelly targeting Eminem. Machine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

Released2018
Annotated18
ExplicitYes
Addressable transcript

Lyrics & breakdown

Demo lines only. Select a line number to copy a stable deep link.

  1. 01

    [Intro: Machine Gun Kelly & Sammi Giancola]

    02

    (Oh my God, RONNY) Ayy

  2. 03

    [Verse 1]

    Multi-line diss block
    04

    Somebody grab him some clippers (Zzt), his fuckin' beard is weird

    05

    Tough talk from a rapper payin' millions for security a year

    06

    "I think my dad's gone—" (Ah), yeah, Hailie, you right

    07

    Dad's always mad, cooped up in the studio, yellin' at the mic

    Block noteAttacks the intimidating image through domestic details

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK mocks Eminem's beard, clothing and paid security, then uses Hailie's ‘dad's gone’ phrase to portray him as an isolated father shouting inside a studio. Why it was said: Eminem's ‘Not Alike’ framed MGK as a minor threat; MGK answers by shrinking the feared battle rapper into an irritable, protected celebrity whose aggression does not reach beyond the microphone.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  3. 08

    You sober and bored, huh? (I know) 'Bout to be forty-six years old, dog

    Multi-line diss block
    09

    Talkin' 'bout "I'ma call up Trick Trick," man, you sound like a bitch, bitch

    10

    Man up and handle your shit (Ugh)

    11

    Mad about somethin' I said in 2012, took you six years and a surprise album just to come with a diss? (Huh)

    Block noteMakes age and delay evidence of avoidance

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK contrasts Eminem nearing forty-six with the six years between MGK's 2012 comment and Eminem's response, while mocking the idea of calling Detroit ally Trick Trick. Why it was said: He wants the timeline to look less like patient retaliation and more like an older star using allies and institutional power rather than confronting a younger opponent promptly.

    WordplayThe repeated six—six years and forty-six—tightens the complaint about age and delay.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  4. 12

    Homie, we get it, we know that you're the greatest rapper alive

    Multi-line diss block
    13

    Fuckin' dweeb, all you do is read the dictionary and stay inside

    14

    Fuck "Rap God," I'm the Rap Devil

    15

    Comin' bare-faced with a black shovel

    Block noteInverts Rap God into Rap Devil

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK concedes Eminem's technical reputation only to call him a shut-in whose dictionary work has become detached from life, then crowns himself the opposite figure: the Rap Devil. Why it was said: The title needs to acknowledge Eminem's most famous self-mythology before it can challenge it; accepting ‘Rap God’ lets MGK define himself as the disruptive counterpart rather than a copy.

    Wordplay‘Rap Devil’ flips Eminem's ‘Rap God’ title, while ‘bare-faced’ suggests both confronting him openly and arriving without disguise.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  5. 16

    Like the Armageddon when the smoke settle

    Multi-line diss block
    17

    His body next to this instrumental, I'm sayin'

    Block noteWrites Eminem's burial into the instrumental

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: The smoke from their confrontation clears to reveal Eminem's imagined body beside the beat. Why it was said: After building the God-versus-Devil frame, MGK gives the first verse a battle-rap ending in which the song itself becomes the scene of Eminem's defeat.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  6. 18

    [Chorus]

    19

    I'm sick of them sweatsuits and them corny hats, let's talk about it

    20

    I'm sick of you bein' rich, and you still mad, let's talk about it

    21

    Both of us single dads from the Midwest, we can talk about it

    22

    Or we could get gully, I'll size up your body and put some white chalk around it (Ayy)

  7. 23

    [Verse 2]

    Multi-line diss block
    24

    Let's talk about the fact you actually blackballed a rapper that's twice as young as you (Let's talk about it)

    25

    Let's call Sway, ask why I can't go up to Shade 45 because of you (Brrt)

    26

    Let's ask Interscope how you had Paul Rosenberg tryin' to shelf me (Huh?)

    27

    Still can't cover up the fact your last four albums is bad as your selfie

    Block noteAccuses Eminem of using industry power to obstruct him

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK alleges that Eminem blocked Shade 45 access and had manager Paul Rosenberg pressure Interscope, then pivots to criticizing Eminem's recent albums. Why it was said: This is the song's central motive beyond insults: MGK says the dispute affected his livelihood and access, so he presents the response as resistance to gatekeeping. The blackballing claims remain MGK's account, not independently established fact.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  8. 28

    Now tell me, what do you stand for? (What?)

    Multi-line diss block
    29

    I know you can't stand yourself (True)

    30

    Tryna be the old you so bad, you stan yourself (Ha)

    31

    Let's leave all the beefin' to 50 (Please), Em, you're pushin' fifty

    Block noteTurns ‘stand’ and ‘Stan’ against Eminem

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK says Eminem cannot stand himself and is so desperate to recover his former identity that he has become his own obsessive fan. Why it was said: Eminem helped make ‘Stan’ a word for unhealthy fandom; MGK borrows that cultural property to argue that nostalgia now traps its creator.

    Wordplay‘What do you stand for,’ ‘can't stand yourself’ and ‘stan yourself’ move the same sound through principle, self-tolerance and Eminem's song-title legacy.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  9. 32

    Why you claimin' that I'ma call Puff when you the one that called Diddy? (Facts)

    Multi-line diss block
    33

    Then you went and called Jimmy (Facts), they conference-called me in the mornin' (What?)

    34

    They told me you mad about a tweet, you wanted me to say sorry (What?)

    35

    I swear to God, I ain't believe him (Nah), please say it ain't so (No)

    Block noteChallenges Eminem's version of the label phone calls

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK says Eminem accused him of relying on Diddy while Eminem himself contacted Diddy and Jimmy Iovine over the old tweet, culminating in a demanded apology. Why it was said: He is contesting who really needed powerful intermediaries. By narrating a conference call, MGK tries to make Eminem's private influence—not MGK's public insolence—the disproportionate act.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  10. 36

    The big bad bully of the rap game can't take a fuckin' joke

    Multi-line diss block
    37

    Oh, you want some fuckin' smoke (What?)

    38

    But not literally, you'll choke

    39

    Yeah, I'll acknowledge you're the GOAT

    Block noteGrants GOAT status while calling the bully fragile

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK calls Eminem rap's great bully but says he could not absorb one joke, then acknowledges him as the greatest while suggesting literal smoke would overwhelm him. Why it was said: The concession protects MGK from pretending Eminem lacks skill; the attack instead argues that enormous status has produced thin skin and made a small provocation feel threatening.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  11. 40

    But I'm The Gunner, bitch, I got you in the scope (Brrah)

    Multi-line diss block
    41

    Don't have a heart attack now (Uh), somebody help your mans up (Help)

    42

    Knees weak of old age, the real Slim Shady can't stand up

    Block notePuts the Gunner's scope on an aging Slim Shady

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK turns his Gunner nickname into a firearm sight and follows with heart, knees and standing jokes about Eminem's age. Why it was said: Eminem had presented MGK as harmless, so MGK answers with his own name as a weapon and attacks whether the old Slim Shady persona can still physically stand behind its threats.

    Wordplay‘Gunner’ and ‘scope’ form a gun metaphor; ‘the real Slim Shady can't stand up’ flips the command from Eminem's ‘The Real Slim Shady.’

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  12. 43

    [Chorus]

    44

    I'm sick of them sweatsuits and them corny hats, let's talk about it (Let's talk)

    45

    I'm sick of you bein' rich, and you still mad, let's talk about it (Let's talk)

    46

    Both of us single dads from the Midwest, we can talk about it (Uh-huh)

    47

    Or we could get gully, I'll size up your body and put some white chalk around it

  13. 48

    [Verse 3]

    Multi-line diss block
    49

    Hello, Marshall, my name's Colson; you should go back to Recovery (Phew)

    50

    I know your ego is hurtin', just knowin' that all of your fans discovered me (Hi)

    51

    He like, "Damn, he a younger me, 'cept he dresses better and I'm ugly, always makin' fun of me"

    52

    Stop all the thuggery, Marshall, you livin' in luxury (Ayy)

    Block noteIntroduces Colson to Marshall and prescribes Recovery

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: Using both men's legal names, MGK tells Eminem to return to the creative period of Recovery and imagines him resenting a younger version who now attracts his fans. Why it was said: Legal names strip away the battle characters and make the generational argument personal: MGK claims Eminem recognizes traits of himself but dislikes seeing them in a successor.

    Wordplay‘Go back to Recovery’ refers to Eminem's 2010 album while also prescribing recovery from decline.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  14. 53

    Look what you done to me, dropped an album just because of me, damn, you in love with me

    Multi-line diss block
    54

    You got money, but I'm hungry, I like the diss, but you won't say them lyrics out in front of me

    55

    Shout-out to every rapper that's up under me, know that I'll never do you like this fuckery

    56

    Still bitter after everyone loves you, pull that wedgie out your dungarees (Ayy)

    Block noteRecasts Kamikaze as an expensive act of obsession

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK says Eminem made an album because of him, contrasts Eminem's wealth with his own hunger, and claims Eminem would not repeat the attack face-to-face. Why it was said: He turns being dissed by a superstar into promotion and leverage: if Eminem spends attention on him, MGK can argue that the supposedly insignificant opponent has already changed Eminem's behavior.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  15. 57

    I gotta respect the OGs, and I know most of 'em personally (Ayy)

    Multi-line diss block
    58

    But you're just a bully actin' like a baby, so I gotta read you a nursery (Pussy)

    59

    I'm the ghost of the future, and you're just Ebenezer Scrooge (Eh)

    60

    I said on Flex, "Anyone could get it," I ain't know it would be you

    Block noteReads a nursery to rap's Ebenezer Scrooge

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK calls Eminem a childish bully, casts himself as the ghost of rap's future and reminds listeners that he had publicly said anyone could be challenged. Why it was said: The age attack becomes a succession story: the established star is not merely old, but a miser guarding status from the future he helped create.

    WordplayThe ‘nursery’ reduces the bully to a baby, while the Ghost of the Future and Ebenezer Scrooge come from A Christmas Carol.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  16. 61

    [Chorus]

    62

    I'm sick of them sweatsuits and them corny hats, let's talk about it (Let's talk)

    63

    I'm sick of you bein' rich, and you still mad, let's talk about it (Let's talk)

    64

    Both of us single dads from the Midwest, we can talk about it (Uh-huh)

    65

    Or we could get gully, I'll size up your body and put some white chalk around it

  17. 66

    [Bridge: Machine Gun Kelly & Sammi Giancola]

    67

    Ayy, ridin' shotty 'cause I gotta roll this dope

    68

    It's a fast road (When your idols become your rivals), yeah

    69

    Never hesitate to say it to your face

    70

    I'm an asshole (Oh my God, RONNY)

  18. 71

    Bitch-ass motherfuck; Kells

  19. 72

    [Verse 4]

    Multi-line diss block
    73

    We know you get nervous, Rabbit, I see Mama's spaghetti all over your sweater

    74

    I wish you would lose yourself on the records that you made a decade ago, they were better

    75

    Accordin' to them, you're a national treasure, to me, you're as soft as a feather

    76

    The type to be scared to ask Rihanna for her number, just hold her umbrella-ella-ella

    Block noteUses Eminem's catalogue as evidence against the present

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK turns Rabbit, ‘Lose Yourself,’ ‘Mama's spaghetti’ and Rihanna's ‘Umbrella’ into jokes about nerves, weaker recent records and social awkwardness. Why it was said: Rather than ignore Eminem's classics, MGK weaponizes their recognizability: each beloved reference becomes a standard the current Eminem supposedly cannot meet.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  20. 77

    "I'm not afr—," okay, Oscar the Grouch, chill on the couch (Fuck)

    Multi-line diss block
    78

    You got a Oscar, damn, can anyone else get some food in their mouth? (For real)

    79

    They made a movie about you, you're in everybody's top ten

    80

    You're not getting better with time, it's fine, Eminem, put down the pen

    Block noteTells the decorated icon to leave room at the table

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK calls Eminem Oscar the Grouch, acknowledges his Oscar, film and top-ten status, then says those achievements should not entitle him to occupy rap forever. Why it was said: The argument is about scarcity as much as age: MGK suggests one national treasure's permanent dominance keeps younger artists from earning money and recognition.

    Wordplay‘I'm not afr—’ evokes ‘Not Afraid’ before swerving into Oscar the Grouch; the Oscar award makes the grouch joke carry two meanings.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  21. 81

    Or write an apology over the simple fact you had to diss to acknowledge me

    Multi-line diss block
    82

    I am the prodigy, how could I even look up to you? You ain't as tall as me

    83

    5'8" and I'm 6'4", seven punches, hold your head still

    84

    Last time you saw 8 Mile was at home on a treadmill

    Block noteMeasures recognition through height and 8 Mile

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK says Eminem only acknowledged him by dissing him, then turns literal height, seven punches and 8 Mile into a numbered humiliation. Why it was said: He treats the reply as proof that he has risen high enough to force recognition, even while making physical stature stand in for the generational difference.

    Wordplay‘Look up to you’ shifts from admiration to height; seven punches lead into ‘8 Mile,’ which becomes both Eminem's film and distance on a treadmill.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  22. 85

    You were named after a candy, I was named after a gangster (Brr)

    Multi-line diss block
    86

    And don't be a sucker and take my verse off of Yelawolf's album, thank you (Thank you)

    87

    I just wanna feed my daughter, you tryna stop the money to support her

    88

    You the one always talkin' 'bout the action, text me the addy, I'm pullin' up scrappin'

    Block noteContrasts their names and alleges interference with his income

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK says Eminem is named after candy while he is named after a gangster, asks not to be removed from Yelawolf's album and frames the dispute as a threat to supporting his daughter. Why it was said: The sequence joins image to material stakes: MGK wants listeners to hear label decisions not as ordinary business but as an older star reaching into a younger father's livelihood.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  23. 89

    And I'm by my fuckin' self, what's happenin'? EST Captain, salute me or shoot me

    Multi-line diss block
    90

    That's what he's gonna have to do to me when he realizes that there ain't shit he could do to me

    91

    Everybody always hated me, this isn't anything new to me

    92

    Yeah, there's a difference between us, I got all of my shit without Dre producin' me (Ayy)

    Block noteMakes independence from Dr. Dre the closing résumé point

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK says he arrived alone with his EST identity and contrasts his path with Eminem's career-changing partnership with Dr. Dre. Why it was said: He cannot plausibly deny Eminem's achievements, so he changes the measurement: building without Dre becomes the reason MGK considers his climb harder and less institutionally protected.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  24. 93

    I know you're not used to me, usually, one of your disses should ruin me

    Multi-line diss block
    94

    But, bitch, I'm from Cleveland, everybody quiet this evenin', I'm readin' the eulogy (Shh)

    95

    You dropped an album called Kamikaze, so that means he killed him

    96

    I already fucked one rapper's girl this week, don't make me call Kim

    Block noteTurns Kamikaze into self-destruction

    TargetEminem

    MeaningWhat it means: MGK says Eminem's diss failed to ruin him, reads a eulogy, interprets the Kamikaze title as Eminem killing himself, and threatens to involve Kim Mathers. Why it was said: The ending declares survival as victory: if an Eminem attack was expected to end a career and MGK remains present, he can portray Eminem's own surprise release as the casualty.

    WordplayA kamikaze attack destroys its pilot along with the target, so the album title becomes MGK's argument that Eminem harmed himself.

    ContextMachine Gun Kelly released ‘Rap Devil’ after Eminem attacked him on ‘Not Alike.’ Their dispute drew on MGK's 2012 comment about Eminem's daughter, MGK's claim that Eminem and his associates restricted his access and career opportunities, and Eminem's rejection of that account. Allegations made in the lyric are presented as MGK's claims, not independent findings.

  25. 97

    [Chorus]

    98

    I'm sick of them sweatsuits and them corny hats, let's talk about it (Let's talk)

    99

    I'm sick of you bein' rich, and you still mad, let's talk about it (Let's talk)

    100

    Both of us single dads from the Midwest, we can talk about it (Uh-huh)

    101

    Or we could get gully, I'll size up your body and put some white chalk around it