On May 30, SZA took to Instagram to share a mesmerizing R&B cover of Eminem’s classic “Lose Yourself,” transforming the high-octane anthem into a soothing, reflective ballad. Her rendition, which preserves the original lyrics, showcases her ability to infuse songs with deep emotion and a unique, soulful twist.
In her post, SZA emphasized that the cover was not intended for any upcoming project but was created for personal and therapeutic reasons. “U ever just cover Eminem on some tender shit for feels?” she captioned, adding a yoga emoji to convey the cover’s calming purpose.
Eminem’s response to SZA’s cover was succinct but telling, as he left a shocked face emoji in the comments, indicating his surprise and appreciation. Denaun Porter from D12 expressed his admiration, saying he “loved it,” while R&B artist DRAM simply described the cover as “beautiful.”
Although this touching cover won’t be officially released, its timing was notable, coinciding with the release of Eminem’s new single “Houdini” from his anticipated album “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).” This track, featuring Eminem’s sharp wit and controversial humor, revisits themes from his earlier work while addressing current events involving Megan Thee Stallion and R. Kelly.
In “Houdini,” Eminem’s lyrical prowess shines as he raps over a playful beat that samples the Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra.” He references Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 shooting incident with lines like, “If I was to ask for Megan Thee/ Stallion if she would collab with me/ Would I really have a shot at a feat?” and makes a clever nod to R. Kelly: “In the coupe, leaning back my seat/ Bumpin’ R. Kelly’s favorite group, the black guy pees.”
The contrasting styles of SZA’s tender cover and Eminem’s provocative new release highlight the rich diversity within the music industry. SZA’s heartfelt interpretation of “Lose Yourself” brings a new emotional depth to the song, while Eminem’s “Houdini” reaffirms his status as a master of lyrical creativity and cultural commentary. Their interactions on social media reflect a mutual respect that transcends genre boundaries, offering fans a glimpse into the dynamic world of contemporary music.
