Dre tragically lost his son to a drug overdose in 2008. Along with how the change in music was shifting and how his career as an artist was heading it became downwards spiral, this song was supposed to be the revival of Dre to bring him back. There is many references and flashbacks throughout the song which pay homage to other artists that were apart of dres life. (This is a very very short summary someone with more time im sure will go into more detail) I’ve got to add if you didn’t know already, Dre gave Eminem a chance when NO ONE else would. The amount of respect Eminem has for Dre is astronomical. An incredible duo who will never be matched in my opinion Eric Wright was the rapper Eazy-E who was apart of the rap group NWA which launched Dres career. Eazy passed away from aids unfortunately. During the passing of Eric Dre and him were not on good terms (a lot of backstory that goes into that) and from what I know (please do correct me if I’m massively wrong I’m going off of memory) this is the first time Dre payed respect to Eric after his passing. Without Dre there would be no Eminem, that doesn’t get spoken about enough ❤️

By the way, you are getting so good at catching all of the things! You even recognize the rappers by picture now! I'm so loving watching you go down this rabbit hole.

eminems word play is crazy. when he said it dawned on me, you lost a son (sun, at dawn). so its like the light of dres world was lost when he lost his child.

The line that gets me the most in this track "I demand you remember who you are". Reminding the good doctor of his greatness.

The relationship between Eminem and Dre is honestly just so beautiful and rare.

Eminem was throwing around his demo tapes trying to get heard. he was working a regular 9 to 5 at a restaurant and basically spending almost his whole paycheck at disc makers, recording his music trying to get heard. I think he was his friend Rufus that heard about the rap Olympics in la, and convinced him fly out and perform. Unfortunately he did not win, he came in second place. But Dre ended up hearing him and tracked him down. Dre put his entire reputation on the line, if em did not make it, aftermath records would not have taken off, and Dre would have lost everything. As for the yellow jumpsuit, it was a clothing company that was also barely starting, and they asked em if he could wear their clothing as advertisement. Of course he accepted, because he wanted whatever deal he could get. As I'm walked into the recording studio, everybody laughed at him, seen a white blonde kid wearing a yellow jumpsuit. Dre put on a beat that he just made, he asked him what he thinks of it and hit play. 3 seconds later, em starts rapping off the top of his head, "hi my name is, what, my name is, what, my name is chicka chicka Slim Shady" that was the first 5 minutes of him meeting dre. That's the first song they ever recorded together. Song is called "my name is" his friend Rufus that convinced him to go to the rap olympics, he's also a rapper, you may not like his music, it's kind of fucked up, but his rap name is bizarre.

Eric Wright at the end is Eazy-E. They had beef right up until Eazy died. Rumor is they made peace and planned on a reunion tour, but Eazy didnt make it. He did lose a son. And he lost his brother early on. He was at a low point in his life, and career, at this point. Em was always his sidekick and really kind of pulled Dre back from the edge with this one. You nailed the reaction, my man🤙

Just a quick story unrelated to the song: A friend of my father's taught me how to play "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas on guitar. A year later he was struck by a semi and didn't breathe long enough to cause considerable damage to his brain mostly related to memory. He could still play guitar but lacked long term memory so I was actually able to teach Dust in the Wind back to him. It was pretty emotional for everyone involved because it was so surreal and, of course, the nature of the song. Every time I hear that song I think about that moment.

8 mile is showing his life before he met Dre. The guy in the movie is portraying Proof. He was Em's best friend who sadly was shot and killed in 2006❤

I swear Chris' enthusiasm is always so contagious. I always cried listening to this song because I can feel Em's emotion, gratitude, loyalty and he pleaded to Dre for his (2) life. And you made me laugh because of how much you enjoy understanding the message.That's a different emotion for me for this song lol thank you

1:02 That guy, called Future in the movie, represents Proof - Eminem's best friend. Proof used to organize rap battles in the 90s. Proof actually stars in the movie as a rapper named Lil' Tic, who wins against B-Rabbit (Eminem). One of his lines goes "I'll punish Rabbit or obsolete Future", which spells out "PROOF".

Masterpiece overall. Skylars Voice is absolute diamond. Best in the world.

The song is a wonderful metaphor and double Dre lost his son started to fall off and em was trying to turn him around but him back into the man he was he saved him they saved each other wonderfully written song. They debuted it on an award show when dr dre hadn’t been seen in awhile

Hi Larry, as you know, the girl who sings the choir is Skylar Grey, I recommended her to you once and as an anecdote, Eminem is doing a little Dre with Skylar. He has introduced her in the last 4 or 5 albums of hers, he has also produced some songs in Skylar's albums, he always listens to her and tries to help her. He always takes her on tour and she is always, always showing him love by any means possible and trying to show the world what he does for her and not just in the spotlight, but behind him. What is the most important. There is a curiosity with this song, the part of Em, he wrote it in a few minutes, I think it was 15 minutes, this was told by Skylar who could not believe how someone could write a song so deeply in just a few minutes, something that later listening to it all, she cried.

I love watching your respect for Eminem flourish. I cry at times watching you connect. ♥️when I first heard this song when it was released I cried. When I saw the video I cried even more. I have chills right now right along with you. Oooh you have to listen to Dre. He’s great. Different from Em but still great. I appreciate you. I really do. You’re a great man.

This was also the first time Dre appeared in public after a long time away from the spotlight and he put on some major muscle.

The bit about laying down life for his friend, you got to remember or understand they werent friends at the beginning, that wasnt the reason Dre took him on and gave him a chance. Dre was a businessman and heard how awesome he was, he did it from a business point of view more than a friendship point of view. the friendship blossomed after

“I think he needs a doctor” I think that is what this whole song is about. Dre saved Eminem, gave him a chance when nobody else would and now he needs Dre, Em needs to save him now

Larry: Mr Dre Me: Mr NWA Mr AK coming straight out of Compton y’all better make way.

Eminem is actually part of the marvel universe as he appeared in a comic edition of The Punisher

I've been listening to Eminem since I got his first album when I was a teenager. In the beginning I just thought the beats were cool and the lyrics provocative, but the more I listened growing up, and even to this day through watching your videos, it's just mind blowing how much I've learned and how deep and meaningful his lyrics and music truly are. What I like the most about your videos is reading the comments of people who has found so much help in Eminems music. It's so easy for people to listen to a couple of songs and dismiss him because of all the swearing and stuff, but dig a little deeper and you realize that Eminem has saved so many people (and himself) through his music. I've gained even more respect for Eminem through your channel and love watching you do the same. Writing this I was also thinking about Linkin Park which I was watching some videos of earlier and reading the comments. Chester Bennington, sadly didn't manage to save himself, but he saved so many people through his music as well. Maybe you should check them out. Last thing. Skylar Grey (Holly Brook) is amazing. She is perfect in every song she does with Eminem and she has a lot of songs herself as well. She's also collaborated with Mike Shinoda and Fort Minor. Mike Shinoda is a huge part of Linkin Park. Well. This comment escalated quickly. :D

Straight outta Compton leads right up to Em & Dre. I think you’d really appreciate that movie. You’ll see some of those friends that didn’t do right by Dre. Eric Wright was Eazy-E. They had a huge, public falling out. It’s all in Straight outta Compton. Which also links to the Super Bowl show and Dre having Compton in the palm of his hand. Em almost lost Dre to an aneurysm recently. I think that probably influenced the halftime show a whole lot. I mean they ended on Still Dre. Check out Em’s “forgot about Dre” for more connections to go down the rabbit hole about

The Em-brant I love it!

I'm definitely reminded of "give a man a fish.. lead a man to water", when you notice doubles on your own, it's not only more satisfying but makes you connect with the music even more

I've ALWAYS LOVE EM !! But U Larry have made me fall in love all over again just watching u fall in luv with this amazing artist I see a whole other side of watching u ..thx Larry for giving me another gift!!

A little late to the party here, but this video came up after I watched a short interview clip with Dre and Em talking about this song. Eminem wrote the idea behind the song and even admitted that his whole career has been to try and get a reaction out of Dre, the idea behind the song was to spark a reaction out of Dre and pay homage to his creativity. Dre is a perfectionist and will happily take literal years to release anything, almost as if he's doubting his ability, so Em used the song to push him to finish his album (which Dre said it worked and was soon back in the studio). Em also said that the car crash is just a metaphor as it felt like Dre was in a coma and he and hiphop fans just wanted Dre to "wake up".

Glad u finally heard dre! He is amazing in his own right and is 1 of the most respected stars in all of hip hop history. His voice is incredible and unique

I’ve always said, true friends are hard to find and such a rarity. A lot people who call themselves your friends drift in and out of you life. True friends stick with you no matter what. Eminem and Dre is an excellent example of true friendship backing up each other up no matter what. Once again a wonderful reaction and excellent insight into what the song is saying. 👍

I cannot even tell you how much I love this song. Em poured his heart out on this yet again and delivered AGAIN. So much to pull strenght from. I was looking for this one last album from Dre but apparently they never released it. I read that it was because Dre thought, he won't make enough money with it, cause his Beats, Beats by Dre, were selling so well at that time, probably still do.

I love the biblical connection you made. Truly amazing relationship between friends, if you watch Defiant Ones from HBO, then you will hear from Dre's mouth, how hard and easy it was taking Em on

In this video you're seeing him have a lot of flashbacks to Eazy-E and 2Pac - 2pac you obviously know tragically died in a shooting who was close to Dre, but Eazy-E was in Dre's early life, his first projects of rap were with a group called NWA, which consisted of Ice Cube, Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and a few others. They had a few projects together and were the first real breakthrough of rap, they were HUGE. and it was all talking about the REAL stuff that happens in Compton, and it was to show people the lifestyle, what they're going through, struggling with. You will hear NWA referenced a lot in rap and Hip-Hop, they're considered legendary. They faced protests, racism, and had some of their shows end in cops arresting them. If you're looking for a really good movie, like 8-Mile I would seriously suggest watching "Straight Outta Compton" it explains all this is a great way and is a really good watch. anyway, they went through it as a group. Dre and Eazy-E had some differences and went back and forth with some diss records, before he was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1995, he was listed in critical condition and died not long after. Dre and Eazy were really close, his real name being Eric Wright, the name you see on the grave at the end. Dre has lost a lot of people. --P.s, love your reactions If you're interested in dipping your toes in some Shady, I would recommend [Eminem - The Way I Am] kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o551ZqeZks3KmIE.html

This is such a dope track right from Eminem’s heart from what I was reading Skylar Grey was crying after Eminem wrote his verses she said I couldn’t stop crying because of how much Eminem loves and appreciates what Dr Dre has done for him.

Dude, the fact that you truly listen to the Words is impressive. You have my respect simply for the fact that you value what he is saying and most people miss lol

“Guilty Conscience” would be a good choice for delving into the Slim Shady persona. Dr. Dre plays the good side, contrasting the terrible advice Slim gives on the bad side. You’d like the life lessons aspect of it, for sure.

You can see that’s a true feeling when he shows the goseboomps 😂

Yes!!!! I've been waiting for you to do this dude.

You reacted to my favorite one first, but he was on so many songs with Dre their friendship is what everyone hopes they have in their life 💯

The pleading almost desperate tone in Eminem's voice in this track goes in deep inside my soul everytime i hear this track.

Loved the reaction as usual, my dude. Thanks for yet again bringing the joy back to me while I listened to this track for the 100th time. Your genuine excitement for hip hop is palpable. It reignites my enthusiasm just watching you watch Em. Keep grinding my dude. I'm here for it.

Love watching you convert into a Stan! Interesting view point regarding suffering. Thank you!

I’ve been a quiet follower and I just love seeing how we’ve slowly turned you into a Stan. I’m here for it. 💙

Idk if it’s just Bc I’m drunk but this song means so much more than just Eminem’s and Dre’s redemption story’s thought hard work and sticking your neck out for your best friends through tuff times and times of need

One of my favourite verses by Eminem, you can feel the emotion and desperation in his voice as he raps. Great reaction again, loving this journey you're on so much!

Thanks to all who commented ..really helped me understand the history and context of this song. I'm a 2 year Stan 54 yo delving into all this great music! Say What You Say is my favorite Em and Dre track. Love this journey with ya Larry ❤

I've just discovered this channel, I've been a fan of Eminem for 25 years and watching someone discover him for he first time is so awesome! I'm loving it, can't wait to see your reaction to Rap God and Godzilla 🤣

The period of enlightenment is so beautiful..

I first found your channel through your Pentatonix and Home Free reactions, but your Eminem reactions have me hooked! 😂 Keep ‘em coming! While I definitely do suggest diving into the Slim Shady material, I recommend going into it with a specific mindset and with the right timing. Most of Em’s material that you’ve covered so far has been the “Marshall laying his soul bare” fair with a few sprinkles of the “Rap God” technician fair thrown in, and I feel like your personality will more often be drawn to that lane of Eminem’s discography. Save the Slim Shady stuff for those days where you’re in one of those “I can’t even…” kinda moods - where you’re just feeling cynical or frustrated, and/or need some dark/inappropriate humor in your life. The quintessential Slim Shady tracks are “My Name Is,” “The Real Slim Shady,” “Forgot About Dre,” and “Without Me.” And also, remember that the Slim Shady days represent a time where Em was still essentially an immature kid, and a time where he dealt with his struggles in unhealthy ways. Contextually, it’s really remarkable to see how immensely he has grown as a human, artist, and technician. On a kind of related note, I’ve discussed my recent free fall down the Eminem rabbit hole with my mom. I was in high school when Eminem first blasted onto the scene with the Slim Shady stuff. I always just assumed that she only barely tolerated me listening to Eminem on the radio, or watching his videos on MTV, because she’s a fairly conservative Southern Baptist, and has historically had a general distaste for most rap/hip-hop. She actually just admitted that she always kinda secretly liked Eminem. 🤣

Seeing you get so pumped up at parts was a pleasure. LOL

if you liked Dres part in this I recommend listening to "Forgot about Dre"

Yes he was in a very serious car accident himself, and his son died to, so he buried himself inside for a long time before EM came and dragged him back from the Abyss! Your good ;) D from Norway

I was anticipating my lunch just to watch this today. “Future” in 8 mile, was playing proof. I’d love for a 3hr long 8 mile that showed him going through Wendy day, rap Olympics, then meeting Dre.

Every reaction video from you is a Highlight for me. Amazing work!

The emotions and lyrics run deep with this track! This track was so motivational in the first few steps I took when it came to my sobriety. (6 years next month) Also, a little vocal from Skylar Grey is always a welcomed edition to any track she blesses with her voice. A fantastic reaction as always! Thanks for these videos! Keep up the amazing work 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

Eric wright was one of the most influential rappers in the 90s he is considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. He was also a record label owner, NWA, some off the music that came out of the NWA was earth shattering. Ice-cube, DRE, Easy-E (Eric Wright) were part of NWA

Dr. Dre's backstory is a whole 'nother can of worms, there's so much to unpack there.

Eric Wright was a rapper named Eazy-E... Him and Dre were friends and groupmates in NWA. He passed from AIDs and at the time him and Dre where in a rap beef. Diss tracks and all.

As a first time viewer, 20 year Eminem fan and bereaved mother, I really enjoyed this video. I love your enthusiasm for Em and the very gently sign of empathy that you showed to all us bereaved parents. Thank you for being kind. 💜

Eric wright is Easy E. One of the members of NWA. pretty much the father of gangster rap. Him and Dre grew up in Compton and both were in NWA. They both had a falling out, and Easy ended up making amends towards the end of his life. He lost his life to HIV. Dre was going through a lot of personal things in his life at this time. He did lose a son. He felt he didn’t have a voice in the hip hop game anymore. One of the few people that were there for him pushing him to get back out there was Marshal. He started working on a new album. It was never released because Dre felt it didn’t meet his standards. He ended up releasing the Compton album that he created when they were shooting the Straight Outta Compton movie. (Check it out). When Dre found Em. The hip hop scene was drastically different then it is today. White people weren’t accepted into it. There were the outliers like vanilla ice, or the beastie boys, but they weren’t taken seriously by the culture. Dre took the risk because he believed in Ems talents. The very first day they met within minutes they ended up recording My Name is. It was an instant connection, and one that would change the culture entirely. Dr Dre is a savant when it comes to unlocking peoples potential. Once you understand Dre’s importance in the culture you will understand that without Dre. We wouldn’t have the hip hop music of today. We wouldn’t have Eminem. We wouldn’t have Ice Cube. We wouldn’t have Snoop Dogg. We wouldn’t have Tupac. NWA changed the hip hop scene and Dre produced the beginning stages of it. This song represents the importance of Dre. Not only for Eminem, but the whole culture. That’s why there’s all the flashbacks of his early career. Thanks for the reaction. I’ve been look forward to this song for a minute! It is one my favorite Em/Dre collabs. If you want any more of them. Seriously just search Em and Dre, and pick. You really can’t go wrong. If you want a modern song with the feel of the early 2000’s west coast hip hop vibe. Listen to Gospel by Dre and Eminem. It features the D.O.C. He was a member of NWA, but lost his voice due to a car accident.

That first twitch of dre's fingers always gives me chills no matter how many times ive watch the video i dont dont know any other artist to tell another how much they mean to them than em and dre in this track the next 1 is joyner lucas with Will which you should listen to

Your Em reactions are the highlight of my day!

This is the absolute best song of real, honest friendship. It's such an incredible song.

First of all... You are becoming my favorite reaction channel to watch for Eminem videos 👍.... Just wanted to let you know that in the movie 8 Mile , his best friend was representing his real best friend growing up , Proof !!! Proof was in his group D12 , and is pretty much the reason Em was able to get into the rap scene the way he did.....Em loves that man so much..... Proof was murdered years ago .... Anyway, keep it up bud and I will keep watching !!!!

Loved your reaction (as always), I'd not heard this song in ages. Keep the reactions coming!

The first song Eminem and Dre recorded is “My name is” on the same day they met. Dre heard him and immediately wanted to sign him and the rest is history.

Good stuff Maynard! Grams always use to say that. R.I.P grams. Keep em comin Chris! We love and support ya!

Eric ''Eazy E'' Wright was the one who started Ruthless Records and was a huge part of N.W.A Dre's first gangster rap group! he died from Aids in 95. his son passed away from a drug overdose years later

I recommend listening to Forgot about Dre too, great reaction as always!

Yesss, been waiting patiently ❤️

I love your energy larry and I wish you much success on your channel!

I never noticed the “goodnight daddy” until you pointed it out.

🙏🏻💝 Thank you for this one. The person in 8 mile who is always there and try to help him out is an actor who shows Proof role. Dre came later on in his life and i can see in the other comments that you already have been filled in on that wonderfull story. Have a wonderfull day and i am looking forward to your next reaction. We really still need Beautifull Pain with EM and Sia. and love the way you lie with Rihanna. This song was first written by skylar grey and inspired Em to make love the way you lie

Hello from Brasil , watching you before sleep just turned into a habit, very happy to see that u kept with shady’s stuff.

Dre & Em - Em & 50 those are real friendships. 💯

Something else to listen for on your Eminem journey. Ems ability to go into a hook/chorus is often so seamless. I don’t know of another artist who can link it together like he can. Another great reaction. Not only do you appear to be becoming a Stan, but a hip hop head, too. Thanks.

The thing with Em and Dre is they truly love each other! It’s a beautiful thing!

Love this guy man!! Has the same passion about hip hop I do especially ANY song involving em much love man keep ‘em coming!🔥❤️

Thoroughly enjoyed this reaction. Thanks for giving it to us.

Found the chanel today and I ain't ever go away from it. This is good content! Keep it up

Eminem so deeeep in this one 🤯 his love to dre 😍❤️

I love watching your Eminem reactions because of how raw your reactions are.

Love this song! and always love your reactions!!

Please keep going with this stuff, it makes my generation feel less alone. Thank you

I’d recommend watching the movie Straight Out Of Compton. While it is slightly exaggerated due to it being co-produced by Dr Dre, it’s a great movie about the hip hop group NWA who Dre was a part of and grew to fame with and should give you an idea of Dre’s history before he signed Eminem

Per usual, you killed it

The grave was of easy E one of the members of NWA. Your reaction to this one was amazing you made me chuckle quite a bit. Keep it up Chris loving it buddy cheers 🍻

Been on holiday, came back yestedsay and just catching up on your em videos! I'm here for them!!!! Your YEEEAAAAH and face expressions, I can't 🤣🤣🤣🤣 love it! Love this! Great reaction!!! NOT AFRAID soooooon please!!!! Xx

Another great reaction Chris! Not sure if anybody has mentioned it here (I did a quick scroll) but the hook is being sung by Skylar Grey, the same singer as on 'Leaving Heaven'. What a voice! That isn't her in the video though 😁

love this trip with you and eminem

I don't really listen to a ton of music, so I usually just stick to songs I've heard before and I know I'll enjoy. I have a lot of songs I enjoy from Em, but I've never really listened to any of Dre's music, and had no clue a song like this existed. It's a really powerful song, and does an amazing job at showing the dynamic between Em and Dre and how much respect and gratitude Em has for Dre. I likely would have never discovered this song if not for your amazing reactions, I've really enjoyed watching your videos and am finding new songs to enjoy along with you, so thank you!

Best reaction to this song by far! Great reaction!

February 18th is Dr. Dre’s birthday but in 2001 is when Dr. Dre was in the hospital on life support after crashin his Ferrari...non-related it’s also the date that dale earnhardt crashed and died at the Daytona 500! The good night daddy is Dr. Dre rememberin the last thing his daughter said to him before he crashed!

In his song you previously reviewed he mentioned him when he said " daddy met Dre & you saw daddy on the TV"

"Forgot About Dre" needs to be next 🥰

Skylar Grey’s voice is so angelical 🥺

The lady playing the nurse is the singer Skylar Grey.

You have such honest , genuine, and detailed reactions. Keep it up . You quickly took my lead as favorite

that was Easy E aka Eric Wright's tombstone. He was the lead rapper for NWA with Dre in that group.

I wish I could wipe my memory of this song so I could watch the music video for the first time again. I love this song. Makes me think about my best friend and everything we’ve gone through together, and all the stuff we’ve helped each other get through.

I was waiting for you to catch the spiderman line off the last react but it slid right past and I'm sitting there like, "NO WAY!!!" 😅 And btw, dont ever apologize for the way you react to Eminem's videos. You have such a genuine honest reaction, you're excitement and joy in Eminem, who he is as a person along with his music, is why I watch your channel

Great reaction 👏 So precious how they speak about each other 😭