It’s been a year since Eminem, Big Sean, and BabyTron teamed up for “Tobey”—a cross-generational Detroit anthem that found success across the globe.
Billed as a moment to showcase three generations of Detroit hip hop, the song was first teased by Cole Bennett, who later revealed that it originally started as a BabyTron track before Big Sean and Eminem were brought in to complete the vision.
Released on July 2, 2004, as the second single from Eminem’s 12th studio album “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)”, “Tobey” followed the fan-favourite “Houdini” and helped build momentum for the full project. It became a commercial success, charting in the top 30 in five countries. Its highest placements came on genre-specific charts: No.7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, the Official UK Hip Hop-R&B, and Australia’s equivalent chart.
On the US Billboard Hot 100, “Tobey” reached No.24 and marked a personal milestone for BabyTron: it was his first appearance on that chart.
In December 2024, the single was certified Gold in Canada. The track has since pulled in 125 million Spotify streams and over 13 million YouTube views for its visually striking music video, directed by Cole Bennett.
For Eminem, “Tobey” was a chance to tap into Detroit’s emerging scene and spotlight the next wave of talent. For Big Sean, it was another solid entry in his long-running collaboration with Slim Shady. And for BabyTron, it was a defining career moment that introduced his name to a broader global audience.
As “Tobey” hits its first anniversary, we can celebrate it as a statement about legacy, mentorship, and what Detroit hip hop can achieve when it moves in sync.
