A dark, emotionally raw track from “Relapse” is now enjoying unexpected momentum on TikTok. Eminem’s “Deja Vu”, originally released in 2009, is finding a new audience thanks to over 42,000 fan-made videos, and counting.
Most of these TikToks rack up massive engagement, with viewers drawn in by the song’s brutally honest portrayal of addiction and self-destruction. On Spotify, daily streams are surging. Just this Monday, “Deja Vu” crossed 159,000 plays, a notable jump for a deep cut from the deluxe edition of a 15-year-old album. The song has only 69 million total plays on the platform. However, in recent days, it has ranked among the Top 25 most-streamed Em tracks by daily plays, alongside his widely loved and recognised catalogue staples.
New Audience
It’s no fluke. According to recent Luminate reports, Eminem remains one of the most-listened-to artists among Gen Z listeners, consistently topping charts among rappers in this demographic. TikTok is simply the latest platform where that loyalty shows up.
For younger users, many of whom weren’t around when “Relapse” dropped, “Deja Vu” hits with surprising force. Its lyrical themes, addiction, mental health, and toxic relationships – feel timeless. More importantly, they feel real.
Looking Into the Void
Placed as the 16th track on “Relapse” (Deluxe), “Deja Vu” explores the crushing repetition and spiral of drug use. The song is dark, detailed, and unflinchingly personal. It’s not an anthem but a confession.
Eminem’s storytelling gets right where it hurts. With bars that walk a fine line between humour and hopelessness, he brings listeners inside the head of someone battling himself. That level of honesty resonates, especially with a generation raised on openness about mental health.
Ageing Like Fine Wine
This isn’t the first time an Eminem track has gone viral on TikTok, and it won’t be the last. But the success of “Deja Vu” shows something deeper. The cultural cachet or Dr. Dre’s catchy beat would not be enough to keep him relevant. It’s the raw, unfiltered truth that lives in his lyrics.
Even 15 years later, Eminem is still saying what others can’t, and new fans are listening.
