Visuals for the single celebrating the best Shady Records artists have become Eminem’s 16th music video to cross 500 million views on YouTube. This work is not discussed often enough, and yet it has something unique – a consistent hold on the public.
Too Good To Hide
In 2006, Shay Records released a compilation titled Eminem Presents: The Re-Up, with the main goal of introducing Shady Records artists and affiliated names to a wider public and boosting their popularity. D12, Obie Trice, 50 Cent, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater, and Cashis were on the main roster. At the same time, such recognisable voices as Lloyd Banks, Akon, and Nate Dogg came to assist.
The project started as a mixtape. However, Eminem was so impressed with the result that he decided to clear the beats and release the record officially. Later, introducing the album, he explained for Music Today: “The material was so good, and the tracks were getting produced like a regular album. Instead of putting it out there rough and unfinished, I thought we should add some other new tracks, make it a real album, and put it in the record stores to give these new artists a real boost”.
And so he did. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard charts and was certified platinum.
Statement of Unity
“You Don’t Know” served as a lead single for the compilation. The track brought together 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Cashis. Of course, the lead single also featured Eminem, who acted not only as a rapper but also as a writer and producer. The song was so good that even the usually hostile critics could not deny its appeal. It was a perfect posse cut – dark and moody, and at the same time full of pulsing, aggressive energy, held together by a tightly coiled hook. An earworm that found its way to the radio and the dance floor.
Cinematic Energy
Naturally, the story baked into the song lent itself to impactful visuals. The music video referenced such cinematic hits as The Silence of the Lambs and Con Air and featured lead artists playing high-risk prisoners. Side by side with them – Dr. Dre, D12, The Alchemist, and more names affiliated with Shady, in the true spirit of the compilation the visuals were promoting.
The video, as the whole project, was a statement of unity and the power that could not be held back. No doubt, this statement found its audience. The video reached No.1 on MTV’s Total Request Live and performed much better than the single itself, which peaked at No.12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Relentless Pull
Today, “You Don’t Know” seems to have fallen out of casual conversation. You would rarely see a discussion about it or find it on some preferences list. However, the numbers show that the audience did not write it off. While the popularity of other videos spikes and fades, this one stays steady. On average, since the beginning of this decade, the “You Don’t Know” music video consistently pulls 25 million views a year. It has more views than, for instance, “Space Bound”, “Just Lose It”, or “My Name Is”.
“You Don’t Know” is a perfect example of how real music does not need to be surrounded by noise to be heard. The message of unity and power it sends is still in high demand, and it finds its audience, year after year.
