“Role Model”, one of the sharpest cuts from Eminem’s 1999 major-label debut “The Slim Shady LP”, has officially been certified 1x Platinum in New Zealand by Recorded Music NZ.
Released as a single on May 26, 1999, the track came with a heavily censored video to meet broadcast standards. Yet it still became a minor hit in the US (No. 11 on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles) and a fan favourite worldwide. Written by Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Mel-Man, “Role Model” stood out for its biting lyrics and Dre’s meticulous production. Critics praised the track as one of the best examples of Em taking aim at how society perceives him, while delivering it with his trademark wit and irony.
After its initial release, “Role Model” did not disappear from the radar. It was included on the deluxe edition of “Curtain Call: The Hits” and, more recently, re-emerged in pop culture when Lyrical Lemonade sampled it on 2023’s “Doomsday”, with Eminem later jumping on the sequel for “All Is Yellow” (2024).
Yes, this track is still relevant, still in rotation, and still inspires new artists.
