The British Phonographic Industry awarded Eminem’s song a Silver certificate for 200,000 units moved in the country.
This is the first UK certification for a song from The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace), following “Houdini” receiving BRIT Platinum status in September 2024.
Overall, it is the third certificate for “Somebody Save Me,” after two Golds, awarded in Canada and New Zealand.
Two-prong assault
“Somebody Save Me” first hit the listeners on Eminem’s latest album, The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grace), in July 2024. It became a single a week later, and in September, it got visuals.
Thematically, it follows the “Mockingbird” narrative that many younger listeners recently learned to appreciate. It is a story of Eminem’s love for his children, a bitter regret at not being able to be by their side when they needed him. It is already enough to strike a chord for many. However, Em reinforced the message by sampling Jelly Roll’s vibrating vocals for the hook. It’s Jelly’s line that gave a title to the whole track. By design, this line shows a heartbreaking helplessness in the face of the whirlpool of self-destruction. And it is not a coincidence that these words do not belong to Marshall.
Having walked the path of recovery, Eminem knows well that nobody can save a person in this situation. Of course, any support and understanding. And a shoulder to lean on is important. However, one needs to find the inner strength to break a cycle. Marshall has found this strength, mostly thanks to his children. This is why this theme keeps coming back in his music and keeps inspiring new generations of listeners.
A priceless gift
For Jelly Roll, this song was a dream come true. For years, he’d been talking about Eminem’s influence, about similar undertones in their music, about the deep respect he felt for Eminem. Undoubtedly, to hear his voice on Em’s album was an incredible experience. If Jelly Roll was disappointed that it was a sample and not him sharing a studio with Marshall, he has never said that. To be honest, nobody shares a studio with Eminem now; they just send him stems.
Just like he did. “When they initially called, they just said, ‘Send it’, with no context”, explained Jelly Roll in an interview. “And for Eminem, I don’t need any context. You tell me he wants me, I send the stems, send the vocals we didn’t use if he wants to go recop, send him everything”.
Still, the younger artist had a chance to spend time with Eminem – during the music video shooting and then on stage, when Eminem showed up for his set in Detroit, and they performed “Lose Yourself” together. These moments Jelly Roll will never forget.
