Eminem Takes a Chainsaw to Slim Shady in New ‘Tobey’ Video | Watch
Eminem has taken a literal approach to his artistic evolution, unleashing a visually captivating video for his latest single, “Tobey,” featuring fellow Michigan artists Big Sean and BabyTron.
In the video, directed by Cole Bennett, Big Sean and BabyTron kick things off with dynamic verses before Eminem takes over, rapping about being “bit by a goat” akin to Spider-Man’s Tobey Maguire being bitten by a spider. The video revisits a nostalgic moment from Eminem’s career, re-creating the iconic image from The Marshall Mathers LP of him posing in front of his childhood home.
The climax of the video sees Eminem symbolically sever ties with his alter ego, Slim Shady, using a chainsaw to metaphorically eliminate his past persona. The scene fades out with a chalk outline on the ground, signifying the end of Slim Shady.
Eminem had teased the “Tobey” video on social media with a snippet of the chainsaw scene. The track was officially released on July 2, serving as the second single from his 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), set to drop on July 12.
The album’s rollout has been shrouded in mystery, with clues hinting at Slim Shady’s figurative demise. Eminem kicked off the campaign with a fake obituary for Slim Shady in the Detroit Free Press, labelling the controversial character as a significant figure in Detroit’s underground rap scene of the late 1990s. The obituary noted that Shady’s tumultuous existence had come to an end, leaving behind an unresolved legacy.
To further promote his album, Eminem teased the release of his first single, “Houdini,” in an Instagram clip with magician David Blaine, where he quipped, “Well, for my last trick, I’m gonna make my career disappear.” The music video for “Houdini,” a modern remake of 2002’s “Without Me,” featured cameos from Dr. Dre, Pete Davidson, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Shane Gillis, culminating in Eminem declaring, “Shady must be stopped!”
Eminem’s creative journey through “The Death of Slim Shady” album reflects a deeper exploration of his identity and career, marking a new chapter for the iconic rapper.
Watch the video below.
