Best Friend by Yelawolf

Album: Yelawolf (2015)

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The only guest artist to appear on Yelawolf's Love Story record is his Shady Records boss. "There's one feature on this album. That's [Eminem]," Yela told Complex. "Why am I gonna go get such-and-such? For what? Hype? I'm just trying to make a good record."
The collaboration was a natural fit. "The record Marshall is on, honest to God, as soon as I recorded it, I was like, 'Man, Marshall would sound great on this.' It really happened like that," Yelawolf said. "It wasn't some pitch or some gimmick. When people hear this song, they're gonna f---ing bug out. Trust me."
Yelawolf takes a spiritual turn on his two verses, in which he rhymes about the "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" being his "best friend."
For Eminem, the titular "best friend" is the late Detroit rapper Proof, who was fatally shot in a night club on April 11, 2006.

Who you think I'm talking bout?
Lifts me up when I'm down and out,
Still look to him without a doubt, still got a best friend

Proof was one of Eminem' closest pals and the rapper has paid tribute to his fallen friend on a number of previous tracks including Relapse's "Déjà Vu" and Recovery's "You're Never Over."
Previous team-ups between Yelawolf and Eminem include the 2011 track "Throw It Up" and the Shady XV hook ups "Twisted" and "Psychopath Killer."

Comments: 2

Serious Penguin from SwitzerlandI accept Jesus Christ as my lord & savior. This song finds me right on time. Thanks to the universe for guiding me toward it and sincere apologies for my wicked ways. Need the Holy trinity to get out of my trap for guidance and forgiveness
1x1v1 from West CoastAlthough Em pays tribute by dropping Proof in there, my interpretation is that he sticks with the God theme as Best Friend…

“Who you think I’m talking’ about who lifts me up without a doubt…”

My reasoning comes from his reference to his higher power that is woven throughout the song.

He, like me, attend AA mtgs. Both of us fight for sobriety daily. Within the context of AA— though the Higher Power is “as you understand” It. I would say +95% of AA attributes the higher power to “God.”

Additionally, in his last bars, as a continuance of his metaphoric references to God, he concludes by referencing Heaven (waiting at the gates).

What is beautiful about music is that the interpretation means different things to different people. Like art, people hear/see what is best and wanted/needed in that moment.

Both Yela and Em place a high value on sobriety, and their Higher Power.

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