In a rare moment of reflection, Eminem opened up about the enduring success of his iconic track “Lose Yourself,” which recently surpassed 2.5 billion streams on Spotify. The rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, expressed both gratitude and amazement at the milestone, acknowledging how the song’s message continues to resonate more than two decades after its release.

Originally written for the 2002 film 8 Mile, “Lose Yourself” captured the struggles and determination of the movie’s protagonist, a character loosely based on Eminem’s own rise from Detroit’s battle rap scene. The song quickly became a cultural touchstone, earning Eminem an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003 and solidifying its place as one of the most acclaimed hip-hop tracks of all time.

Now, in 2025, “Lose Yourself” has reached an entirely new generation of listeners. Whether discovered through playlists, social media trends, or its perennial presence at motivational events and sports arenas, the song’s appeal has only grown. Eminem, speaking during a recent charity performance, reflected on the track’s creation and legacy. “It’s crazy to think that a song I wrote so long ago still means so much to people. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined,” he said. “I’m incredibly humbled that so many people have connected with it.”

Eminem’s comments came during a special event where he performed alongside long-time collaborator Dallas Green. As the night drew to a close, he shared with fans how the track nearly didn’t make it into 8 Mile. “I wrote it in between takes on set, and at the time, I didn’t know if it would work. But sometimes those raw, spur-of-the-moment creations are the ones that stick,” he explained. That spontaneous creation has since become a global anthem of perseverance, inspiring millions to “seize the moment” and embrace life’s challenges.

The streaming milestone not only underscores the timelessness of “Lose Yourself” but also highlights the staying power of Eminem’s artistry. While he has remained relatively private in recent years, this achievement has brought his name back into the spotlight, reminding fans and newcomers alike of the profound impact his music continues to have on the world.