“Won’t Back Down”, featuring Pink, is the second track to surface off of Eminem‘s forthcoming LP Recovery (via Idolator). After a couple seconds of a fuzzed out Decemberists’ “Odalisque”, Pink kicks it off with the chorus before Em spits vitriol. Then, Pink kicks it off with the chorus. Then Em spits vitriol. Then…well, you get the picture.
Much to our chagrin, the teamwork between Eminem and Pink here is minimal. However, the track does find Em back on the rock stage and is relentless from open to close. The DJ Khalil-produced hypnotic track assaults with a waltz while Em sure as shit doesn’t back down. His lyrics maintain his wit and wordplay: “Talented with the tongue motherfucker/you ain’t got a lick in yours/Hittin’ licks like I’m robbin’ liquor stores/Making cash registers shit their drawers,” and fuel the hype machine: “I’ve come to smash everything in my path/ Fork was in the road/ took the psychopath/ poison ivy wouldn’t have me thinking rash.” Vital signs normal: Em is in (un)stable condition.
Recovery is due out June 22nd via Aftermath Entertainment. Em’s also got Detriot and NYC shows with Hov and an appearance at T In The Park and the Oxygen Festival this summer.
