Yelawolf and Eminem have released their collaboration "Best Friend" from the "Till It's Gone" rapper's upcoming sophomore album Love Story. The track takes on a spiritual theme as Yela raps about his "Best Friend," talking about God and referencing all the struggles he has been through in his life that have put him on the path toward hell. Yelawolf -- real name Michael Wayne Atha -- handles the hook and adds a verse of his own, while Eminem snaps and goes in for more than 16 bars.
Em shows once again why he is one of the best lyricists in hip-hop with his long verse, showing off his flow, speed and word play throughout his feature.
God, please would you arm me with the armor?
They call me when there's drama like Gandhi
Could have gone the other way many times
Could have turned Dalai with the lama
But I squash my beefs when things seem to be looking decent
Recently, but don't jinx it
It's like Clint Eastwood looking for peace
Though maybe not for the inner
The feature is the only one from Yela's 18-track album, a feat that is rare in today's hip-hop, which seems to rely heavily on star power features to bring new fans to a song or album and attach a level of status to it. As the only feature on the album, Mathers makes the most of it nearly taking over the track and keeping with the theme of spirituality and redemption.
Atha spoke to Complex about why he decided to only have one feature on the album and how it was naturally Eminem.
"Why am I gonna go get such-and-such? For what? Hype? I'm just trying to make a good record," he said.
The collaboration with the Shady Records don was the natural fit after hearing the track.
"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**king bug out. Trust me."
Love Story will be released April 21 via Interscope Records. Pre-order the album on iTunes here.
