Released on Eminem’s 2020 critically acclaimed studio album, Music to Be Murdered By, “Yah Yah” is a high-octane celebration of hip-hop lyricism and golden-era rap reverence. Produced by Mr. Porter (Denaun), the track serves as an explosive masterclass in technical skill, bringing together an elite lineup of veteran MCs: Eminem, Royce da 5’9″, Black Thought of The Roots, and Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, with additional vocals by Denaun himself.
Rather than following a traditional narrative structure, “Yah Yah” functions as a rapid-fire cypher. The song pays homage to the architects and history of hip-hop while showcasing intricate internal rhymes, double entendres, and relentless double-time flows. Q-Tip anchors the track with an infectious, energetic chorus celebrating the authenticity of their musical era, while Royce da 5’9″, Black Thought, and Eminem deliver consecutive verses packed with dense wordplay, pop culture references, and aggressive mic presence.
The track heavily samples classic hip-hop and soul elements—including interpolations of Busta Rhymes and “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check”—blending a vintage boom-bap aesthetic with modern aggression. It stands out as a bridge between generations, uniting some of the most respected lyricists in rap history over a frantic, hard-hitting production.
You can find the full lyrics by searching for the song on Google.
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