"Tobey" is a song by American rapper Eminem, featuring fellow Detroit-based rappers Big Sean and BabyTron. It was released on July 2, 2024, as the second single from Eminem's twelfth studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), which was released on July 12, 2024. The song was released under Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records.
Background and Release
The song was first announced by Eminem via a short video on social media, in which he wore a hockey mask (a nod to his Slim Shady alter ego) and held a chainsaw. "Tobey" is Eminem's fourth collaboration with Big Sean (following "No Favors," "Detroit Vs. Everybody," and "Friday Night Cypher") and his first collaboration with BabyTron. The song was originally planned as a bonus track for the compilation project All Is Yellow by Lyrical Lemonade founder Cole Bennett, but was ultimately placed on Eminem's album.
Production
"Tobey" was co-produced by Eminem, Cole Bennett, Marvy Ayy, John Nocito, Daniyel, and Carlton McDowell.
Title and Lyrics
The title is a reference to actor Tobey Maguire, who portrayed Spider-Man / Peter Parker in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007) and later in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). The lyrics contain multiple references to the Spider-Man films. BabyTron's chorus reworks the Spider-Man origin story, rapping: "Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat" — suggesting that his lyrical ability comes from being "bitten" by the "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time). Eminem's closing verse mirrors this line, framing himself as the "goat" who has mentored Big Sean and BabyTron, analogous to Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker mentoring younger Spider-Men in No Way Home.
Music Video
The music video was directed by Cole Bennett and was released on July 5, 2024. It features Eminem, Big Sean, and BabyTron digitally duplicated and interacting with their doubles across various settings including a warehouse, hotel room, and club. A notable scene depicts Eminem wielding a chainsaw and killing his Slim Shady alter ego. The single artwork playfully references the viral meme of three Spider-Men pointing at each other, with cartoon versions of the three artists recreating the pose.
Chart Performance
"Tobey" charted at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 29 on the UK Singles Chart.
Personnel
- Eminem – vocals, production
- Big Sean – vocals
- BabyTron – vocals
- Cole Bennett – production
- Marvy Ayy – production
- John Nocito – production
- Daniyel – production
- Carlton McDowell – production
