Obie Trice III was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan by his mother, along with three brothers. He is of African American and German descent. Trice was given a karaoke machine by his mother when he was eleven and he used it to rhyme over instrumentals from artists such as N.W.A. By the age of fourteen, he was attending rap battle spots around Detroit, notably including the Hip Hop Shop.
Obie Trice went by the name of Obie 1 during this time, but when he first met Proof, who was about to introduce him at the Hip Hop Shop, Proof asked him, "What's your name? Your real name, no gimmicks." He was then introduced as Obie Trice, and has kept his real name as his rap name. Trice was introduced to Eminem through D12 member Bizarre. Hot Rapper: Obie Trice. Rolling Stone. Accessed January 22, 2008. Later, Trice received a call from his manager informing him that he would be having dinner with Eminem, and later that night they went to a Kid Rock party.
Before first major release, early years on Shady Records
As an acquaintance of D12 member Bizarre, Obie was signed after a personal introduction to Eminem allowed him to impress the Detroit rap legend in-person. The general public were first introduced to Obie on D12's Devil's Night album on a skit. His one-line opener ("Obie Trice: Real name, no gimmicks" - taken from his song "Rap Name" and referring to the lack of a rap pseudonym) on Eminem's lead single; "Without Me", off the critically-acclaimed and commercially successful The Eminem Show increased public awareness of his name and slogan. Obie also appeared in the video for the song, body-slamming a dummy representing Moby. Appearances on DJ Green Lantern's official Shady Records Invasion mixtape series, allowed him to further his public recognition.
In 2002, Trice appeared in 8 Mile as one of the rappers in the Chin Tiki parking lot scene. Trice also has a featured appearance as Big Pimpin' in the Detroit made independent feature film Life Goes On, which will premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival in May 2006.
A short while before the first Invasion mixtape was released, he became involved in the Eminem-Benzino beef after being called out by Benzino with the line "Obie Trice/You's a buster" in a diss-track directed at Eminem and Shady Records. In response to Benzino, Obie released the track "Welcome to Detroit City" (a track over the beat from Cam'ron's song "Welcome to New York City") on the first Invasion mixtape. He also joined his label-mates in the highly publicised Ja Rule-50 Cent beef but never received a direct response from Ja Rule.
Cheers
His debut album Cheers was released on September 23, 2003 with its first single "Got Some Teeth" being well received on radio in a number of countries. He also released the songs "Don't Come Down" and "The Set Up". The album consists of 17 tracks with production from Eminem, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Mike Elizondo, Emile, Fredwreck and Denaun Porter. Artists featuring on Cheers include Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg and D12 among others. The album was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA.
Second Rounds On Me
As of 2005 he has begun work on his second album, entitled 2nd Rounds On Me, which was expected later that year. Never making the 2005 calendar mark, Obie set sights on releasing it in 2006. Although the album will be released by Shady Records, it will feature a lineup primarily comprised of local Detroit rappers with decreased presence from Eminem and other Shady/Aftermath artists.
Shooting
On December 31, 2005, Trice was shot twice while driving on the Lodge Expressway by Wyoming Avenue in Detroit. One of the bullets entered his skull. Trice was able to drive off the expressway, where his girlfriend waved down police. He was taken to Providence Hospital and released later that day. Doctors are still contemplating whether or not to remove the bullet which entered his head, as it may be too dangerous to operate.
Leaving Shady Records, current situation
Obie Trice left Shady Records on June 26, 2008, because of a dispute because Interscope claimed they would not fund another Obie Trice CD. This news was first put into circulation by Hip-Hop blog Urban Lookout; a few days after they broke the news, a track (Giants) leaked confirming the rumor. Even though Obie has left Shady Records, Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg says that Eminem and Obie are still close friends, and that Eminem will still work with Obie Trice on future projects.
Discography:
Cheers (2003) - Platinum
2nd Rounds On Me (2006) Released:August 15, 2006
Featured/Other songs:
"Doe Ray Me": D12 and Obie Trice
"Love Me": Eminem, 50 Cent and Obie Trice
"Drips": Eminem and Obie Trice
"Spend Some Time": Eminem, 50 Cent, Stat Quo and Obie Trice
"Adrenaline Rush": Obie Trice
"Fok de Macht": The Opposites and Obie Trice
"Loyalty": D12 and Obie Trice
"Doctor Doctor": Bizarre and Obie Trice
"72nd & Central": Proof, J-Hill and Obie Trice
"Stay Bout It": Obie Trice and Stat Quo
"Growing Up in the Hood": The Game and Obie Trice
"Hennessey": 2Pac and Obie Trice
"Drama Setter": Tony Yayo, Eminem, and Obie Trice
"It Has Been Said": Eminem, Diddy and Obie Trice
"War": Trick Trick and Obie Trice
"Hustler": 50 Cent and Obie Trice
"Get That Money": 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and Lloyd Banks
"Get That Money (remix)": 50 Cent, Obie Trice, Lloyd Banks, and Krondon
Emulate
Obie Trice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the compilation "Anger Management 3"
Obie trice:
Obie the person that came up intreverted
cause of nervousness that was solely the only verdict
it was worth it cause he changed became so observant
if you knew him earlier in his days its like a different version
so much hurtin' and pain gave him game for certain
thats why theres curtains in this murder if you gettin' worked up
i'm so assertive on these motherf**kers actin' tougher
I had enough of isolating myself in a room
writing poems and songs, doin' the same in school
now look what he became, a fool?
cause he learned how to sustain his tool and obtain fame from you
Living hard but still Juliard a god walks in but aint spend a day in the pew
Regardless of this i draw visual pictures when a nigga vents
so welcome to the art department
Eminem:
I stimulate the brain, mimic, emulate a saint
Cinic keep em' thinkin its a f**kin gimic when it ain't
Clinically insane, brain is on venus f**k uranus
label me a genius if you ever seen us you would say
He may seem as though he's plain normal
if you ever meet him, greet him with a shake, see
he ain't as mean as what they say
See the thing is maybe he can't always think of things to say
so he's vaugue, so they mistake him for bein' crazed
you part ways, your impression of him changed
you don't think he's strange, you turn around and tell him "peace and thanks"
then you catch him flippin you off, with his pants down
hands around his scrotum, tuckin his f**kin penis between his legs
The song "Emulate" by Obie Trice featuring Eminem is an introspective exploration of the artists' personal journeys and their ascent to hip-hop stardom. Obie Trice begins with a reflection on his introverted nature in his earlier days, which came from a sense of nervousness. But he later overcame this obstacle and turned his pain into purpose, becoming an assertive rapper, who takes no nonsense from anyone. He implores his listeners to look beyond his past and observe the current version of himself - a man who is in control of his destiny and has learned to sustain his tool and obtain fame. Obie draws vivid pictures with his words, welcoming the listener to his artistic world.
Eminem's verse completes the reflection on being misunderstood and underestimated. He refers to himself as clinically insane and juxtaposes his genius with his eccentric behavior, which causes people to think he is crazy. However, he insists that he is just misunderstood, and his inability to think of things to say sometimes causes him to be vague. The listener is reminded that first impressions can be deceiving and that a person's perception can change once they get to know them. Eminem ends the verse with a graphic and shocking image, perhaps warning people not to judge others based on physical appearances.
Overall, "Emulate" is a powerful song that delves into the complexities of the human mind and how people's perceptions can be misguided.
Line by Line Meaning
Obie the person that came up intreverted
Obie Trice was naturally shy and quiet.
cause of nervousness that was solely the only verdict
Obie was diagnosed as being introverted due to anxiety.
It was worth it cause he changed became so observant
Despite his introverted nature, Obie became more aware of his surroundings and learned a lot from his experiences.
serving such of a purpose
This newfound awareness allowed him to discover his purpose in life.
if you knew him earlier in his days its like a different version
Obie has undergone a significant transformation from his earlier days when he was much more introverted and unsure of himself.
so much hurtin' and pain gave him game for certain
Obie has experienced a lot of hardships in his life which have given him a lot of knowledge and life skills that he can now share with others.
thats why theres curtains in this murder if you gettin' worked up
Obie is so confident in his abilities that he considers it a 'murder' of any competition that tries to challenge him.
i'm so assertive on these motherf**kers actin' tougher
Obie is confident and aggressive when faced with people who try to act tough or intimidate him.
I had enough of isolating myself in a room
Obie has grown out of his introverted tendencies and no longer spends all of his time alone in his room.
writing poems and songs, doin' the same in school
In his earlier days, Obie spent a lot of time writing lyrics and poetry which he now incorporates into his music.
now look what he became, a fool?
Looking back on his earlier days, Obie realizes that he was somewhat foolish to isolate himself and not pursue his dreams sooner.
cause he learned how to sustain his tool and obtain fame from you
By developing his talents and working hard, Obie was able to achieve success and fame in the music industry.
Living hard but still Juliard a god walks in but aint spend a day in the pew
Despite having a difficult and tumultuous life, Obie has managed to become successful and respected in his field (referencing the prestigious Juliard School of Music).
Regardless of this i draw visual pictures when a nigga vents
Obie is skilled at expressing emotions and experiences through his music and can 'paint a picture' with his lyrics.
so welcome to the art department
Obie's music is his art and he invites listeners to experience it with him.
I stimulate the brain, mimic, emulate a saint
Eminem is skilled at engaging his listeners and provoking thought, while also being able to imitate or mimic various characters and personalities.
Cinic keep em' thinkin its a f**kin gimic when it ain't
Eminem is often criticized for his lyrical content but he insists that he is genuine and not simply using shock value as a gimmick.
Clinically insane, brain is on venus f**k uranus
Eminem considers himself a bit crazy and often unpredictable, with his head 'in the clouds' so to speak.
label me a genius if you ever seen us you would say
Despite some of his questionable behavior, Eminem believes that his talents and skills are comparable to those of a genius.
He may seem as though he's plain normal
Eminem may come across as a regular person at first glance.
if you ever meet him, greet him with a shake, see
Eminem suggests that people should treat him like any other person when they meet him.
he ain't as mean as what they say
Despite his reputation for being aggressive and confrontational, Eminem insists that he is not a mean person.
See the thing is maybe he can't always think of things to say
Eminem sometimes struggles with coming up with things to say, especially in social situations.
so he's vaugue, so they mistake him for bein' crazed
When Eminem is unsure of what to say or how to act, people often interpret his behavior as being crazy or irrational.
you part ways, your impression of him changed
After spending time with Eminem, people often have a changed opinion of him.
you don't think he's strange, you turn around and tell him 'peace and thanks'
After getting to know him, people often no longer find Eminem to be strange or unusual and may even express appreciation for his company.
then you catch him flippin you off, with his pants down, hands around his scrotum, tuckin his f**kin penis between his legs
Just as people begin to form a different opinion of Eminem, he may revert back to his provocative, shocking behavior, as a sort of 'prank' or test to see how people react.
Contributed by Isaac S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
LateNiteVibez N’Ridez
G…these have to be some of Ems greatest verses. The way he effortlessly flows syllables & puts word together like that is insane. My mans rhyming the whole verse essentially. Shits so beautiful to listen too. This is why 28 years shady has & always will be my favorite emcee 🔥🔥🔥
Lee Stevens
This is honestly an incredidble track. I forgot about it for a long time then I just seen it in a suggested video, and remembered how sick it is.
Thunderchole
This song was way too good not to be on Eminem or Obie's album
Jere Järvinen #1
Heh they got better songs together dont say that
pacrox2
This is one of the best songs eminem has put put in the last 10 years. He should be doing this more often
Azhar
I stimulate the brain, mimic, emulate the sane, cynics keep on thinking it's a fucking gimmick when it ain't.
999adam999
One of his best right there!
someone on YouTube
Damn… it’s been a long time since i heard this. Eminem & Obie were so crazy together 🔥🔥🔥
MOCT1k
Eminem is still #1 and will be #1 forever!!
Luis Cortez
2022