Cinderella Man (Eminem song)

"Cinderella Man"
Song by Eminem
from the album Recovery
ReleasedJune 18, 2010
Recorded2010
StudioEffigy Studios (Ferndale, Michigan)
Genre
Length4:39
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Script Shepherd

Cinderella Man is a song by American rapper Eminem from his seventh studio album, Recovery (2010). Produced by Script Shepherd, the song is an anthem of resilience and self‑reinvention, combining aggressive lyricism with rock‑influenced percussion—a style frequently categorized as rap rock.[1][2]

Background and composition

Recorded at Effigy Studios in Michigan, the track references boxer James J. Braddock, known as the original "Cinderella Man". Eminem uses the metaphor to represent his return from addiction and critical setbacks. The production features an aggressive beat, including percussion reminiscent of Queen's "We Will Rock You"—a hallmark of rap rock fusion.[1][2]

Genre and style

Music critics have identified "Cinderella Man" as a blend of hip-hop and rock, placing it in the rap rock genre. HipHopDX cited the use of stadium‑style rock drums as an example of Eminem's classic rock influences in his hip hop production.[1] XXL described the track as having "stadium status" with pounding, arena‑style beats.[2]

Critical reception

The song received positive reviews for its defiant tone and bold delivery. The Guardian called it "triumphant and cathartic", highlighting the track's hard‑hitting production and Eminem's energizing performance.[3]

The Washington Post noted Eminem's fierce rejection of his previous album Relapse, calling "Cinderella Man" one of the most emotionally direct moments on the record and listing it among the album's recommended tracks.[4]

XXL's "Dissects…Track by Track" feature devoted multiple entries to "Cinderella Man", with panelists praising its "stadium status" and ranking it among the album's highlights.[2]

In his review of Recovery, Sam Wolfson of NME (3½ stars) highlighted "Cinderella Man" and quoted its opening lines—"Fuck my last CD, that shit's in my trash"—as a pivotal moment of self‑assertion.[5]

Certifications

While not released as a single, "Cinderella Man" was certified double Platinum by the RIAA on March 8, 2022, signifying over two million digital downloads in the United States.[6]

Personnel

  • Marshall Mathers – vocals, songwriting
  • Luis Resto – songwriting, keyboards
  • Script Shepherd – production
  • Mike Strange – engineering, mixing

References

  1. ^ a b c "Eminem Songs That Sample Classic Rock Examined". HipHopDX (via Internet Archive). July 24, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "XXL Dissects Eminem's "Recovery," Track by Track". XXL. June 21, 2010. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
  3. ^ Petridis, Alexis (June 20, 2010). "Eminem: Recovery - review". The Guardian. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
  4. ^ Fennessey, Sean (June 22, 2010). "Eminem succumbs to a faulty Recovery". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
  5. ^ Wolfson, Sam (June 28, 2010). "Eminem - 'Recovery' review". NME. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  6. ^ "Gold & Platinum – Eminem". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
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