In some ways, the song is classic Shady. The release of “Guts Over Fear,” designed to promote the upcoming Shady Records compilation release “Shady XV” this fall, mirrors a similar strategy previously used for Em tracks “When I’m Gone” and “No Apologies.” Both songs were Eminem-specific cuts released as part of a non-solo album project. (“When I’m Gone” being an original record off his 2005 Greatest Hits album, while “No Apologies” was a highlight on the original Shady Records posse release, 2006’s abysmal “Re-Up.”)
Both songs were last vestiges of the Eminem who soared to superstardom: thoughtful, yet self-pitying lyrics coupled with an honest and compelling assessment of his life at the time. Despite its silly title and pop instincts, “Guts Over Fear” is borne out of that tradition. This time the subject is creative inertia, a topic he previously touched on in songs such as “Fubba U Cubba Cubba” and “Evil Deeds.”
