Without Me

The harmonic structure of 'Without Me' is built on a ubiquitous minor-key loop (i-VI-III-VII) that became a staple of early 2000s pop-rap. Its effectiveness lies in the arrangement rather than harmonic complexity—specifically the interplay between the dry, syncopated bassline and the bright, nasal saxophone hook. By avoiding the V chord (B major) in favor of the VII (D major), the song maintains a 'cool' Aeolian character that lacks the leading-tone urgency of traditional minor-key classical music, allowing the loop to repeat indefinitely without feeling unresolved.

Eminem and Jeff Bass began working on the track during a late-night session in the summer of 2001. Eminem used a pre-recorded drum track from DJ Head, and Bass experimented with keyboard sounds until he found a suitable bass guitar effect. After Bass repeated two notes, Eminem sounded out the melody, which Bass then recorded on saxophone. The music was written and recorded in approximately 30 minutes, concluding at 3:00 AM. Eminem provided the lyrics roughly three months later.

Serving as the lead single for The Eminem Show, this track functions as a high-octane sequel to 'The Real Slim Shady' that targets politicians and pop stars. It reached number one in fifteen countries and earned Eminem his first Record of the Year Grammy nomination.