The release of “One Up” marks Eminem’s first major collaboration with a UK drill artist, blending his signature rapid-fire lyricism with Central Cee’s distinct flow and streetwise storytelling. The track, produced by a mix of Detroit and UK-based beatmakers, fuses dark, booming 808s and eerie melodies—a perfect backdrop for both rappers to showcase their unique styles.
Eminem opens the track with a blistering verse, taking aim at critics, industry politics, and his longevity in the game. He raps:
“They said I’m past my prime, but I outlasted time,
Wrote a million rhymes, still the illest alive.”
Central Cee then jumps in with his signature laid-back yet razor-sharp delivery, reflecting on his rise in the UK scene and the parallels between his come-up and Eminem’s early struggles:
“Came from the bottom, still here on my grind,
Legend in my city, now I’m worldwide.”
The music video for “One Up” is just as striking as the track itself. Directed by an all-star team, the visuals alternate between gritty London backstreets and the cold streets of Detroit, visually representing the bridge between the two rap icons. Eminem is seen delivering his verse from a dimly lit underground studio, while Central Cee raps atop a high-rise, symbolizing his ascent in the global rap scene.
The video also features subtle nods to Eminem’s past, including a scene where he’s seen spray-painting a wall with the words “Still Shady”, and another where a younger actor reenacts his battle rap days—a throwback to 8 Mile.
The internet exploded as soon as “One Up” dropped, with fans praising the track’s unexpected chemistry. Eminem’s intricate wordplay mixed with Central Cee’s modern drill influence made for a genre-blending masterpiece.
