"Stan" on HipHopDX's List of 10 Great Storytelling Rap Songs

[Amaranthine]

Eminem – Stan

(2000, Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Characters: Eminem, Stan, girlfriend
Setting: undisclosed
Plot: Obsessed fan kills his girlfriend and himself after Eminem is slow to respond to his fan mail
Excerpt: “I can relate to what you're saying in your songs / So when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put 'em on / Cause I don't really got shit else / So that shit helps when I'm depressed / I even got a tattoo of your name across the chest...”

Lesson: Respect your fans.

“Stan” may be best remembered for Em’s duet with Elton John at the Grammy’s, or for creating the standard term for irrational super fans. What cannot be overlooked is Eminem’s flawless concept and execution. This song was very clearly written by a man with a great deal of experience with rabid fans; passive aggressive remarks and justification of their actions giving way to psychotic behaviour...not unlike a crazy ex. Us average folks can never truly appreciate Em’s experiences, but the praise he was given from other musicians, actors and athletes regarding this song tells you just how well he found the mark.

Full list

[Trimss]

^ That's cool! And I knew Dance with the Devil was going to be on that list lmao.

[Sam.]

Genius song is genius.

[UofLCard]

^ That's cool! And I knew Dance with the Devil was going to be on that list lmao.

As it should be.

[dR3]

Credit where credit's due I guess?

[Relapse.]

The song Kenji should be on there.

[trinell05]

The lesson of that song isn't "respect your fans."

Obviously, Eminem didn't answer these guys' letters. Think of this as a warning.

[Relapse.]

The lesson of that song isn't "respect your fans."

Obviously, Eminem didn't answer these guys' letters. Think of this as a warning.

ahahahaha that had me crackin up.

[hana12j]

Love the way you like ft. Rihanna is the best, i like this songs the most.
Love you Eminem.

[Slim Fiasco]

I still think As The World Turns is Em's best storytelling song.

[LK5]

I still think As The World Turns is Em's best storytelling song.

IMO Brain Damage is better than As The World Turns. Stan is the best though

[Mathers]

I still think As The World Turns is Em's best storytelling song.

This.

[FGR 313]

Eminem has a lot of good songs.
Many.

Difficult to name the best.

[Stanforever]

Great song.

[JustEnjoytheMusic]

The lesson of that song isn't "respect your fans."

That's without doubt the most creative interpretation I ever read concerning Stan.