It's not often that you see a collaboration of such magnitude, where four of the biggest artists in the world connect. Back in 2009, Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem linked up for what Jay-Z once called "the best posse cut of the year," "Forever." The Boi 1da produced track was originally meant for Kardinal Offishall, who ultimately passed it off when it came time for album selections. The instrumental eventually found its way into the hands of Drake, and what started as a low-key release featuring Lil Wayne and Nut da Kidd evolved into a high-profile display of friendly lyrical competition.
Drake sets things off with a solid opening verse, bringing out his signature flow during a memorable stanza. "Swimming in the money come and find me - Nemo, if I was at the club you know I balled - chemo," raps Drake, while that rhyme scheme still had some legs. As the resident newcomer, Drake finds himself well acquainted amidst a roster of certified legends, and while he doesn't end up with the best verse, he certainly holds his own. Kanye revisits some of that College Dropout era charm, with playful references to Superbad and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, while Wayne slides in over a smooth piano riff, introducing himself as a god damn Martian rocking Space Jam Jordans.
Like the idiom promises, they may very well have saved the best for last. While Eminem is seen by many as the best rapper alive, he proves himself a formidable opponent, switching up the flow and opting to go double time. Despite the flashy nature of his delivery, Em manages to deliver some personal references to his overdose and subsequent rise from the ashes. It's a powerful conclusion to the anthem, and still bumps eight years later.
"Forever" originally dropped on the soundtrack for LeBron James' documentary More Than a Game, but was later re-released on Eminem's Relapse: Refill album.
Quotable Lyrics
Hop up in my car and told my chauffeur, "To the top!"
Life is such a fuckin' roller coaster, then it drops
But what should I scream for? This is my theme park
My mind shine even when my thoughts seem dark
Pistol on my side, you don't wanna hear that thing talk
- Lil Wayne