Crack A Bottle -
The story behind the 2009 hit is one of a "happy accident" that revitalized the careers of Eminem, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent during a period of high anticipation for their respective returns. The Leak That Changed Plans
Despite the song's massive success, a music video was not released for over a decade. The original video, directed by Syndrome, was eventually "unlocked from the Shady vault" and officially released in 2022.
The song’s release was a cultural moment, marking the first time the "platinum trio" had collaborated since 2004. It achieved massive commercial success: Crack A Bottle
The collaboration won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The "Mysterious" Music Video
The video is ghoulish and surreal, featuring a homeless woman holding a bottle that opens to reveal different "rooms" representing the rappers' states of mind. The story behind the 2009 hit is one
Faced with the leak, the label decided to pivot, officially releasing the finished version featuring all three artists in early 2009 to capitalize on the massive hype. A Record-Breaking Return
Originally, the track wasn't intended to be a lead single for Eminem's album Relapse . It was widely rumored to have been recorded as a reference track for Dr. Dre’s long-delayed (and eventually scrapped) album, Detox . However, an unfinished version—then known as "Number One"—leaked online in late 2008. The original video, directed by Syndrome, was eventually
It set a record at the time for one of the highest digital sales weeks in history.