Eminem’s ‘When I’m Gone’ Soars Past 1 Billion Views on YouTube

Eminem has collected another accolade heading into his The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) album. In a testament to his decorated career and longevity, the rapper has earned another ticket the Billion Views Club, with 2005’s “When I’m Gone” reaching 1 billion views on YouTube.

“When I’m Gone” arrived as the lead single heading into his Curtain Call: The Hits compilation project. Em gets poignant on the track while cutting deep about the fracturing of his family dynamic, which was collapsing around him.

The Eminem and Luis Resto-produced tune reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the singles chart in Australia. Anthony Mandler helms the sentimental music video, which opens in something along the lines of an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and also stars boxer Tarick Salmaci. In the visual, actresses take the place of Em’s daughter Hailie and his ex-wife Kim, while the scene featuring him performing on stage was used as Curtain Call‘s official cover art.

It’s the Detroit legend’s seventh music video to reach the billion streams milestone on the video-streaming platform, and his sixth solo entry to do so. In May, 2004’s “Mockingbird” flew past 1 billion views to join “Love the Way You Lie,” “Without Me,” “Not Afraid,” “Rap God” and Akon’s “Smack That.”

Curtain Call: The Hits arrived in December 2005 and debuted atop the Billboard 200, featuring a live performance of “Stan” alongside Elton John from the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards along with new songs such as “Fack” and the Nate Dogg-assisted “Shake That.” The greatest hits compilation was certified diamond by the RIAA in 2022.

These days, not much has changed as Em is still racking up the wins. He earned his best-charting entry of the decade yet with his “Houdini” single debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Watch the “When I’m Gone” video below.