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Entertainment • Music

Lose Yourself

"Lose Yourself" is a 2002 song by American rapper Eminem, released as the lead single from the soundtrack to the film *8 Mile*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Lose Yourself" is a 2002 song by American rapper Eminem, released as the lead single from the soundtrack to the film *8 Mile*. Written by Eminem with Jeff Bass and Luis Resto, it became one of Eminem’s signature songs and won major awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Background

"Lose Yourself" was created for Eminem’s 2002 film *8 Mile* and was released before the film’s wider success. It reflects the movie’s central themes of pressure, ambition, and seizing opportunity.

Awards and recognition

The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became the first rap song to receive that honour. It also received Grammy Awards for its rap performance and songwriting.

Commercial performance

"Lose Yourself" became one of Eminem’s best-known and most commercially successful songs. It reached number one in multiple countries and is widely regarded as one of the defining hip-hop singles of the early 2000s.

Cultural impact

The song is frequently cited as an anthem about determination and making the most of a moment. It remains strongly associated with Eminem’s public image and with the film *8 Mile*.

Key facts

  • Released as the lead single from the *8 Mile* soundtrack in 2002.
  • Written by Eminem, Jeff Bass, and Luis Resto.
  • Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003, the first rap song to do so.
  • Also won Grammy Awards including Best Rap Song and Best Rap Solo Performance.
  • Became a major commercial success and a signature track in Eminem’s catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

Who performed "Lose Yourself"?
The song was performed by Eminem, an American rapper.
When was "Lose Yourself" released?
It was released on October 28, 2002.
What film is "Lose Yourself" connected to?
It was written for the soundtrack to *8 Mile*, in which Eminem starred.
Who wrote "Lose Yourself"?
The song was written by Eminem, Jeff Bass, and Luis Resto.
Did "Lose Yourself" win an Oscar?
Yes. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003.
Why is "Lose Yourself" notable?
It is notable as the first rap song to win the Oscar for Best Original Song and as one of Eminem’s signature hits.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lose_Yourself
    Supports: Release date, artists, writers, soundtrack connection, awards, and general song overview.
  2. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwug4qBQsnI
    Supports: Claim that the song was released in 2002, written and produced by Eminem, Jeff Bass, and Luis Resto, and won major awards.
  3. The Ringer — https://www.theringer.com/2022/11/03/music/lose-yourself-eminem-8-mile-anniversary-history
    Supports: Cultural significance and enduring popularity of the song.