What was the original Encore tracklist supposed to look like? - Reddit
i think it probably wouldve been a little something like this with some alterations to some songs and skits: * curtains up (skit) ... Reddit·r/Eminem Big Weenie
The worst songs on the album like Big Weenie were all last minute replacements for the leaked songs that he ( Drake ) made when he... Big Weenie
" Mosh ( Mosh (song ) " is a protest song by Eminem from his fifth studio album, Encore. The song debuted on Eminem ( Eminem as ) ...
's fifth studio album, Encore, underwent significant changes after several key tracks leaked online via the Straight from the Lab bootleg in late 2003. To protect the album's commercial viability, Eminem pulled the leaked songs and replaced them with last-minute recordings, many of which were criticized for their "goofy" or "drugged-out" quality. The Reconstructed "Original" Tracklist
While an official original tracklist was never released, Eminem has confirmed in interviews with Shade 45 that certain songs were intended to be centerpiece tracks before the leak. 1. Curtains Up (Skit)
2. We As Americans: Confirmed as the original opening track.
3. Bully: A diss track targeting Benzino and Ja Rule; confirmed for the original list.
4. Evil Deeds: An early version without the "drugged" vocal delivery. 5. Never Enough (ft. 50 Cent & Nate Dogg). 6. Yellow Brick Road. 7. Like Toy Soldiers. 8. Mosh: Included to double down on anti-Bush themes.
9. Christopher Reeves: Scrapped following the actor's death; later reworked as "Brand New Dance". 10. Paul (Skit).
11. Monkey See, Monkey Do: A leaked diss track likely intended for the mid-section. 12. Spend Some Time (ft. Obie Trice, Stat Quo & 50 Cent). 13. Mockingbird.
14. Love You More: Confirmed by Eminem as a track meant for the main album.
15. Come On In (ft. D12): Later renamed "6 in the Morning" and moved to D12 World. 16. Final Thought (Skit). 17. Encore / Curtains Down (ft. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent). Songs Removed and Replaced
The following table highlights how the final 2004 release differed from the "intended" version due to the leaks: Original Intended Song Final Album Replacement Reason for Change We As Americans (Moved to Bonus Disc) Leaked early; replaced by new recordings Love You More (Moved to Bonus Disc) Leaked early; replaced by "Crazy In Love" Bully Big Weenie Last-minute replacement after "Bully" leaked Monkey See, Monkey Do Rain Man Last-minute "goofy" replacement Christopher Reeves Ass Like That Scrapped due to Reeve's death Come On In One Shot 2 Shot Swapped with the D12 collaboration
Eminem later reflected on Facebook that if the leaked tracks had stayed, the album's caliber would have rivaled The Eminem Show.
What was the original Encore tracklist supposed to look like? - Reddit
i think it probably wouldve been a little something like this with some alterations to some songs and skits: * curtains up (skit) ... Reddit·r/Eminem Encore (Eminem album) - Wikipedia
Table_title: Track listing Table_content: header: | No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length | row: | No.: 1. | Title: "Curt...
What was the original Encore tracklist supposed to look like?
curtains up (skit) evil deeds [less drugged out flow and delivery from em] never enough. yellow brick road. we as americans. mosh. Reddit·r/Eminem OG Encore Tracklist? : r/Eminem - Reddit
* We As Americans. * Bully. * Never Enough (feat. Nate Dogg & 50 Cent) * Yellow Brick Road. * Mosh. * Evil Deeds. * Ricky Ticky To... Reddit·r/Eminem
Does anyone know the songs that were originally supposed to be on ...
Eminem's hooks from this time period are too good. ... I like both songs, but I agree that 6 in the Morning goes harder. ... Most ... Reddit·r/Eminem Big Weenie
The worst songs on the album like Big Weenie were all last minute replacements for the leaked songs that he ( Drake ) made when he... Big Weenie
" Mosh ( Mosh (song ) " is a protest song by Eminem from his fifth studio album, Encore. The song debuted on Eminem ( Eminem as ) ... Like Toy Soldiers
“Like Toy Soldiers” is a significant track from Eminem's 2004 album “Encore.” The song is notable not only for its emotional depth... Like Toy Soldiers Paul (skit)
Fun fact - the "Paul" skit on Encore was originally about "Christopher Reeves", only to get replaced after the song was cut from t... Paul (skit) Just Lose It
Eminem ( Marshall Mathers ) was prepping the follow up to the eminem ( Marshall Mathers ) show in 2004, the album was to be called... Just Lose It Mockingbird
A Blind Audition That Left Every Chair Turned 🎤✨ A breathtaking moment from The Voice Kids when Emma stepped onto the stage in 20... Mockingbird Evil Deeds
“Encore's” first track, “Evil Deeds,” acknowledges these pitfalls, as Eminem speaks of himself in the third person, “whining about... Evil Deeds Spend Some Time
"Spend Some Time" is a track from Eminem's fifth studio album, "Encore," released in 2004. The song features Obie Trice, Stat Quo, Spend Some Time What If Encore Never Leaked? - fLaMEd fury eminem encore original tracklist
We As Americans (Bonus Track) - Eminem. Bully - Eminem. Evil Deeds - Eminem. Never Enough (feat. 50 Cent & Nate Dogg) - Eminem. Ye... fLaMEd fury What tracks on ENCORE were recorded to replace leaks???
Leaked songs: Monkey See Monkey Do, We as Americans, Love you More, 6 in the Morning, Come on In, Can I Bitch, Bully. Replacement ... Reddit·r/Eminem
What Other Songs were Leaked/Cut from Encore? : r/Eminem - Reddit
What Other Songs were Leaked/Cut from Encore? I know that "We As Americans" and "Bully" were supposed to be the first two songs pl... Reddit·r/Eminem Eminem thinks Encore could have equaled The Eminem ...
🚨 Eminem thinks Encore could have equaled The Eminem Show if it weren't for the leak. He mentioned that many songs didn't make it... Facebook·BirdBeat
The original tracklist for Eminem's 'Encore' album, released in 2004, is as follows:
However, one significant track often mentioned in discussions about 'Encore' but not on this list is 'Cleanin' Out My Closet.' Interestingly, due to label interference and controversy surrounding some lyrics, 'Encore' was initially planned to have more tracks.
There are numerous fan discussions and alternate tracklists proposed; however, it's essential to differentiate between actual released songs versus concepts/potential collaborations not officially included.
Would you like more information on a specific song from the 'Encore' album or thoughts on these song choices in general?
In 2004, Eminem was on top of the universe. The Eminem Show had sold 10 million copies. 8 Mile had won an Oscar. He was a global pariah and a pop hero simultaneously. Then came Encore — an album fans have spent nearly two decades debating: brilliant finale or bloated farewell?
But the album we got isn’t the album he made.
The original tracklist for Encore leaked months before release. It was darker, tighter, and more personal. Here’s a reconstruction based on interviews and session leaks:
Original Encore Tracklist (circa early 2004):
Then everything changed.
In mid-2004, the unfinished album leaked onto peer-to-peer networks. Eminem was furious. In a panic, he scrapped three of the most aggressive, political tracks: "We As Americans," "Love You More," and the infamous "Bully" — a venomous, homophobic attack on critics and (allegedly) Michael Jackson. He rushed into the studio and recorded three new, goofier tracks to replace them: Rain Man, Big Weenie, and My 1st Single — songs that fans now routinely call the worst of his career.
The result? The Encore we know is split in half. Disc 1 (tracks 1–11) is classic Eminem: political rage, pop satire, and heartbreaking addiction confessions (Like Toy Soldiers). Disc 2 (tracks 12–15) is a fart-joke carnival, where he mocks his own legacy.
Had the original tracklist survived, Encore might be remembered differently — a lean, angry sequel to The Eminem Show. Instead, it became the first true sign that the pills were winning. The leaked originals eventually appeared on Encore’s bonus disc — buried, like ghosts of a better album.
In a way, the leak saved Eminem. The rushed, silly tracks were so poorly received that even he seemed embarrassed. He went quiet for four years. When he returned with Relapse, he was sober. But Encore — in both its leaked and released forms — remains the perfect, messy monument to a genius starting to crack under his own weight.
The original tracklist for Eminem's "Encore" (2004) features the following:
Features on the tracklist are:
The story behind the original tracklist for 's 2004 album is one of the most famous "what if" scenarios in hip-hop history. While no official original tracklist was ever released, Eminem has confirmed that a massive leak forced him to overhaul the album's direction, replacing polished masterpieces with hastily recorded, "goofy" songs. The Leak That Changed Everything In late 2003, several high-quality tracks intended for were leaked online, later appearing on a bootleg titled Straight from the Lab
. Because these songs were already circulating, Eminem felt they could no longer be part of the main project. The Original Vision vs. The Final Product Eminem has stated that would have been on the same caliber as The Eminem Show
if the original tracks had remained. The original opening was planned to be "We As Americans," followed by "Bully".
Below is a comparison of the confirmed and highly probable original tracks versus the last-minute replacements that many fans criticized for their "goofy" tone: Original Track Intended for Encore Final Replacement on the Album "We As Americans" (Moved to Bonus Disc) (Unreleased officially) "Big Weenie" "Love You More" (Moved to Bonus Disc) "Spend Some Time" "Crazy in Love" "Christopher Reeves" (Cut after the actor's death) "Brand New Dance" (eventually released on The Death of Slim Shady "Come On In" (Became "6 in the Morning" on "One Shot 2 Shot" The "Goofy" Filler Era
Under pressure to meet release deadlines after the leaks, Eminem flew to Los Angeles to record new material with Dr. Dre. Struggling with worsening drug addiction and writing songs in as little as 25–30 minutes, he produced tracks like "Rain Man," "Ass Like That," "Big Weenie"
. He later admitted these songs were "pretty out there" and likely should have been left off the record. reconstructed fan-favorite tracklist
that combines the best of the leaks with the highlights of the final album?
The Evolution of Eminem's Encore: Uncovering the Original Tracklist
Eminem's fifth studio album, Encore, was released in 2004 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album marked a significant turning point in Eminem's career, as he experimented with new sounds, themes, and collaborations. However, few fans are aware of the original tracklist for Encore, which differed significantly from the final product. In this article, we'll delve into the history of Encore, exploring the original tracklist, and the factors that led to its transformation.
The Background of Encore
Encore was recorded in 2004, during a tumultuous period in Eminem's life. The rapper was facing intense scrutiny from the media, fans, and critics, following the release of his previous album, The Marshall Mathers LP. Eminem was struggling with addiction, personal demons, and the pressures of fame, which are all reflected in the lyrics and tone of Encore.
The album was produced by Dr. Dre, Eminem, and various other producers, and features a diverse range of collaborations with artists such as Nate Dogg, D12, and Obie Trice. Encore debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and went on to sell over 17 million copies worldwide, cementing Eminem's status as one of the best-selling artists of all time.
The Original Tracklist: A Different Vision
According to various sources, including interviews with Eminem and Dr. Dre, the original tracklist for Encore was significantly different from the final product. The original tracklist featured 22 tracks, including some that were eventually scrapped or reworked. Some of the notable tracks that didn't make it to the final album include:
Other tracks that were originally intended for Encore, but didn't make it to the final cut, include:
The Transformation of Encore
So, what led to the changes in the original tracklist? Eminem and Dr. Dre have cited several reasons, including creative differences, lyrical controversy, and label pressure.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Eminem explained that he was under immense pressure from his label, Aftermath Entertainment, to produce a hit album. "I was feeling a lot of pressure to make a album that would sell well, and I think that affected the creative process," he said.
Dr. Dre echoed Eminem's sentiments, stating that the original tracklist was "a bit too experimental" and that they ultimately decided to "re-scale" the album to make it more commercial.
The Final Tracklist: A Compromise
The final tracklist for Encore featured 20 tracks, including some of Eminem's most iconic songs, such as "Like Toy Soldiers," "Mosh," and "My 1st Single." The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Eminem's lyrical depth and Dr. Dre's production.
While the final tracklist may have been a compromise, it undoubtedly helped to solidify Eminem's status as a hip-hop icon. Encore marked a significant shift in Eminem's career, as he began to explore new sounds and themes, paving the way for future albums, such as Relapse and Recovery.
Conclusion
The original tracklist for Eminem's Encore offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of hip-hop's most iconic artists. The evolution of the album serves as a testament to the pressures and challenges that come with creating music at the highest level.
While we may never know what could have been, it's clear that the final product, Encore, remains a landmark album in Eminem's discography, showcasing his lyrical prowess, creative experimentation, and enduring influence on hip-hop.
The legacy of Encore continues to inspire new generations of hip-hop fans and artists, and its impact can still be felt today. As Eminem continues to push the boundaries of music and art, it's exciting to think about what the future holds for this iconic artist.
The Original Tracklist:
Impact and Legacy:
"Encore" was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album has been certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA and has sold over 23 million copies worldwide. The album's themes of personal growth, controversy, and social commentary have cemented its place as one of Eminem's best works.
Tracklist Evolution:
Over the years, "Encore" has undergone several tracklist changes, with some editions featuring bonus tracks or alternate versions. However, the original tracklist remains the most iconic and widely recognized.
Cultural Significance:
"Encore" has had a lasting impact on hip-hop culture, with many regarding it as one of the greatest albums of the 2000s. The album's influence can be seen in many subsequent hip-hop releases, and its themes continue to resonate with listeners today.
While there is no single "official" original tracklist, has confirmed in interviews that the 2004 album Encore was drastically altered after several high-quality tracks leaked in 2003. These leaked songs were eventually compiled into the bootleg Straight from the Lab EP. Confirmed Original Intentions
Eminem stated that the album would have matched the caliber of The Eminem Show if the leaks hadn't occurred. He confirmed the following placements: Opening Track: "We As Americans". Second Track: "Bully".
Planned 7th Track: "Christopher Reeves" (later reworked as "Brand New Dance" on The Death of Slim Shady after the actor passed away).
Other Confirmed Tracks: "Love You More" and "Evil Deeds" (though "Evil Deeds" remained on the final album, it was reportedly edited). The Leaked vs. Replacement Tracks
The leaks forced Eminem to record new material quickly, often while heavily under the influence of drugs, leading to the "goofy" and polarizing middle section of the released album. Leaked Tracks (Intended for Album) Replacement "Goofy" Tracks We As Americans (moved to Deluxe) Rain Man Bully (never officially released) Big Weenie Love You More (moved to Deluxe) Ass Like That Christopher Reeves (scrapped) My 1st Single Community Reconstruction of the "OG Encore"
Fans and researchers on platforms like Reddit have reconstructed what a 20-track original version might have looked like by integrating confirmed leaks and removing last-minute additions. Curtains Up (Skit) We As Americans Bully Evil Deeds Never Enough (feat. 50 Cent & Nate Dogg) Yellow Brick Road Christopher Reeves (Brand New Dance) Like Toy Soldiers Mosh Paul (Skit) Monkey See Monkey Do Come On In (Original version of "One Shot 2 Shot") Love You More Spend Some Time (feat. Obie Trice, Stat Quo & 50 Cent) Em Calls Paul (Skit) Just Lose It Mockingbird Crazy In Love Final Thought (Skit) Encore / Curtains Down (feat. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent)
It’s 2003, and is at the absolute peak of his powers. Coming off the massive success of The Eminem Show What was the original Encore tracklist supposed to look like
, he’s back in the studio with Dr. Dre, working on what was meant to be his magnum opus: a direct, harder-hitting sequel initially envisioned as The Eminem Show Part 2 But in this "what if" story, we look at the version of
the world almost heard—the one before the infamous leaks forced him to scrap half the album and replace it with last-minute, "goofy" fillers like "Big Weenie" and "Rain Man". The Lost Masterpiece: The Original Tracklist If the leaks hadn’t happened,
would have been a darker, more political, and deeply personal record.
The story of the "original" tracklist for Eminem ’s 2004 album Encore is a legendary "what if" in hip-hop history. What began as a project intended to cement his legacy as the world’s biggest artist was derailed by a massive digital leak and personal struggles, leading to a hasty restructuring that fundamentally changed the album's DNA. The Leak that Changed Everything
Midway through production, a significant portion of the intended album leaked onto peer-to-peer networks. This forced Eminem to scrap several high-quality tracks and record new material in a matter of days. To fill the void left by the leaked songs, he recorded some of his most polarizing and "silly" tracks—such as "Rain Man," "Big Weenie," and "Ass Like That"—which many critics felt lowered the overall caliber of the project. The "Scrapped" Pieces
Based on historical accounts from Wikipedia and fan archives like Eminem.net, several songs were confirmed or widely believed to be part of the original vision:
"Brand New Dance" (originally titled "Christopher Reeves"): This was meant to be a centerpiece of the album. However, according to Wikipedia, it was shelved just before release due to the death of Christopher Reeve in October 2004. Eminem eventually released it decades later on The Death of Slim Shady.
"Bully": A scathing diss track aimed at Benzino and Ja Rule that was intended for the album but leaked early.
"Can-I-Bitch": A humorous Canibus diss that also surfaced during the leaks.
"Love You More" & "We as Americans": These tracks were so well-received during the leaks that they were eventually included on the Encore Deluxe Edition bonus disc, though they were originally meant for the main tracklist. The Original Vision vs. The Final Product
If the leak had never occurred, the "Original Encore" would likely have been a much darker, more focused continuation of The Eminem Show. The final tracklist shifted from a serious exploration of fame and political unrest (seen in "Mosh" and "Like Toy Soldiers") to include slapstick humor that felt out of place to many listeners.
While the released version of Encore still achieved massive commercial success, the mystery of its original tracklist remains a focal point for fans on platforms like Reddit, who often reconstruct their own "Original Encore" playlists to see how the album might have stood alongside his classic trilogy.
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Introduction Released in November 2004, Eminem’s Encore arrived at the peak of his powers—but also marked the beginning of a critical decline. Often remembered for its goofy singles ("Just Lose It") and the infamous "Accents Era" (which would later plague Relapse), the album is frequently cited as Marshall Mathers’ creative low point. But for hardcore fans, there has always been a lingering question: Was the album we got the album he intended?
Let’s take a deep dive into the Encore era, the "original tracklist" theories, and the lost tracks that could have shifted the album's narrative.
The "Official" Released Tracklist To understand the changes, we have to look at what hit the shelves. The standard edition ran 20 tracks deep, bloated with skits and comedic filler.
The Myth of the "Original" Sequencing While a completely different "beta" tracklist has never been officially confirmed by Shady Records in full, leaked snippets and industry insights suggest that Encore underwent significant surgery before release.
The most famous deviation from the final product centers around the song "We As Americans."
Originally leaked in high quality prior to the album drop, "We As Americans" was widely believed to be the original opener or a centerpiece of the record. The track contained the controversial line, "I don't rap for dead presidents, I'd rather see the president dead," which forced the label to reconsider the song's placement. On the final retail version, it was relegated to a "Bonus Disc" (along with "Love You More" and the Ricky Martin parody "Rickidy").
If "We As Americans" had taken its rightful place in the main sequence, it would have provided a jarring, serious political tone that the album desperately lacked.
The Lost Tracks & Leaks The Encore sessions are legendary for the amount of quality material that stayed on the cutting room floor (or ended up on mixtapes). If the original tracklist had incorporated these tracks, the "joke" factor of the album would have been significantly reduced:
The Sequencing Theory Many fans theorize that the "Original Encore" was a darker, more serious follow-up to The Eminem Show. The prevailing belief is that Em—or the label—panicked due to political pressure (the Bush administration era) and legal threats. As a result, the serious political tracks were swapped out or pushed to a bonus disc, and the comedic/gimmick tracks were pushed to the front to secure radio play and safety.
Imagine an Encore that opened with "We As
Here’s a review of the original, leaked tracklist for Eminem’s Encore (often referred to by fans as the “original version” before the 2004 leak forced changes).
Most fans first encountered the original Encore tracks on the infamous bootleg mixtape Straight from the Lab (2003). This CD-R featured high-quality, unmixed versions of:
When the album leaked, Interscope panicked. Instead of scrapping the entire project, Eminem moved "We As Americans," "Love You More," and the explosive "Bully" to bonus tracks on the deluxe edition of Encore. But "When I’m Gone"—a heartbreaking letter to his daughter Hailie that would later become a massive hit—was held back entirely for 2005’s Curtain Call.
If you want to hear Eminem’s original vision, do not stream the standard Encore. Instead, assemble the following playlist (available on YouTube, Spotify via local files, or by buying the 2004 bootleg vinyl pressings):
| # | Song Title | Source | |---|---|---| | 1 | We As Americans | Encore (Deluxe) | | 2 | Love You More | Encore (Deluxe) | | 3 | Yellow Brick Road | Encore (Standard) | | 4 | Like Toy Soldiers | Encore (Standard) | | 5 | Mosh | Encore (Standard) | | 6 | Mockingbird | Encore (Standard) | | 7 | Spend Some Time | Encore (Standard) | | 8 | Never Enough | Encore (Standard) | | 9 | Bully | Encore (Deluxe) | | 10 | One Shot 2 Shot | Encore (Standard) | | 11 | Encore / Curtains Down | Encore (Standard) |
(Optional add: "When I’m Gone" from Curtain Call as a secret track).
Listen to this sequence. You will hear a rapper at the peak of his powers, struggling with fame, addiction, and politics—not making fart jokes. You will hear the Encore that should have been. "We Made You" "Like Toy Soldiers" "My 1st
The following three tracks were not on the original retail CD, but were the ones that got leaked. They were later added to Encore (Deluxe Edition).