This is the first song released from the Southpaw Soundtrack, executive produced by Shady Records.

In similar fashion to “Not Afraid” & “Guts Over Fear,” “Phenomenal” is a motivational song that attempts to inspire and self-empower Marshall’s fans.

The song represents protagonist Billy Hope’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) struggle after his wife’s death and loss of his daughter to child services. Billy “The Great” Hope then embarks on a mission alongside trainer Titus “Tick” Wills (Forest Whitaker) to reclaim his boxing titles and win back his daughter. The film’s narrative was inspired by Eminem’s struggle throughout his early career. Eminem was originally in the title role, but after putting the film on hold in 2012 to focus on his music, Jake Gyllenhaal joined on.

Screenwriter Kurt Sutter said:

I love that the title refers to Marshall being a lefty, which is to boxing what a white rapper is to hip hop; dangerous, unwanted, and completely unorthodox.