“The Ringer” sees Eminem continuing his criticism of the state of hip-hop in 2018, focusing especially on mumble rappers, some of whom he calls out by name like Lil Xan and Lil Pump.

The song also continues themes he explored on 2018’s “Chloraseptic (Remix).” Specifically, Eminem criticizes the double standards of the public towards him in the wake of his 9th album, Revival. Critics are rewarded for pushing negative views about him, but should he retaliate, he falls further in their esteem.

Finally, Em also takes aim at Donald Trump again, pointing out that the President has yet to answer his 2017 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher Verse as well as several other missives he sent on Revival.

The title of the song is also a reference to the movie The Ringer. In the film, the protagonist pretends to be mentally disabled in order to enter and win the Special Olympics. Em is basically saying he’s stooping to the level of the mumble rappers to beat them at their own game.