“Stepping Stone” is the latest in a series of songs apologizing to people who have been negatively affected by Em’s career. The previously released “Headlights” and “Bad Husband,” apologized to his mother, Debbie Mathers, and his ex-wife, Kim Mathers, respectively. “Stepping Stone” is dedicated to Em’s rap group D12.

Boosted by Em’s personal achievements as a solo act, D12 was thrust into the limelight. Their two albums Devil’s Night and D12 World debuted as number one and went on to sell millions of copies. However, the group faded after the untimely death of group member Proof in 2006.

A ‘stepping stone’ is a term used to describe a means of progress, and in this song is used to refer to how D12 wound up being an unintentional career boost for Em, while the rest of D12 were eventually left behind. Notably, in the last verse, Em states that D12 is finished, and the group is now officially disbanded.