“Ever since I put out the EP
To the height of 2003 me”
This comes from Eminem’s song “Venom (Music from the Motion Picture)”, which was used in the Venom (2018) Hollywood movie soundtrack.
Here’s the meaning broken down:
“Ever since I put out the EP”
→ Eminem is talking about releasing one of his early EPs (Extended Play records) — shorter than a full album, usually to introduce an artist. He’s reflecting on the fact that ever since he first dropped that project, his career started taking off.
“To the height of 2003 me”
→ He’s comparing his current popularity and energy to how big he was back in 2003, which was one of the peaks of his career (after The Eminem Show in 2002 and around the time of 8 Mile and Lose Yourself, when he was at superstar status).
So together, the line means:
👉 “Ever since I first started releasing music, my career has grown, and right now I feel like I’ve reached the same peak as the old me back in 2003, when I was at the top of the game.”
Great question — yes, the 2003 reference has a lot of weight in Eminem’s career timeline.
Here’s why Eminem highlights 2003 “me” as a peak:
1. Biggest commercial success
His 2002 album The Eminem Show was one of the best-selling albums worldwide, topping charts everywhere.
In 2003, it won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and cemented his dominance in hip-hop.
2. Cultural dominance through 8 Mile
In late 2002, Eminem starred in 8 Mile, which made him not just a rapper but also a Hollywood figure.
The song Lose Yourself (released with the film) became a global anthem, staying #1 on Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks.
In 2003, it won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Original Song — the first time ever for a rap song.
3. Peak popularity & controversy
Eminem was everywhere in 2003: radio, MTV, tabloids, award shows.
His shocking lyrics, rebellious style, and unmatched technical rapping put him at the center of pop culture.
Love him or hate him, he was unavoidable — that’s the “height” he’s referring to.
So when he says “to the height of 2003 me”, he’s basically saying:
👉 “Right now I feel like I’m back at my most powerful, like I was in 2003 — when I was on top of the rap game, winning Grammys, selling millions, and even taking home an Oscar.”