In 2009, Eminem planned to release a sequel of his sixth studio album Relapse titled Relapse 2, but cancelled the project and released a completely different studio release titled Recovery. Rolling Stone ranked it the 24th best song of 2010. He has also performed the song at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Lollapalooza and the V Festival. In 2010, Eminem performed 'Not Afraid' at Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010 (E3 2010), Oxegen 2010, T in the Park 2010 and the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. However, the product placement in the video by Nike shoes and Beats by Dr. Reviewers praised the video as it followed the lyrics and praised the video for such depictions. New York City and Newark, New Jersey were chosen as settings to shoot the video. The song was accompanied by a music video, which Rich Lee directed in May 2010. 'Not Afraid' has earned Eminem MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards Japan, Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Detroit Music Awards. In June 2014 the song was certified 10× Platinum by RIAA, making Eminem the first artist with digital diamond awards for two songs. Despite mixed reception, 'Not Afraid' became the 16th song in Billboard history to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at number one it also debuted as a chart-topper in Canada.

The song did, however, face criticism for its sudden change in theme from previous singles, and was considered to be less affecting than some of his other songs. 'Not Afraid' received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the song for being anthemic in nature and carrying a positive message. The hip hop song features a choir that assists Eminem in a heavily layered chorus and vocals are sung over a guitar, synthesizer and piano no Auto-Tune was used on the sung vocals, but many reverberation tools were. According to Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg and music critics, 'Not Afraid' carries a positive message and depicts Eminem's change in direction from drugs and violence. 'Not Afraid' was written and produced by Eminem, Boi-1da, Jordan Evans and Matthew Burnett keyboardist Luis Resto was also attributed with songwriting credit. To promote the single's release, a freestyle rap, 'Despicable', was released on the Internet and received attention for its tone and lyrical content. 'Not Afraid' was first revealed as a single by Eminem via Twitter, after which the song debuted on radio.

It was released as the album's lead single on April 29, 2010, by Interscope Records. ' Not Afraid' is a song by American rapper Eminem from his seventh studio album Recovery (2010).

Not afraid eminem album