Justin Bieber surprised fans with the release of his R&B-leaning album SWAG on July 11, featuring 21 tracks that explore new creative directions. Among the many highlights, one unexpected credit caught listeners’ attention: Eminem (Marshall Mathers) is listed as a composer and lyricist on the track “Yukon.”

Justin Bieber and EminemRenell Medrano; Travis Shinn

But this credit isn’t for a traditional songwriting or guest vocal contribution. Instead, Bieber’s opening verse includes an interpolation of a line from Eminem’s song “Untitled,” featured on the deluxe edition of his 2010 album Recovery. Bieber sings in a high-pitched tone, “I can help you get a move on, like U-Haul, and I know,” echoing Eminem’s lyric from the second verse: “Get up, baby, get a move on like a U-Haul, you can rack your brain.”

This isn’t Eminem’s first time using the U-Haul metaphor—he also referenced it in his 2020 track “She Loves Me” from Music to Be Murdered By: Side B, rapping, “I put the moves on you like a U-Haul.” The phrase’s reappearance on Bieber’s track highlights a nod to Eminem’s lyrical style.

Bieber’s admiration for Eminem is well documented. In October 2022, he was spotted wearing an Eminem graphic T-shirt while out with his wife, Hailey Bieber, showing his respect for the Detroit legend.

“Yukon” also features influences from rapper 2 Chainz, whose vintage ad-libs sprinkle throughout the track. Produced by Carter Lang, 2 Chainz is credited as a background vocalist, adding another layer to the song’s rich texture.

SWAG arrived with little prior announcement, though subtle billboards appeared across major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and even Reykjavík, Iceland, the day before its release. According to sources speaking to Billboard, this album marks just the beginning of Bieber’s next creative chapter. Fans can look forward to a more pop-focused project from the 31-year-old in the near future.

With Eminem’s lyrical imprint on “Yukon” and a fresh R&B sound, SWAG signals Justin Bieber’s continued evolution as an artist paying homage to his influences while forging new paths.