The verse was censored when originally released, and is included in "Rap God" to test public reaction.

[3] Eminem references the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal in order to demonstrate his longevity as a dominant force in the rap industry, thus establishing himself as an "immortal god".

Additional references include[5] a conflict between Fabolous and Ray J, Heavy D & the Boyz,[6] planking,[7] The Walking Dead,[8] J. J. Fad's 1988 song "Supersonic", Tupac Shakur, Run-DMC, Pharaohe Monch, Rakim, N.W.A, Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Busta Rhymes, Lakim Shabazz,[9] the 2008 Hotstylz song "Lookin Boy", Portal, Marvel and DC Comics, God and the Devil, etc.

Consequence of Sound stated that the song is "anything but godly", the lyricism "falls victim to dated references [...] and the tired technique of using other rappers' monikers to complete rhymes."

[25] Lijas of Time gave the song a positive review, stating that "the world can expect an immortal recording" based on "Rap God" and the album's lead single, "Berzerk".

[27] Kory Grow of Rolling Stone also gave the song a positive review, praising that instead of "giving his chorus to an R&B crooner like Rihanna or the New Royales' Liz Rodrigues", "he instead delivers a straight rap refrain about feeling like a rap deity.

Eminem has been adding chapters in that book for over a decade now, so it's easy to sit back with your arms crossed and look unimpressed.

They said, "Within the seemingly never-ending verbal waterfall, Em touches on just about anything he could, should or would: his underground origins, the criticisms of his lyrics, the positive power his words have had for so many, and pop culture references.

[39] "Rap God" was Eminem's seventh top 10 start on the Hot 100, pushing him past Lil Wayne (six) for the most among men in the chart's 55-year history.

"[42][43][44] In a Rolling Stone interview, Eminem defended his usage of "faggot" and "gay-looking" by saying he "never really equated those words to actually mean 'homosexual'".

[45] In January 2015, TMZ reported that Chicago-based hip hop trio Hotstylz were suing Eminem and Shady Records for the amount of $8 million, for using a 25-second sample mid-track from their song "Lookin' Boy", without their permission.

[46][47] In February 2016, the lawsuit between Raymond Jones of Hot Stylz and Eminem was dismissed by the judge following an agreement made by the parties.