Last week, many New Yorkers were puzzled by an unusual scene in the Manhattan sky: helicopters circling the Empire State Building, while its iconic lights flashed erratically. The mystery was finally solved when Eminem delivered a jaw-dropping performance of “Venom” on Jimmy Kimmel Live as part of the show’s special New York edition.
The performance, which aired Monday night, featured Eminem rapping his explosive Marvel-inspired track from inside and atop the Empire State Building. Cameras followed the Detroit rapper through a high-energy visual journey, starting in the building’s lobby and continuing into an elevator — where a microphone dramatically dropped from the ceiling — before culminating on the open-air observation deck. As Em delivered his verses, the Empire State Building’s lights pulsated in sync with the beat, adding to the theatrical atmosphere.
KING KONG AINT GOT $#*! ON ME! EMpire State building is where it’s happening tonight on @jimmykimmellive pic.twitter.com/41651cZsAr
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) October 16, 2018
The performance wasn’t just about the visuals — it showcased Em’s commanding stage presence, lyrical intensity, and even a bit of comedic flair as he calmly rode the elevator back down post-performance, playing against his usual high-energy persona.
The track “Venom” is the final cut on Eminem’s surprise 2018 album Kamikaze, and was released in coordination with the Marvel film “Venom,” directed by Ruben Fleischer and starring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, and Riz Ahmed. Eminem also dropped an official music video for the song earlier that month to coincide with the film’s release.
Between its stunning visuals, aerial mystery, and Eminem’s fiery delivery, the performance was a memorable spectacle that perfectly merged music, film, and New York City’s unmatched energy.
