“Eminem’s Like To Hits New Milestone in New Zealand After More Than 20 Years

Eminem has reached yet another milestone in his legendary career. His 2004 single “Like Toy Soldiers” from the Encore album has officially been certified 2x Platinum in New Zealand by Recorded Music NZ. This means the song has surpassed 60,000 units sold in a country with only 5 million people—an incredible achievement that proves the track’s enduring impact more than two decades after its release.

This certification not only highlights Eminem’s staying power but also underscores the universal resonance of one of his most vulnerable songs. While Encore had its mix of playful and darker tracks, Like Toy Soldiers stood apart as an introspective anthem that went beyond rap feuds to touch on themes of unity, regret, and human cost.

The Origins of “Like Toy Soldiers”

Released in late 2004, “Like Toy Soldiers” was built around a haunting sample of Martika’s 1989 ballad Toy Soldiers. Eminem transformed the nostalgic pop hook into a hip-hop anthem of reflection, turning it into much more than just a clever sample flip.

The track resonated instantly for its emotional honesty. Eminem’s verses discussed the toll of rap battles, rivalries, and the escalating violence that had been consuming hip-hop during the early 2000s. Lines like “Even though the battle was won, I feel like we lost it” revealed the exhaustion of a rapper who had fought—and often won—feuds, but at great personal cost.

Critics at the time immediately recognized the song’s significance. NME described it as “hip hop’s first genuine lighters-in-the-air stadium anthem”, noting how it stood out on Encore as one of the most moving and sincere moments in Eminem’s catalog.

Why “Like Toy Soldiers” Was Different

While Eminem was already known for provocative tracks, punchline-heavy battles, and storytelling mastery, “Like Toy Soldiers” hit differently. It was not about proving dominance, but about acknowledging vulnerability.

Several key elements made the song stand out:

• Emotional candor: Instead of mocking rivals, Eminem admitted the fatigue and guilt that came with constant feuds.

• Universal themes: Beyond rap beefs, the lyrics tapped into broader ideas of loss, consequence, and reflection.

• Cinematic production: The Martika sample created a dramatic and memorable hook, giving the song a soaring, almost tragic quality.

This combination of honesty, symbolism, and theatrical production made the track feel timeless—and ultimately explains why its legacy continues to grow worldwide.

Chart Performance Around the World

When “Like Toy Soldiers” was released, its reception varied dramatically between the United States and international markets.

• United States: In America, where many of the rap feuds Eminem referenced were unfolding, the track peaked modestly at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. The context of beef and rivalry may have made the message more complex for U.S. listeners at the time.

• United Kingdom: Overseas, however, the track resonated strongly. It hit No. 1 in the UK, where audiences embraced it as a powerful anthem beyond the politics of hip-hop.

• Global success: “Like Toy Soldiers” broke into the Top 10 across 12 different countries, including Australia, Denmark, Germany, and of course, New Zealand.

This contrast showed that while the song was inspired by rap’s internal conflicts, its message of unity and consequence transcended borders.

New Zealand’s Special Connection to the Song

Fast forward to 2025, and New Zealand has elevated the song to 2x Platinum status, a rare feat for an early-2000s rap single. Considering the nation’s population is just about 5 million, this means that over 1% of the country has purchased or streamed the track at platinum-level volumes.

The milestone speaks to how deeply New Zealand audiences have connected with Eminem’s reflective message. In a world often dominated by fast-moving trends, the fact that Like Toy Soldiers still sells in such numbers proves its timeless emotional weight.

Eminem himself has acknowledged the song’s staying power by continuing to perform it live during major concerts. Fans in every corner of the world still raise their voices and lights when the iconic chorus begins, a testament to its universality.

Why the Track Still Resonates in 2025

So, what keeps Like Toy Soldiers alive in the streaming era? Several factors explain why it still strikes a chord with listeners worldwide:

1. Timeless Themes: The song isn’t just about rap beef. It’s about fatigue, regret, and the emotional cost of conflict—concepts that apply to everyone, not just rappers.

2. Cultural Memory: For fans who lived through the early 2000s hip-hop scene, the track carries nostalgia and emotional weight.

3. Live Performances: Eminem’s choice to keep the song in his setlist reinforces its status as one of his most beloved works.

4. Streaming Era Discovery: Younger fans discovering Eminem on streaming platforms encounter Like Toy Soldiers as a standout track, often gravitating to it for its emotional resonance.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Looking back, critics consistently rank “Like Toy Soldiers” as one of Eminem’s most important songs. Unlike the satirical or aggressive singles that defined much of his career, this track showcased a more mature, reflective side of the rapper.

Its influence is also seen in how other artists have approached conflict in hip-hop. The idea of admitting vulnerability, stepping back from rivalry, or reflecting on the consequences of violence was relatively rare in mainstream rap at the time. Eminem set a precedent with this track that continues to influence new generations of artists.

Eminem’s “Encore” Album in Retrospect

When Encore was released in 2004, it received mixed reviews. Some critics felt the album was uneven, caught between Eminem’s playful alter-ego antics and his more serious reflections.

Yet, even among detractors, “Like Toy Soldiers” was often singled out as a high point. Over time, it has become not only one of the defining songs of Encore but one of the defining songs of Eminem’s entire career.

The track’s continued certifications, global recognition, and presence in live shows prove that its cultural importance has only grown since its release.

Conclusion: A Song That Outlives Its Context

Eminem’s “Like Toy Soldiers” going 2x Platinum in New Zealand in 2025 is more than just another certification. It’s a reminder of how music can transcend time, borders, and context.

Originally written as a commentary on the dangers of rap feuds, the track has outlived its immediate moment to become an anthem of regret, unity, and emotional honesty. In a world where conflicts—whether personal, cultural, or political—often seem endless, Eminem’s words still carry meaning: “Even though the battle was won, I feel like we lost it.”

And as New Zealand listeners continue to stream and purchase the song in record numbers, it’s clear that “Like Toy Soldiers” remains one of the most powerful pieces in Eminem’s catalog—a timeless anthem that will likely keep resonating for generations to come.