Amy Lee Shares Struggles of Including Rap in “Bring Me To Life,” and Criticizes Genre Limitations

Evanescence’s frontwoman, Amy Lee, has recently reaffirmed her discomfort with the addition of a rap segment to the band’s breakthrough single, Bring Me To Life. The rap, performed by Paul McCoy of 12 Stones, has become an integral part of the song, helping it to gain traction in a rock climate still in the grip of nu metal. However, the creative decision to add the rap was not made by Evanescence themselves but by their label at the time.

When asked in a recent interview with Metal Hammer about her current feelings towards the rap, Lee admitted that she had stopped performing it a long time ago. Although the band sometimes invites other artists, such as Sonny Sandoval or Paul McCoy himself, to perform the rap on stage, it is no longer part of their regular setlist.

Lee explained that the rap was not in line with her personal style, making it a difficult decision for her to accept, even on one song. “That part, that sound, that’s not my style,” she said. “But we won because we didn’t have to change our whole sound.”

Lee’s comments also touched on the topic of genre limitations, with her disagreeing with the idea of artists being put into specific boxes. She expressed a desire for artists to be able to explore different styles and genres, saying, “I don’t want to be put in a box. I don’t think anyone should be put in a box. I think that’s what makes music great.”

In the end, while the rap segment in Bring Me To Life may have caused some discomfort for the band, it also helped to propel them to mainstream success. Regardless of her personal feelings towards it, Amy Lee has acknowledged its significance in the band’s history and continues to appreciate the love and support it receives from fans.