Eminem to Relapse into Fame with Memoir and New Album

The rapper Eminem, otherwise known as Marshall Mathers III, has been a lightning rod for controversy since he became a household name in 1999 with the release of the Slim Shady LP. While white rappers were not new to popular American music, Brian McCollum points out the three keys to Eminem's popularity: "massive record sales, critical acclaim and priceless street cred." Despite becoming a king of all media in his own right, Eminem's lack of original material since 2004 has made his return with a memoir and new album more like a debut. I am by no means a hip hop aficionado, but for several reasons I admire Eminem as a rapper.

The film 8 Mile received praise from critics and good word of mouth among fans. Roger Ebert awarded the film three stars. Before I viewed the film for myself, I heard more than one person in a video store remark on the quality of it. The movie shied away from exaggerated masculinity through the depiction of Eminem's anxiety and the obsessive level of work he poured into crafting his lyrics. Of course, critics are always wary about taking too much biographical information at face value, but I doubt anyone would have the innate talent to produce lyrics as textured as Eminem's.

Before you write off Eminem as a hateful bigot, consider that he received praise from noted poet Seamus Heaney, who produced a poetic translation of the epic Beowulf. According to Heaney: "He has sent a voltage around a generation. He has done this not just through his subversive attitude but also his verbal energy." Eminem had the guts to apologize on his albums and in other public ways when he believed he was wrong.

Through repetitive listening to my wife's Eminem's CDs, I have a deep appreciation for his artistry. At times, it's nothing more than juvenile, but often undertakes deep social and self criticism. Fame is a perennial topic for Eminem, who complains in "Evil Deeds" that he can't even go to the mall and put his daughter on a carousel because of obnoxious fans. Earlier, in the same song Eminem is the "poor rich white bastard" who "needs to take some of that cash out of the bank and take a bath in it." Eminem beats his critics to the punch in the song, acknowleding that he whines, but also points out the superficiality of the criticism.

Eminem paints a dark picture of himself and society in his songs. His uses of rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, and linguistic play are catchy. If "I'm Having a Relapse" is a good indicator for the upcoming album, I think Eminem will please his fans--Seamus Heaney included.

Since Eminem has turned personal and public battles into fodder for his lyrics, his personal troubles and mistakes have overshadowed his accomplishments. Entertainment Weekly has published an excerpt from The Way I Am, Eminem's memoirs. The excerpt deals with the Moby / Christina Aguilera / Triumph the Insult Comic Dog debacle and concludes darkly: "A lot of people in my family had screws loose because of abuse. If you go back and look at the abuse that I took, it's no surprise I became who I am. Someone I don't really want to be."

Eminem's lyrics and image appeal to the inner rebels in all of us. Is it any wonder he appeals to young white kids? The fortunate convergence of shrewd marketing, artistry, and money should ensure his continued success.

Brian McCollum. Eminem hits the mic again. Freep.

BBC News. Seamus Heaney praises Eminem. BBC News.

Eminem. Eminem: I'm Having a Relapse. YouTube.

Eminem. Eminem's New Memoir: An Exclusive Excerpt. Entertainment Weekly.