Eminem

Marshall Mathers III, aka Slim Shady, aka Eminem, is probably the most controversial musical artist of today. The lyrical composition of his songs fills most people with shock and disgust. But Marshall is not the aggressive, homophobic trailer-trash white thug he portrays himself to be on his albums. Closer analysis of many of his songs also reveals personal and political messages that would ring true with many of his anti-fans. He has also shown a more down-to-earth character in interviews conducted by various sections of the media. Looking past the vulgar language and X-rated content of his songs reveals a more ‘human’ human being.

‘My Name Is’

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on the 17th of October 1972, spent most of his childhood living between Kansas City, his birthplace, and Detroit, his current hometown. The constant moving from place to place made him none too popular in school. Marshall and his mother, Debbie, finally settled in the eastside of Detroit when he was 12 years old.

Through school, Marshall was frequently bullied, as depicted in his song ‘Brain Damage’, which mentions an occasion where one such bullying episode resulted in his unconsciousness. Marshall retreated into the comfort zone of his love affair with rap music. Influenced heavily by rap artists such as LL Cool J, Tupac, Dr Dre and 2 Live Crew, Marshall began to develop his own style, battle-rapping in school with other rapper wannabes. He soon gained the reputation of a quick-thinking, sharp-witted freestyler.

Marshall's wish was to become a famous rapper so he began to pursue his dream by taking part in freestyle rapping competitions. The appearance of a blue-eyed white boy on the rap scene was met by much criticism from a predominantly black music style and on several occasions he was booed off stage before he could even open his mouth! His persistence paid off, though, as people began to realise he was probably more talented than most fully-fledged rappers. Marshall rapped as part of numerous groups before deciding to go it alone.

He released his first album in 1997, ‘Infinite’, through a local independent record label. He was devastated when it tanked miserably, receiving comments that he sounded too much like Jay-Z. But Marshall was determined. He continued battle-rapping at various venues, winning second place in the annual ‘Rap Olympics’ and first in the 1997 ‘Wake Up Show Freestyle Performer of the Year’. These successes encouraged Marshall to make another album, the Slim Shady LP. The infamous Dr Dre, president of Aftermath Entertainment, caught wind of his new album and signed him immediately. The two worked on the album and its official release in 1999 caused a wave of public attention. He had finally hit the bigtime.

‘I’m Slim Shady’

Although Marshall usually performs under his rap name of Eminem (from M and M, Marshall Mathers), there is a darker character behind many of his songs, as most fans know. Slim Shady is his foul-mouthed, homophobic, womanising, mother-hating alter ego. Slim Shady blatantly rants about drug abuse, promiscuity, sexual preferences and political issues as well as resenting outright many aspects of Marshall’s childhood and personal life. To Marshall, Slim Shady is a means by which he can release his anger and hateful thoughts in a non-violent manner.

Lyrical Analysis

In addition to the release of his pent up aggression, he raps on such subjects as the US attack on Iraq, openly insulting the president in question; today’s methods of bringing up children; the inadequacies of the music industry; and social issues. A common theme in his songs is a backlash at negative public response to his music style, not-so-delicately reflected in his song, ‘Just Don’t Give A F***’. Many people take his music at face value and fail to see the messages he tries to put across in his blatantly explicit tone. His millions of fans worldwide, however, see him as a lyrical genius, expressing many commonly held opinions on a variety of issues in a manner that demands attention. The multitude of awards, over double-platinum record sales and a constantly growing fan base prove that his words strike a chord with many.

Eminem- Family Man?

Marshall’s daughter, Haile Jade, is undoubtedly the love of his life, as portrayed in his song (sung not rapped!) fittingly entitled ‘Haile’s Song’, from the album ‘The Eminem Show’, as well as the song 'Mockingbird', from the album of the same name. The subject of his daughter has often been raised in the various interviews conducted by the media and Marshall’s heartfelt emotions are plain to see.

Marshall and his wife, Kim, have had too many break-ups and make-ups to mention here, many of which have been the focal point of Slim’s rants, recognized in such hits as ’97 Bonnie and Clyde’ and ‘Kim’. Despite this, there seems to be an undeniable bond between the two as their break-ups never seem to last too long.

The relationship between Marshall and his mother has often been at the forefront of his career, whether that be lyrical attacks against her or the subsequent $10 million lawsuit that she filed against him in response. The true nature of their relationship is largely unknown, but many of his songs, for example ‘My Name Is’, portray her as being, or having been, drugged-up and irresponsible.

Listen Up!

The rapper may have an unconventional and downright vulgar approach to his music but the messages he portrays are widely felt. Marshall himself seems to be like any other normal guy, with strong morals and an undying love for his daughter. His life has been tainted by his troublesome childhood and rap has become his method for addressing many of the issues he faced back then that still have an influence on his life today. Next time you hear one of his tracks, if you usually switch it straight off, try to look beyond the explicit content for the deeper meaning. It may surprise you.

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