S. Samuel
Grammy-winning rapper Eminem is still cleaning out his closet and has issued a public apology to his mother after years of going at her in the media and on records.
The latest track off Em’s Marshall Mathers LP 2, “Headlights,” showcases a side of the rapper rarely ever seen.
On the Nate Ruess-assisted “Headlights,” Em reflects on his relationship with Debbie Mathers and even recognizes her for raising him and his younger brother Nate. “I went in headfirst/ Never thinkin’ about who what I said hurt, in what verse/ My mom probably got it the worst, the brunt of it/ But as stubborn as we are, did I take it too far?” he asks. “‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet’ and all them other songs, but regardless, I don’t hate you/ ‘Cause ma, you’re still beautiful to me ’cause you’re my mom.” This is quite a change from the Eminem who called his mother a “selfish b*tch” and said “I hope you f*ckin burn in hell” on 2002?s “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.” (Rap-Up)
Slim Shady also uses the new track to ask his mom for forgiveness in hopes of rekindling their relationship.
He admits that they remain estranged to this day and that he cringes when he hears “Closet” on the radio. But he has forgiven her and hopes they can start anew. “But ma, I forgive you/ So does Nathan, yo/ All you did, all you said, you did your best to raise us both,” he raps. “Foster care, that cross you bare, few may be as heavy as yours/ But I love you Debbie Mathers/ Oh, what a tangled web we have.” He recalls the one time that his mother came to his house as he, Nate, and one of his children were leaving. They spoke briefly, but he regrets not saying more. “And I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad,” says Em. “So mom, please accept this as a tribute.” (Rap-Up)
Twenty-two-year-old singer Jon Bellion revealed putting Em’s new “Monster” record together at mega producer Just Blaze‘s frequent studio spot Stadium Red earlier this year.
Bellion’s session wasn’t with Blaze though; instead he was called to work on music with producers Frequency, Alias and their artist Bebe Rexha. The session started with Bellion playing some of his solo songs (he’s managed by Visionary Music Group, the same outfit who signed Def Jam rapper Logic to his first deal), but quickly turned as he started coming up with a song for Rexha to record. “Fast forward dude plays keys, hopped on the keys, started playing chords and I’m literally like, ‘I’m friends with the monster,'” Bellion said singing the words that Rihanna would eventually sing. “I just mumbled it.” (MTV)
Based on an excerpt from his upcoming Rolling Stone feature, Slim Shady details how determined he is with his latest solo offering.
“Right now, I’m probably working harder than I’ve ever worked in my life,” says a sleep-deprived Eminem, gulping diet Red Bull in his suburban Detroit studio. He’s well past deadline (“They keep telling me a different day,” he says) on his new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 – out November 5th – and the final mixes still aren’t quite done. “Aside from around the time of The Eminem Show, when I was also doing the 8 Mile movie and soundtrack and score and sh*t like that. This is probably the equivalent of that, but all focused on the record.” (Rolling Stone)
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Check out Eminem’s “Headlights”:
