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 Eminem represents one of the few people in the world who've been so different and so bizarre that they live their lives swimming through opposition and condemnation. His work, a type of anti-political-correctness rap, has been viewed as controversial and insulting, but at the same time forcing society to take a good look at itself and how jaded it has truly become. We don't necessarily agree with the ideas he presents, we don't think he's cute and we do agree that he takes it overboard sometimes, but what he stands for is everything we stand for. Anti-conformity.
Eminem has decided to take a year or two off, at least that's what he told MTV after the 2000 Video Music Awards, his impression is far from forgotten. Eminem, in fact, is everything but an overnight sensation, for he's worked long and hard to get where he is, even though his fifteen minutes of fame seem to be up.
He started to really turn his rap obsession into a career in 1996, when he released his debut album, Infinite, to the underground rap society. Unfortunately that didn't receive the hit he hoped for, his eccentric style was immediately accused of sounding too much like that of Nas and AZ. This got Mathers working hard on the Slim Shady EP, an album with a more honest and outgoing style, commenting on mainstream celebrities and real life problems, yet in a light, comic way which caught the hard to please underground's attention. It also got him on some LA radio stations, which was where rap producer Dr. Dre heard his free styling and decided to go on a manhunt for him. As soon as they met and spoke, plans for a contract signing were arranged.
Growing up, Mathers was a great fan of Dr. Dre's, his and NWA altogether. He had a hard time with moving so often, for he moved back and forth from Kansas City, his birth town, to the Detroit metropolitan area. At the age of 12 he moved with to his mom in East Detriot. He often had problems with other students and got into many fights resulting in having to change school often. Then he decided dropping out was a better idea. He got many part time jobs, and he put out money towards his rap career.
 "I do say things that I think will shock people." Says Mathers, "But I don't do things to shock people. I'm not trying to be the next TuPac, but I don't know how long I'm going to be on this planet. So while I'm here, I might as well make the most of it." Seems strange, since he's made far more a ripple in the wave of music than TuPac ever has, and his style seemed to fulfill its intended rebellious tone. Eminem, we salute you for your ingeniosity, whether tear-jerking or riotous. You are the epitome of non-conformity.
 Lyrics to our favourite Eminem songs (Explicit lyrics warning.)
Christina Aguilera's "Please Shut Up" rap parody
Links to a couple other Eminem websites:
The official website - Runs on pop-ups, so don't close them when they come up.
Eminem Infinite
Research and development of this Eminem page assisted by Poison Ivee of CB.
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