Since bursting onto the music scene, Eminem has shown resilience and adaptability, factors evident during the recent Shade 45’s 20th-anniversary special where he opened up about his songwriting process. Joined by DJ Whoo Kid and Paul Rosenberg, Eminem provided fans with insights about his creative evolution and the mountains of notebooks filling his home.
Known for his trademark lyricism, Eminem revealed during the broadcast how his approach to writing has grown more complex over the years, partly influenced by hip-hop icons like KRS-One. "Every punchline you can think of, every set of wordplay — anything — has already been done," Eminem stated, expressing his desire to innovate rather than replicate. He recounted advice from Alchemist about the legendary KRS-One's habit of writing down thoughts and lyrics, saying, "Twenty years ago, he told me this story. He was like, 'Yo, you should have seen KRS-One. He was just picking up a book and reading raps off the paper!'" Eminem, inspired by this story, confirmed, "Now I keep them in books, so I have bags full of books now."
The rapper, known for his outstanding lyrical prowess, described the inside of his notebooks as chaotic but valuable. "No one will ever understand what is in my book because it’s just scribble scrabble. Nothing’s really connected, there’s no rhyme or reason to it," he explained. Despite this seemingly disorderly method, he demonstrated remarkable recall, saying, "I know where it’s on the paper. I can’t memorize everything I write, but I’ll....remember which side of the page this little rhyme scheme was." This chaotic creativity, revolving around organized chaos, was likened by Rosenberg to the movie “A Beautiful Mind.”
Another significant highlight of Eminem's current chapter is his influence on fellow artists. Recently, renowned producer Dr. Dre credited Eminem with inspiring him to return to the studio. During a conversation with Power 106 FM, Dre shared, "Em is finishing his project. And for me, I’m inspired again to get back to the studio." Dr. Dre, who has been stagnant musically since 1999’s 2001, said this collaboration sparked his creativity and made him eager to experiment with new music.
Eminem's public presence has also extended beyond music. At the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign rally, Eminem rallied supporters and emphasized the significance of civic engagement. He approached the stage to his 2010 track “Not Afraid” and introduced former President Barack Obama. Eminem engaged the crowd by reminiscing about his roots and the importance of making one’s voice heard. “The city of Detroit and the whole state of Michigan mean a lot to me,” he noted, urging residents, "I think it’s important to use your voice, so I’m encouraging everybody to get out and vote, please."
His position as one of hip-hop’s preeminent figures has intertwined with political activism, including critiques of past and present political figures. Eminem has shown disdain for the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump, referring to him as “brainwashing” his supporters and openly labeling him as “racist.” He discouraged the use of his music by politicians who fail to align with his beliefs, asking aspiring Republican candidates to cease performances of tracks like “Lose Yourself.”
With enthusiasm, Eminem took the opportunity to underline the urgency of the upcoming election, as the latest polls indicate tight races between Harris and Trump across key battleground states. The appearance of music legends like Eminem, alongside prominent figures such as Bruce Springsteen, showcases the union of music and civic duty, reinforcing the notion of artists’ roles as social commentators.
Since dropping his latest album “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” this past July, Eminem continues to find ways to engage fans. He recently celebrated personal milestones as he announced he will soon become a grandfather during the video for “Temporary.” This joyous news has added another dimension to his album's promotion, allowing fans to connect with him on a personal level.
Eminem's career continues to evolve, demonstrating not just his artistry but also his ability to influence and inspire those around him, be it through his craft or his vocal stances on pressing social issues. His reflection on writing habits and current inspirations indicates his unyielding dedication to music and the world itself, ensuring he remains at the forefront of both hip-hop and cultural discussion.
