After enumerating painful events he went through during his childhood, Eminem claims in his Evil Deeds song:
« There goes poor Marshall again,
whining about his millions and his fortune and
his sorrow he’s always drowning in
and the dad that he never had and how his childhood was so bad
and how mom was a dope addict and his ex how they go at it.
Man, I’d hate to have it as bad as that Mr. Mathers claims he had it.
Man, I can’t imagine it. That little rich poor white bastard needs to
take some of that cash out of the bank and take a bath in it.
Man, if I only had half of it…
You only knew the half of it… »
Those lines are, of course, sarcastic. But it corresponds to an opinion many people have about Eminem now that he is rich and at the top. I wish people could drop this unpleasant stereotype of the « poor rich whining bastard » when they come to talk about Marshall Mathers’ wealth.
Yes, Eminem is a now a rich man. Do some of you realize how much he earned his money a hard way?
His childhood was a living nightmare…maybe his only peaceful years were his early years spent at his aunt Edna’s home. Eminem did not find the inside and outside security needed as a kid. Between a mom who popped pills and introducing him into pain killers and the school bullies who terrorized him and who nearly killed him, young Marshall realized how much his world was insecure.
His teenage years and the beginning of adulthood were a constant fight for recognition.
Eminem made up his decision to rap, but it wasn’t really easy for a white rapper to get some recognition. Before being signed by Dr Dre, Marshall experienced real difficulties in emerging on the rap scene. His personal life, his numerous arguments with Kim didn’t really leave time for a real peace of mind.
Some people, whose childhood has been difficult too and who have been through similar situations than Eminem have argued that they didn’t insult their mom, even if she acted as a « bitch » during their childhood…they argued that Eminem kept whining about the same things in his music.
To those people I would like to say: we are all different. 100 people can go through similar situations than Eminem’s did and react in 100 different ways. Marshall Mathers is a sensitive person, who has obviously been wounded by his painful past. His genius lies in the fact that he transformed his pain into art and that he managed to reach out to a large audience.
Why do you think that different people, from different countries, ages and backgrounds buy Slim Shady’s records? If you ask me, we buy his records because we can relate to most of the stuff he talks about.
When I first listened to Rock Bottom and heard Eminem say:
« My daughter’s feet ain’t got no shoes or sock’s on ‘em », I had tears in my eyes. Back in the mid 90’s, I had been through the same kind of situation with my own son.
Eminem shared his story and his pain with his public. His music allowed him to let his emotions out of his chest, and also to touch people who could relate to his stuff.
Marshall Mathers’ career has been very successful. Thanks to his amazing talent, he has sold a lot of records. Within several years, he has reached a top level.
I have heard so many times: « Eminem is rich, he has nothing to worry about » or « he’s got the money, he should stop whining about his past! » « when you ‘re as rich as Eminem, any of your problems can be solved! »
Ok, if you think your statements are correct, then accept to walk a mile in Marshall’s shoes…You fools! Do you really think that money will buy you love, friends and prevent you from being sick?
First of all, Eminem’s « complaints » in his music are an outlet for his negative emotions and scars from the past.
Second, it is very lonely at the top. When you reach Eminem’s level of fame and wealth, you barely know who your true friends actually are. You have to be cautious in analyzing the reasons why people are trying to approach you, because many of them calculate about your money.
Many people have claimed to be Marshall’s friends and have betrayed him.
Third, I doubt you could ever face the pressures Eminem has been facing since the start of his career. Do you realize that Marshall Mathers has nearly no privacy?
He had to handle mad fans’ behaviors, many lawsuits (it is still the case), negative criticism, attacks from the GLAAD, from Lynne Cheney etc…
Some people who have been disappointed with Encore also allowed themselves the right to insult the talented rapper, which is despicable.
Being disappointed is one thing, becoming disrespectful makes you look like an arrogant prick when besides insulting him, you pretend to be his « fan ».
Let me tell you what regarding the Encore album. Encore is not as good as Eminem’s former albums, but still, it would beat many top emcees albums. Why? Simply because there are still some high quality songs on it like Evil Deeds, Never Enough, yellow Brick Road, Toy Soldiers, Mosh and Mockingbird…
I have been reproached to defend Eminem so many times. Yes, it is true, I always stick up for him when I find it right. However, I’m not afraid to express some criticism when needed: I was disappointed by Ass Like That and I said it clearly. Also, I don’t share each of Mr Mathers’ point of views. I don’t necessarily agree with the way he views Moby and his opinion about illegal downloads on the net.
A common mistake is to think that Eminem’s wealth has solved all of his problems.
One main reason why I have written about Marshall’s life, analyzing some of his family members is for people to acknowledge that despite his superstar status, he is a human being, with his emotions, his weak and good points. A man, who lives his life, goes through good and bad times like any of us- with the only difference that he is a public person. I intended to show you Eminem in the role of a daddy, a big brother and a responsible family man.
Some of his problems might have been solved through money, but money has also created a huge amount of issues in Marshall’s life.
And if you are convinced he is a « little rich whining bastard » step into his shoes and live his hectic life for 24 hours. You might totally change your mind about it.
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