Adam Graham / Detroit News Pop Music Writer
Get ready for the return of the king — or not.
A mysterious new Web site, kingmathers.com, appears to be a teaser for Detroit-bred hip-hop superstar Eminem’s new album, titled “King Mathers.”
“Guess who’s coming back?” the site reads, above a picture of Em fixing the brim of his cap. Below his picture is the title, followed by a message that reads, “The first new studio album in more than 2 years. Coming soon.”
And then, poof — after four seconds the screen goes blank, and re-routes visitors to a hip-hop message board.
Is the site legit? Not according to Eminem’s Interscope Records publicist, Dennis Dennehy, who said Tuesday “It’s not true” and called kingmathers.com “bogus.”
Regarding new material, Dennehy said, “there is no Eminem album on any release schedule.”
Still, for months Em has been rumored to be working on new material and eyeing a 2007 release date. Though the project has been hush-hush, 50 Cent and Eminem’s Shady Records signee, Ca$his, have both mentioned the project in interviews. Rumored collaborators include Dr. Dre, T.I. and Akon.
Even though Em has kept a decidedly low profile since the release of 2004’s “Encore,” new Eminem product has continued to hit store shelves. “Curtain Call — The Hits” was released in December 2005, and the compilation set “Eminem Presents: The Re-Up” hit stores late last year.
You can reach Adam Graham at (313) 222-2284 or agraham@det news.com.