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Calling all hip hop practitioners, it’s that time again. Enthusiastic Stans every where must have been salivating last Friday as Eminem took center stage with Big Tigger. You’re mighty special when a canceled television show pops back up just for you. BET produced an exclusive interview with the rap icon on a special edition of their one time hit show Rap City the Basement. The episode was to commemorate Eminem’s Relapse album. The multi platinum lyrical wizard laid it all out on the table as the host attempted to pick his brain clean.

Tigger proceeded to explore Em’s new found prospective on many topics ranging from his views on the current state of hip hop to what personally motivates Em as an artist. Em expressed a new feel of energy towards doing what he loves for a living. Em let it be known how incredibly happy he is to be back amongst us all. He stated that hip hop feels like it’s in a better place today then when he last stepped out on the scene. When asked who he felt was playing the part of keeping hip hop alive during his absence he called out a few names that many would agree with, and mentioned that he’s glad to see the return of Red and Method Man. He also mentioned native Detroit MC Royce Da 5’9 and let it be known that this in one artist who is under rated and unfortunately does not receive the amount of attention he deserves.

Of course Tigger brought up the comparisons to the other new kid on the block Asher Roth. Let’s be honest these two are being compared mainly due to a certain pigment similarity because although Asher does well within his own balanced act, he’s no Eminem. Em smoothly responds to Tig that he supports his fellow rapper’s artistic synopsis. He states that he recently had picked up Asher Roth’s album and enjoyed it a great deal. As far as the comparisons though Em made it clear that he didn’t think they sounded anything alike.

Big Tig gloated that some are moved by fame, money, and or the lifestyle but inquired as to what part of the game moves Eminem. Almost immediately Slim Shady answers with a jolted goofy out take, but within a flash Em calms back down to his ultra slinky self and give an in dept portrait of what drives his desires. “Respect! Just having fun with hip hop. I don’t really feel like I’m in it to sell a ton of records anymore, not that I ever was but especially now. I’m in a place where I don’t feel like I need to do it but wanna do it.”

He also discussed his struggle to embrace his celebrity status citing a story where he was mobbed and chased out of an area mall once his career really took off. This type of hysteria is more than believable considering that this is one artist who caught on fire with the public then quickly spread to a blaze. None other that 50 Cent who recalled the admiration of his friend joined the interview. 50 spoke, “I don’t think people truly understand the dynamics of our relationship. I look at Em like I put him right next to my grandmother. You know like with people who took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself.” It was actually heartfelt and sentimental.

When the topic of the hour arose on the album Relapse, Eminem spoke vividly forward towards his bout with prescription drugs. He warned that due to being in such a dark place it allowed him to sink deeper into his addiction nearly at the cost of his life. He spoke of the discomfort he had found in his dwellings and how it had produced a self loathing mental state. He referred to this small glitch as his “boxing match.” He began using as an experiment then it exploded into a recreational past time. After the untimely passing of his best friend Proof, the drugs latched on or vice versa and spiraled out of control. Eminem was headed over board and seemingly cared less. Thankfully he was able to pull himself back from the abyss before falling off for good. As far as the over all feel of the album, Em summarized it by saying “the whole album is just full of things you feel horrible for laughing at, after you’ve laughed.”

Written By Sha'Linda Jeanine

Sha’Linda holds a M.S. and B.S. in Mass Communications. In addition to The Koalition she is also a journalist/author for HipHopDX, AllHipHop, Yo Raps, HHW, etc. Her focal point is Hip-Hop the genre and lifestyle. This examination is her concern, responsibility, and cultural investigation.