Eminem spoke to an old friend, legendary musician Elton John, ahead of his Revival album’s release in an article for Interview Magazine. The two became close after teaming up at the 2001 Grammy Awards to perform Slim Shady’s “Stan,” making a statement against homophobia when Eminem — a perceived homophobe — and John — an openly gay man — hugged and joined hands on stage. The genuineness of their friendship shines in a candid and casual conversation, which touched on music, drug addiction, Donald Trump and Eminem’s relationships with Dr. Dre and Paul Rosenberg.
Here are some of the highlights.
On Revival:
“It’s a reflection of where I’m at right now, but also I feel like what I tried to do was diversify. I’ve tried to make a little something for everyone.”
On sobriety:
“Getting clean made me grow up. I feel like all the years that I was using, I wasn’t growing as a person.”
On being a private person:
“I feel like if I don’t go away, I get sick of myself. It’s never been my thing to be in the spotlight all the time.”
On Dr. Dre’s influence:
“He started showing me things that I didn’t know I could do with my voice.”
On Paul Rosenberg:
“Sometimes we’re on the same page and sometimes we’re not. He’s usually right about it.”
On his creative process:
“When I record an album, I do probably close to 50 songs. Each song I record has to get better…First, the beat has to be great—you start there. You start with the music, and then the ideas follow. Then you start thinking of rhymes, and then you record it.”
On his current favorite artists:
“J. Cole. Travis Scott. Kendrick is great. My friend Royce Da 5’9 is incredible. Joyner Lucas is really good. Tech N9ne, too.”
On his Anti-Donald Trump freestyle:
“It was about having the right to stand up to oppression. We have a president who does not care about everybody in our country… I still feel like America is the greatest country to live in.”
On Elton John:
“Thank you, Elton. I love you, too.”
Check out the full interview here.
Eminem has just taken over the game…like he always does
True… I wish other artists could get the same push that he does though. Ex: Brother Ali, Nas, Big Boi
What a great interview. Artists don’t need to do interview after interview. Just have one once in a blue moon and make it great.
Is Donald Trump gonna save Eminem’s career? The type of people who fought this guy his whole career suddenly love him cuz his vulgarity is aimed at their enemy…I guarantee trump haters that hated Eminem will support him now. Guess what Em…never have we ever, had a president that cares about “everybody”. I would love to make this about music, but his music has sucked for a decade and the mere anticipation for an Eminem album at this point is nonsense…you’re gonna get the watered down Em we been getting for 10 years
“never have we ever had a president that cares about “everybody.”
That’s part of the problem. This President is even worse about it
Name one American citizen (or group of American citizens) that Donald Trump “doesn’t care about”. And provide examples, thanks.
Name one American citizen (or group of American citizens) that Donald Trump “doesn’t care about”. Provide examples, thanks.
trump supporters who liked Eminem don’t anymore so I call it even. Don’t be salty
Big up’s to EM for standing up to the Orange man sitting in the Whitehouse !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!