Who
is the Real Slim Shady?
Albert Price
Dundrum College
The person: Eminem's
real name is Marshal Mathers. He is a white rap artist. He is married
to Kim who is also in the music industry and has a daughter called Haley.
Some describe him as a very angry man.
The sales: Eminem has
sold 15 million copies of his 2 albums and his latest album, "The Marshal
Mathers LP", has gone 'platinum' 13 times in Ireland. His record company
has been quoted as saying that this is the third highest territorial percentage
of record sales in the world. His recent concert in Manchester sold out
in just 3 hours.
The controversy: The
content of his albums is controversial but if you don't like it then don't
buy or listen to it (well, that's the way I feel). If the older generation
disagree with your choice of Eminem's albums then remind them of people
like Ossie Osborn and rock music in general. There were huge protests
against Eminem to prevent his concert in Manchester. Some say he abuses
his freedom of speech with his offensive language against women and homosexuals.
But Dido, who was featured in the song 'Stan', said Eminem isn't a bad
guy, he just puts on an act to help him sell albums.
Behind bars: Eminem
possibly faces 3 months in jail for pulling out a gun on a man who he
caught passionately kissing his wife outside a pub in Detroit. Eminem's
mother has given up in her attempt to sue him for $10 million and said
it was just to scare him. She only wants $2 million now!
His last concert: In
his last concert he played a video of himself participating in a chain
saw massacre. He then came out on stage with a chain saw and started revving
it up in front of excited fans. There is talk that Eminem might be playing
a concert in Ireland in the near future.
The lyrics: Eminem
has one track on his latest album devoted to how bad he thinks N Sync
are and another devoted to the long and painful imaginary murder of his
own wife where she is referred to as a 'Bitch', among other things.
The reaction: 'The
Marshall Mathers LP' has been given an R18 classification in New Zealand
which means it cannot be sold or given to anyone under the age of 18.
Breaking the law carries a possible penalty of three months in prison
and a fine of up to $10,000. Record shops caught selling the album to
under-18s could face a $25,000 fine. In addition, Eminem may have a difficult
time crossing the Canadian border. His lyrical content on songs like 'Kill
You' violates Canada's Criminal Code. It is illegal to communicate statements
that promote hatred against any identifiable group other than in private
conversation. If this law is enforced the CDs could be banned and his
concerts cancelled.
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