Exclusive: Eminem Responds to Rap God Homophobia Accusations

[emusic]

In the years since the initial uproar over the use of anti-gay slurs on his first two albums, Eminem has performed with and befriended Elton John, endorsed gay marriage and repeatedly told interviewers that he doesn't actually have any problem with gay people. But he continues to sprinkle his lyrics with language that's not hard to construe as homophobic. In this excerpt from his upcoming Rolling Stone cover story, due November 22nd, Eminem defends his much-criticized use of slurs in the single "Rap God."

You've made it clear again and again that you don't actually have a problem with gay people. So why, in 2013, use "faggot" on that song? Why use "gay-looking" as an insult?

I don't know how to say this without saying it how I've said it a million times. But that word, those kind of words, when I came up battle-rappin' or whatever, I never really equated those words . . .

To actually mean "homosexual"?

Yeah. It was more like calling someone a bitch or a punk or asshole. So that word was just thrown around so freely back then. It goes back to that battle, back and forth in my head, of wanting to feel free to say what I want to say, and then [worrying about] what may or may not affect people. And, not saying it's wrong or it's right, but at this point in my career – man, I say so much shit that's tongue-in-cheek. I poke fun at other people, myself. But the real me sitting here right now talking to you has no issues with gay, straight, transgender, at all. I'm glad we live in a time where it's really starting to feel like people can live their lives and express themselves. And I don't know how else to say this, I still look at myself the same way that I did when I was battling and broke.

I kind of thought you were doing it because when you're rapping as Slim Shady, part of your mission is to annoy people.

Well, look, I've been doing this shit for, what, 14 years now? And I think people know my personal stance on things and the personas that I create in my music. And if someone doesn't understand that by now, I don't think there's anything I can do to change their mind about it.



Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/ ... z2jhUHHF7y

[superman11]

If people don't get that, they shouldn't hit play on an Eminem track.

[ladelsofgravy]

And if someone doesn't understand that by now, I don't think there's anything I can do to change their mind about it.

[Ndray]

@superman11
Hey, cool signature. Where's that footage from?

[Ndray]

Nevermind, I've seen the other thread. Cool, can't wait for the video

[Ndray]

Well, it's a good thing the controversy is back. I look at the 2010, Recoverish Em and hear him on Not Afraid, where he turns out to be the good guy, and everyone is praising him on his sobriety (which is a good thing he did)..but..I don't know, it just doesn't seem like Eminem. But now he's back and I can say he's in the best form since his comeback. MMPL2 is fuckin` awesome!

[One Mic]

he adressed this in 2010 ffs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjQt2RHlp4U

lol at comments

Awh poor Emzie, he's being singled out because of his race. Well, when I was a kid (only 9 or so) I had to hear his homophobic lyrics sung by all the kids I went to school with. I was singled out and teased and disrespected and tormented constantly and the small part he played in that is deplorable. Certain people I like, Brittany Murhpy for example, have done business with him so people are free to enjoy him but I personally think he hasn't been grilled enough for this shit.

[VINTAGƎ]

"Unfashionable and bout as rational as a rash in a fag's asshole"

"Call me a faggot cuz I hate a pussy"

"Might as well let my lips pucker like Elton John, cuz I'm just a mean cocksucker."

-Recovery

Seriously, do people only listen to him when he names his album Marshall Mathers?

He's used the same language his entire career. On Eminem Show and Recovery, two albums with zero controversy and were both critically acclaimed albums, he was doing it there too.

I find it sad the journalist even felt the need to ask. How many times has he answered this question?

Homophobes don't let men put their bare ass in front of their face on a nationally televised awards show.

[Kill You]

Spoken like a true homophobe.

[MontrealSTAN]

Spoken like a true homophobe.

Can't believe media these days..

[Steelez]

Spoken like a true homophobe.

[EminemBase]

How many times do the dumb fucks need the shit re-explained. Jesus christ.

"...And the personas that I create in my music"

< Boom. Summed it up with 'personas that I create in my music' - for years he spoke about his lyrics like they were his thoughts, not acknowledging the character-play, he said all that needs to be said here. Any more explaining and you're ruining the point of the art.

[SpiderDiaze]

No doubt the gay rights charity will stick their handbags into this one.

[Riis]

I shared the Rap God YouTube video on Facebook a week ago and my gay uncle commented "Wow. I'm disappointed that you would support such vulgar homophobia."

I responded with "Seriously?" And blocked him.

[Shady50]

"Unfashionable and bout as rational as a rash in a fag's asshole"

"Call me a faggot cuz I hate a pussy"

"Might as well let my lips pucker like Elton John, cuz I'm just a mean cocksucker."

-Recovery

Seriously, do people only listen to him when he names his album Marshall Mathers?

He's used the same language his entire career. On Eminem Show and Recovery, two albums with zero controversy and were both critically acclaimed albums, he was doing it there too.

I find it sad the journalist even felt the need to ask. How many times has he answered this question?

Homophobes don't let men put their bare ass in front of their face on a nationally televised awards show.

You ain't kidding. He's said these kinds of lines all throughout his career and now 13 years later, people start to get butthurt again? Fuckin' faggots.