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Eminem's real name is Marshal Mathers. He is a white rap artist. The content of his albums is controversial.

Who is the real slim shady?
Albert Price, Dundrum College, analyses the person, the controversy he has created and the lyrics of his songs.

Eminem in Britain
The infamous "Slim Shady" recently caused uproar during the British leg of his European tour. America's most prestigious white rapper was overwhelmed by the legions of protesters awaiting him. Ann Mahon reports.


Who is the Real Slim Shady?

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.

Albert Price, Dundrum College

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Eminem in Britain

The infamous "Slim Shady" recently caused uproar during the British leg of his European tour. America's most prestigious white rapper was overwhelmed by the legions of protesters awaiting him. He was warned even before he arrived that, if he was caught taking drugs, he would be arrested immediately. The concern over the safety of Eminem (real name, Marshal Mathers) was so great that he arrived at one venue by boat to avoid protesters and was accompanied in Britain by a team of fifty bodyguards.

So what was the cause of this concern? Well, since the very beginning of his career, Mathers has been renowned for the strong language contained in his lyrics. Also, many of his songs are deemed both sexist and homophobic. His stage show has also been the cause of great controversy. His use of a chainsaw during the show is seen as unnecessary violence and many protesters were disgusted to see the star swallow what he said were ecstasy pills (It was later confirmed that these "pills" were merely chewing gums.) What protestors, parents in particular, are finding most worrying is that teenagers who follow Eminem's music might also follow his actions - they might be encouraged into becoming violent and taking drugs. This is something I do not fully agree with. Although some might, I don't believe that most young people are stupid enough to be dragged into taking drugs and attacking people in the street just by listening to a couple of songs. Even Marshal himself has asked people not to take his music too seriously. As for the stage act, I have noticed myself that it is really quite tame if you compare it to that of artists in our parent's teenage years. We should ask them if they were in any way affected by the antics of the likes of Sid Vicious, who tore off pieces of his own flesh and threw them to the audience. A pleasant guy, I'm sure.

So, before the older generations think about criticising their children's taste in music perhaps they should look back to when "guitar smashing" started and think again!

Ann Mahon

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