catapult magazine

One of rap’s infamous or famous, however you put it, white rappers, Eminem, seems to get knocked down a lot for the foul language and content that he uses in his rap songs. I have been listening to Eminem, giving myself a chance or rather giving his “music” a chance. I don’t find rap to be considered music. But, it does take some talent. But, there is no other rapper I give credit to more than Eminem. Yes, he has made a lot of people mad and has offended many, but his style is so unique that I find myself appreciating his work. Yes, he uses foul language, but his work tells stories and feelings, and it isn’t always about him, drugs, and sex. Some of it, yes. But, it doesn’t talk about him “bringin down the idustry” or “bustin caps and splitting wigs” like all the other rappers rap about. Also, the way he flows with his words at his own unique beat is also incredible. Finally, I give him credit for the way he started out. He started out with nothing as a scared white kid in a black rap society and living in a trailer. He’s made mistakes, we all do, but I see that he’s trying to improve his life and fix it up.

Comments of all kinds are welcome.

I found this post today … it’s rather old and I think the author no longer visits *cino. But, I just wanted to add that I give Eminem “props” (had to say that) for not filling his videos with crowds of half-naked women, as it seems most rap stars do. What’s up with the hyped-up version of masculinity in rap today, anyway?

Thanks for bumping this back up, mrsanniep. Lately, I have been very interested in articulating a particularly Christian response to Eminem. I’ve been a big fan since the Marshall Mathers LP and am having trouble coming up with a proper response to Christians who just seem to scream “run for your life!!” whenever Eminem is brought up. I see a lot about his music that is wonderful, much that is hilarious, and some that is shocking. A lot of it is immediately offensive, too, but I see nothing particularly wrong with that. Some of my most important experiences with art have been offensive. I’d like to discuss this more…

One thing that strikes me about Eminem is that he seems more genuine than his contemporaries. What he says sounds genuine and as though he might’ve learned a lesson or two from his life experiences. I admire genuine no matter what form it takes when it comes to music, art, emotions and communication. Many other hip-hop artists sound as though they’re playing the part. They’re like parodies of the hip hop industry. I don’t know. I’ll have to think about this some more. I was a bit surprised that he’s helped out 50 cent, as I consider 50 cent to be like the rest of them.

In my opinion, any artist who strives to provide people with meaningful or thought-provoking music in this age of watered down, meaningless pop culture deserves respect. and although some of eminems songs are humour based and many contain questionable content, i always get the impression that he’s trying to get some point accross, a point which is usually far more inspired than most urban music.

I admire any rapper who can manage to steer clear of the two common generes: “i’m the baddest mother on the planet” and “look at all my biatches”. So although I’m not what you would call a rap fan, when it comes to choosing between Eminem or Nelly et al, its not a hard choice. Word.