Eminem: as sexual harassment rocks entertainment world, will fans welcome return of rapper and his new album Revival?
Singer’s catalogue has long been characterised by rampant homophobia and misogyny, but in the wake of the revelations about Harvey Weinstein and other stars, how much of more of his shock-value work are people willing to accept?
The rap icon released his last solo album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, in November 2013 – a month before Beyoncé led a feminist charge on her self-titled surprise effort; a year before Kesha filed a lawsuit against producer Dr Luke alleging sexual assault; and more than two years before Kanye West reignited a pop-culture flame war with Taylor Swift over his derogatory lyrics about her on Famous.
What Harvey Weinstein scandal means for misbehaving musicians used to getting away with it
Fast forward to this autumn, when each new day brings another wave of sexual harassment allegations against people in power from all corners of the entertainment industry: mega producer Harvey Weinstein. Actor Kevin Spacey. Comedian Louis C.K. Meanwhile, artists continue to navigate an increasingly fraught political climate, using their platforms to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism under the current US administration.
It’s certainly a questionable time for the return of Eminem, who released Beyoncé-assisted single Walk on Water earlier this month, and whose ninth studio album, “Revival”, is expected to be released on Friday.
Eminem’s catalogue has long been characterised by rampant homophobia and misogyny, prejudices that are slowly becoming less prominent in mainstream hip-hop. Under the alter ego Slim Shady, he’s rapped about slitting a cheating lover’s throat (Guilty Conscience), raping his mother (Kill You), and stabbing gay and trans people (Criminal).
Other lyrics have attacked female celebrities, describing graphic sexual violence toward Lana Del Rey, Iggy Azalea and Pamela Anderson, among others.
Whether tongue-in-cheek or literal, his hate speech doesn’t appear to be a thing of the past. Earlier this year, the 45-year-old MC came under fire for his verse on Big Sean’s No Favors, in which he describes torturing political commentator Ann Coulter.