I’m very glad that he realized that he needed to step back and take care of himself.  He had become addicted to sleep medication and had to even cancel the European dates on his 2005 “Anger Management Tour” because of the problem.  Things only got worse when his friend (and D12 bandmate), Proof, was gunned down in 2006.  "I think it kind of hit me so hard. It just blindsided me. I just went into such a dark place that, with everything – the drugs, my thoughts. And the more drugs I consumed, and it was all depressants I was taking, the more depressed I became, the more self-loathing I became.”

That is so true and it is something that so many people struggle with.  I’m so happy he’s speaking out about it because others can see that they are not alone.  He explained that he is now able to talk about his feelings and that’s a big step, especially for men since so many are taught to keep it all inside.  I hope this is the beginning of a new, better chapter in his life.

His new album Relapse hits shelves on May 19, 2009.  It’s his first since 2004’s Encore.

image: Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

Eminem Discusses Drug Relapse

There is a lot of confusion about where this single fits in – some people claim it will be featured on Em’s upcoming album Relapse while 50 Cent has reportedly said that he will include it in his new album, Before I Self-Destruct.  Some reports say that both rappers will have it on their albums.  It wouldn’t be the first time that’s happened.  

Anyway, listening to the song, I think it’s good and I’m happy Em is back to work but I do think that it’s a little too much like rap from a few years ago and may not fit in well with what is currently on the market.  I’ll have to wait and see what he comes up with on Relapse before I really make up my mind. 

image: Amazon.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Eminem, Dr Dre & 50 Cent “Crack a Bottle”