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Revision as of 15:00, 16 May 2009

Untitled

Relapse is the sixth studio album by American rapper Eminem. It is scheduled to be released by record label Interscope Records, along with subsidiaries Aftermath Entertainment and Shady Records,[1] first on May 15, 2009, followed by May 19 in the United States. Relapse will be Eminem's first studio album since Encore in 2004, thus ending the rapper's musical hiatus.[2][3]

Background

Since 2005, Eminem had intended to take a break from recording his own music in order to become a hip hop producer for other rap acts, especially for the artists signed on his own label Shady Records.[4] Such a break came when Eminem canceled the European leg of the Anger Management Tour in the summer of 2005 due to exhaustion and an addiction to sleeping pills.[5] In the following year, the rapper's remarriage to his former wife Kimberly Scott lasted only eleven weeks before a second divorce,[6] while his closest friend and fellow rapper DeShaun "Proof" Holton was later shot and killed during an altercation outside a nightclub in Detroit. Devastated by this, Eminem relapsed into prescription drugs and became increasingly reclusive from the outside world, as he would rarely leave his house nor appear in public.[3][6][7]

But, for some reason, in hindsight, the way I felt was almost like [Proof's death] happened to just me … I just went into such a dark place that, with everything, the drugs, my thoughts, everything. [sic] 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…

— — Eminem, XXL, Issue of June 2009[8]

Speculation on an upcoming album by Eminem was reported since mid–2007 from announcements made by artists 50 Cent and Stat Quo, a current and former member of Shady Records respectively.[9][10] Also, rapper Bizarre—member of the hip hop group D12—stated that the release of the group's third studio album was on hold because Interscope Records wanted to release Eminem's album first.[11] By the end of the year, additional musicians associated with Shady Records, including The Alchemist, Bishop Lamont, Cashis and Obie Trice had confirmed on different occasions that the rapper was effectively working on a new album.[12][13][14][15] On September 12, 2007, during a call at the radio station WQHT Hot 97, Eminem stated that he was in limbo and was not sure whether he would release any new material in the near future. The rapper then elaborated that at that point he was constantly working in the recording studio and was happy he had come to terms with his personal issues.[16]

Recording and production

Recording history

In the initial recording stages of Relapse, record producer and long-time Detroit collaborator Jeff Bass of the Bass Brothers worked with Eminem on twenty-five tracks during the two-year period after the rapper had received treatment for his sleeping pill-addiction in 2005.[2][3] Bass described the production of those songs as an attempt to return to Eminem's original sound, similar to The Marshall Mathers LP, and to allow the artist to rap "off the top of his head, as opposed to writing a story."[2] At the same time, according to the Eminem's song rights supervisor Joel Martin, the rapper began collecting additional songs without noticing it, as Eminem would often record material for other people's musical projects and inevitably end up with tracks he really liked.[2]

Eminem purchased the Effigy Studio in Ferndale, Michigan in 2007, and ended his working relationship with much of his former production team of the 54 Sound recording studio, including the Bass Brothers.[2][17] He then continued recording the album with producer Dr. Dre, who in September 2007 stated his intention to dedicate two months to the production of Relapse.[18][19] The making of the album progressed at the Effigy Studio up to a year after, as recording sessions were then moved to Miami in September 2008.[2][3] Originally, Eminem and Dr. Dre had planned to work in the studio for only a few more days since September, but this eventually became six months. Eminem would later say the two were on a hot recording streak and had collected a large amount of new music, adding to his previous claim in November where the rapper estimated he had recorded an estimated hundred songs in the last two years.[1][20]

During this recording period, a handful of songs intended for Relapse were leaked on the Internet, including an incomplete version of "Crack a Bottle".[21] The song was then finished in January 2009 with additional vocals from Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.[22] Despite the leak, in February 2009 the album was being completed in a state of near-total secrecy, according to the British newspaper The Independent.[3] Even Polydor Records, the multinational owner of Interscope, had no information on the album at the time.[3] On April 23, Eminem suggested he and possibly Dr. Dre were the only ones in possession of the final copy of Relapse, while his manager Paul Rosenberg added that even Eminem's record labels were not in possession of the music at less than one month from the release date in order to prevent possible bootlegging.[23]

Music and lyrical content

"3am"
In "3am", Eminem goes into detail about how he murders several people, including his own cousin.[24]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Relapse is produced entirely by Dr. Dre, except for one song Eminem produced himself.[25] According to Eminem, to work with Dr. Dre allowed him to concentrate on the processes of songwriting rather than the production, which was taken care of by Dre himself.[18] The rapper justified his choice of using Dr. Dre for the vast majority of the production due to their long collaborative history and a musical "chemistry" only he and Dr. Dre shared.[21] This allowed the rapper to pick the beats from Dr. Dre's catalog that challenged him rhythm-wise in order to experiment with different flows.[25] The album features guest appearances by Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.

In November 2008, 50 Cent stated that the death of Eminem's close friend and fellow rapper Proof, in 2006, would be an inspiration for the record's material, adding that Eminem "has some really serious things to write about that he didn't quite get a chance to express."[26] Eminem too confirmed in January 2009 that the departed artist would be a theme on the album, with at least one song dealing with Proof's death. Otherwise, he described the music as more upbeat than before, explaining that he had become a happier person and had learned to cope with his friend's loss.[27] In contrast, in April 2009 Eminem then stated that the album would feature the return of his evil alter-ego Slim Shady and would be similar to the dark themes of "3am", which depicts him as a psychotic serial killer during a spring of homicides at late-night.[28][24]

Artwork

The album cover for Relapse was first published through Eminem's Twitter account on April 21, 2009.[7] It illustrates a head shot of the rapper composed by a mosaic of thousands of pills. A sticker on the cover resembles a medical prescription, where the patient is Eminem himself while it lists Dr. Dre as the prescribing doctor.[7] Gil Kaufman of MTV News described the cover as a reference to the rapper's struggle and addiction to prescription drugs, adding that it follows Eminem's habit of displaying personal issues in his art.[7] The album booklet follows a pill prescription design, so does the back cover. On the backside of the booklet is a dedication to Proof, where Eminem explains that he's sober and that he tried to write a song for him, but no one was good enough, therefore he dedicates the whole album to him. The CD itself is grey with the big red inscription "Push Down & Turn".[29]

Release and promotion

In 2007, Shady Records rapper Cashis discussed the album, referring to it by the title King Mathers, adding that it would be released later that year.[14] However, Eminem's publicist Dennis Dennehy would later deny this, stating that "there [was] no album scheduled for a 2007 release" and that as of August 2007 there was no confirmed title either.[30] No other official statement was made for over a year, when on September 15, 2008, at an event held by Shade 45 to celebrate the publication of Eminem's autobiography The Way I Am, the rapper confirmed his plans to release a studio album by the title of Relapse. During the party, he also previewed to the audience a song called "I'm Having a Relapse".[31]

In regards to the album's release date, Rolling Stone wrote on the issue of October 2008 that Virgin Megastores had planned to distribute Relapse on November 27, 2008, coincidentally on Thanksgiving in the United States.[32] On October 27, a spokesperson for Interscope explained that there was no official date at the time, and that any release dates that had been posted on any website were unfounded.[33][34] In a phone conversation during the finale of Total Request Live on November 16, 2008, Eminem asserted that Relapse would be released during the first quarter of 2009, precisely during either of the first two months of the year, explaining that he was in the process of selecting the songs for the album.[20]

Despite the leak two months before, "Crack a Bottle" was eventually released for legal paid digital download as well as a promotional single on February 2, 2009 and also reached the number one position on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100,[35][36] while, according Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg, a music video for the song was produced and directed by Syndrome, but has not been released thus far.[37] At the time of the release, various contradicting reports disputed whether the song would be included on Relapse.[37][38] Despite the initial confusion, in a press release head label Universal Music Group eventually confirmed the single's inclusion on the album.[1] In similar press statements, since March 5, Universal made public the regional release dates for Relapse. The album will be available as early as May 15, 2009 in Italy and the Netherlands, while it will be sold in most European countries and Brazil on May 18, and the following day also in the United States and Australia. Additionally, the record label also announced a second album by Eminem, Relapse 2, which will be released by the end of the year. Eminem explained that he and Dr. Dre had recorded a considerable amount of music and thus, by releasing two albums would allow listeners to have access to all of his music.[1]

After the release of "Crack a Bottle", the music video of the single "We Made You" was aired on April 7, and became available for purchase a week later on April 13.[39][40] The video was directed by Joseph Kahn and premiered simultaneously on several MTV channels, as well as MTV's website.[41] On April 28, the third overall single for the album, "3am", was released once again for paid music download.[42] A music video for "3am" was directed by Syndrome and filmed in Detroit. It premiered on May 2 on Cinemax, several days after a trailer for the video was posted online.[25][43] Two more singles were distributed prior to the album's release, as "Old Time's Sake" and "Beautiful" went on sale on the iTunes Store on May 5 and May 12 respectively.[44]

Previously on April 4, 2009, Eminem was featured on CBS during the network's coverage of the 2009 NCAA Final Four, in segment where he recited the spoken word "Love Letter to Detroit". Later on the same day, the rapper inducted the hip hop group Run-D.M.C. to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Adam Graham of The Detroit News described this as "all part of the calculated promotional push" for Relapse.[45] The rapper will perform live at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards on May 31,[46] while he will also be featured on the covers of hip hop magazines Vibe and XXL in their respective issues of June 2009.[8][47] Eminem also announced through his website that an iPhone game to accompany the album is set to be released on May 19, 2009.[48]

Track listing

The track listing and samples list after the album notes for Relapse.[29]

No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Dr. West" (skit)Dr. Dre, Eminem1:29
2."3 A.M."Dr. Dre5:19
3."My Mom"Dr. Dre5:20
4."Insane"Dr. Dre3:01
5."Bagpipes from Baghdad"Dr. Dre, Trevor Lawrence4:43
6."Hello"Dr. Dre, Mark Batson4:08
7."Tonya" (skit)Dr. Dre, Eminem0:43
8."Same Song & Dance"Dr. Dre, Dawaun Parker4:08
9."We Made You"Dr. Dre, Doc Ish, Eminem4:30
10."Medicine Ball"Dr. Dre, Mark Batson3:57
11."Paul" (skit) 0:19
12."Stay Wide Awake"Dr. Dre5:20
13."Old Time's Sake" (featuring Dr. Dre)Dr. Dre, Mark Batson4:35
14."Must Be the Ganja"Dr. Dre, Mark Batson4:03
15."Mr. Mathers" (skit)Dr. Dre, Eminem0:42
16."Déjà Vu"Dr. Dre4:43
17."Beautiful"Eminem6:32
18."Crack a Bottle" (featuring Dr. Dre & 50 Cent)Dr. Dre4:58
19."Steve Berman" (skit) 1:29
20."Underground/Ken Kaniff"Dr. Dre6:11
Bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
21."My Darling"5:20
22."Careful What You Wish For"3:47

According to Eminem's website, two bonus tracks will be available when the album is purchased from artist's website.[49]

Samples

  • "Insane" samples "Jock Box" by The Skinny Boys
  • "We Made You" samples "Hot Summer Nights" by Walter Egan
  • "Beautiful" samples "Reaching Out" by Rock Therapy
  • "Crack a Bottle" samples "Mais Dans Ma Lumière" by Jean Renard

Release history

Region Date Distributing label Format Catalog
Australia[50] May 15, 2009 Universal Australia CD 2703216
Germany[51] May 15, 2009 Universal Music CD
Italy[52] May 15, 2009 Interscope CD
Netherlands[53] May 15, 2009 CD
Denmark[54] May 18, 2009 CD
France[55] May 18, 2009 Interscope CD
New Zealand[56] May 18, 2009 CD
Portugal[57] May 18, 2009 Interscope CD
Russia[58] May 18, 2009 Universal Russia CD
Sweden[59] May 18, 2009 Universal Sweden CD
United Kingdom[60] May 18, 2009 Polydor CD 2703216
Brazil[61] May 19, 2009 Universal Brazil CD
Canada[62] May 19, 2009 Interscope CD B001286302
Greece[63] May 19, 2009 Universal Music CD
India[64] May 19, 2009 Universal India CD
Spain[65] May 19, 2009 CD
United States[1] May 19, 2009 Interscope CD 001286302
CD [Clean] 001286402
LP 001286301
Japan[66] May 20, 2009 Universal Japan CD UICS-1190
CD + DVD UICS-9106
Argentina[67] May 29, 2009 Interscope CD

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Eminem's New Album "Relapse" Drops In May, "Relapse 2" Later This Year". Universal Music Group. March 5, 2009. Retrieved March 22, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e f McCollum, Brian (October 17, 2008). "Eminem Hits the Mic Again". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Eminem: The fall and rise of a superstar". The Independent. February 4, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  4. ^ "Eminem and out?". Associated Press. July 27, 2005. Retrieved March 6, 2009.
  5. ^ "Eminem treated for drug addiction". BBC News. BBC. August 19, 2005. Retrieved March 3, 2009.
  6. ^ a b "Lost genius of rap back from the shadows". The Observer. Guardian Media Group. October 19, 2008. Retrieved March 6, 2009.
  7. ^ a b c d Kaufman, Gil (April 21, 2009). "Eminem Posts Relapse Cover Art On Twitter". MTV. Retrieved April 21, 2009.
  8. ^ a b "NEWS: Eminem Speaks On Drugs, The Death Of Proof & Praises T.I. & Lil Wayne On New XXL Cover". XXL. Harris Publications, Inc. April 14, 2009. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  9. ^ "50 Cent Confirms Eminem Album". Contactmusic.com. May 24, 2007. Retrieved August 1, 2007.
  10. ^ Arnold, Paul W (August 28, 2007). "Stat Quo Speaks Exclusively about Shady/Aftermath Deal". HipHopDX. Retrieved August 30, 2007.
  11. ^ Graham, Adam (October 25, 2007). "D12's Bizarre celebrates new album with a release party" (fee required). The Detroit News. Retrieved October 29, 2007.
  12. ^ Kuperstein, Slava (December 10, 2007). "Alchemist Speaks on Upcoming Album, Eminem". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 10, 2007.
  13. ^ Lamont, Bishop (2007). "Interview with BISHOP LAMONT" (Video & Transcript) (Interview). Interviewed by Eddie Gurrola. Retrieved October 9, 2008. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink= ignored (|subject-link= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ a b Cashis (May 28, 2007). "Exclusive Video Interview with Ca$his" (Video & Transcript) (Interview). Interviewed by Eddie Gurrola. Retrieved August 3, 2007. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink= ignored (|subject-link= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Obie Trice (December 29, 2007). "Interview with Obie Trice" (Interview). {{cite interview}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |format= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |callsign= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |city= ignored (|location= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink= ignored (|subject-link= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ "Eminem Says He's 'In Limbo'". MTV News. MTV Networks. September 12, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  17. ^ "Things have changed for Eminem". Detroit Free Press. April 12, 2009. Retrieved April 17, 2009.
  18. ^ a b "Eminem reveals more 'Relapse' new album details". NME. IPC Media. October 20, 2008. Retrieved April 18, 2009.
  19. ^ Hilburn, Robert (September 23, 2007). "Dr. Dre, mix marathon man". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  20. ^ a b Total Finale Live Video Footage (Television production). New York, NY: MTV Networks. Retrieved November 17, 2008. {{cite AV media}}: Unknown parameter |date2= ignored (help)
  21. ^ a b Cohen, Jonathan (December 12, 2008). "Exclusive: Eminem Talks New Album, Book". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  22. ^ "Eminem's New Song, 'Crack A Bottle,' Featuring Dr. Dre And 50 Cent, Hits The Web". MTV News. MTV Networks. January 6, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  23. ^ Eminem; Paul Rosenberg (April 23, 2009). (Interview). Interviewed by Angela Yee. {{cite interview}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |format= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |callsign= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |subjectlink2= ignored (|subject-link2= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ a b "Eminem becomes psychotic murderer in violent video for new single '3am'". NME. IPC Media. May 3, 2009. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  25. ^ a b c Kreps, Daniel (April 23, 2009). "Eminem Opens Up About "Relapse," Acting in Shade45 Interview: "I Am Back"". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  26. ^ "Inside Eminem's Comeback". In Touch Weekly. November 3, 2008: 62. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ Graff, Gary (January 2, 2009). "What tune will music industry sell in 2009?". The Macomb Daily. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  28. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (April 23, 2009). "Eminem's Next Single, '3 A.M.,' Leaks Online". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved April 29, 2009.
  29. ^ a b Album notes for Relapse by Eminem. Shady/Aftermath/Interscope (001286302)
  30. ^ Jokesta (August 1, 2007). "Eminem Not Releasing Album This Year". DefSounds. Retrieved November 10, 2008.
  31. ^ Harris, Chris (October 16, 2008). "Eminem Reveals Title Of New LP: Relapse". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved March 22, 2009.
  32. ^ Legends of the Fall. Rolling Stone. October 2008. p. 32. {{cite book}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ "Eminem new album 'Relapse' release date leaked?". NME. Oct 28, 2008. Retrieved November 09 2008. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  34. ^ Graham, Adam (October 27, 2008). "Reports: Eminem's new album to hit stores Dec. 23" (fee required). The Detroit News. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
  35. ^ "Crack a Bottle - Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  36. ^ ""Crack a Bottle" Billboard Hot 100 chart position". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
  37. ^ a b Reid, Shaheem (february 25, 2009). "Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre's 'Crack A Bottle' -- Check Out Photo From Video". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved March 2, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  38. ^ Kreps, Daniel (February 12, 2009). "Eminem's "Crack A Bottle" Rockets Shady and 50 Cent to Top of Hot 100". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
  39. ^ Reid, Shaheem (March 23, 2009). "Photo From Eminem's 'We Made You' Video Set Hits Web". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved March 25, 2009.
  40. ^ "We Made You - Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  41. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (April 3, 2009). "Eminem Says 'We Made You' Video Has 'Some Celebrity Bashing'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved April 4, 2009.
  42. ^ "3am - Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  43. ^ Reid, Shaheem (April 30, 2009). "Trailer For Eminem's Homicidal '3 A.M.' Video Hits The Internet". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved May 1, 2009.
  44. ^ "Eminem's 20-Song "Relapse" Track List Hits the Web". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. April 28, 2009. Retrieved April 29, 2009.
  45. ^ Graham, Adam (April 5, 2009). "Eminem on a media blitz to promote upcoming album 'Relapse'". The Detroit News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  46. ^ Montgomery, James (April 13, 2009). "Eminem To Perform At 2009 MTV Movie Awards". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved April 14, 2009.
  47. ^ "If you can rap, show Eminem". Detroit Free Press. April 13, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
  48. ^ Kaufman, Gil (May 5, 2009). "Eminem Readying Relapse iPhone Game". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  49. ^ Pre-order Relapse Now!. Eminem.com. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
  50. ^ "Aussie Stores Break Eminem Embargo". Undercover. May 15, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
  51. ^ "!!! "RELAPSE" SCHON AB MORGEN IM HANDEL !!!". Universal Music (in German). May 14, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
  52. ^ "SLIM SHADY IS BACK!". Universal Music Group Italy (in Italian). March 5, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
  53. ^ "Langverwachte cd Eminem op 15 mei in winkels". Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (in Dutch). March 5, 2009. Retrieved March 17, 2009.
  54. ^ "Eminem offentligører udgivelsesdato". Gaffa (in Danish). March 6, 2009. Retrieved March 19, 2009.
  55. ^ "Slim Shady Is Back!". Universal Music Group France (in French). March 5, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  56. ^ "Eminem lays boot into Kim Kadashian's booty in We Made You". The Daily Telegraph. April 09, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  57. ^ "O regresso de Slim Shady". Universal Music Group Portugal (in Portuguese). Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  58. ^ "Эминем возвращается". Universal Music Russia (in Russian). March 10, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
  59. ^ "Eminems nya skiva kommer i maj". TT Spektra (through Göteborgs-Posten) (in Swedish). Tidningarnas Telegrambyrå. March 5,2009. Retrieved April 14, 2009. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  60. ^ "Relapse (2009)". HMV Group. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  61. ^ "Eminem lança single do novo álbum "Relapse", que sai em maio". April 9, 2009.
  62. ^ "Relapse/ Explicit by Eminem". HMV Group. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  63. ^ "Νέο album από τον Eminem!" (in Greek). March 3, 2009.
  64. ^ "Eminem is having a Relapse!". Universal Music Group India. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  65. ^ "EMINEM: Presenta su nuevo y esperado vídeo "We Made You"". Universal Music Group Spain (in Spanish). April 8, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  66. ^ "EMIN∃M :: DISCOGRAPHY". Universal Music Group Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved March 19, 2009.
  67. ^ "EMINEM esta DE VUELTA!!". Universal Music Group Argentina (in Spanish). March 5, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
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