Relapse (Eminem album)
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Relapse is the sixth studio album by American rapper Eminem. It is scheduled for release as early as December 8, 2008 by Interscope Records.[1] Several close artists and collaborators with the rapper made mention of the album by various working titles including King Mathers[2][3] and The Empact,[4] before Eminem himself referred to the album by the title Relapse at an event held by Shade 45 on October 15, 2008.[5][6][7][8] According to Interscope, 50 cent's album Before i self destruct was push back a week for Relapse to be released first.
Background
On September 12, 2007, Eminem called in to the New York City based radio station Hot 97 to congratulate 50 Cent on Curtis, released the day before. Eminem stated that he was in "limbo" and that he did not know if and when he will release his next album. Later he elaborated,
I'm always working, I'm always in the studio. It feels good right now, the energy of the label. For a while, I don't wanna go back to the negative stuff. ... Going through some personal things, coming out of those personal things, it feels good.[9][10][11]
50 Cent confirmed that Eminem is secretly recording a new album. He said,
He's got a new album coming. He's not gonna tell people that, but he's making new music. I've heard a few songs, and it's hot. He won't tell nobody he's working on a new album, but I'll tell you: he's working on new music. And once he locks into it, like, 'This is my favorite shit,' it's gonna come out.[12]
When asked if the new material is angry or wacky, he replied, "Both. The whole range. You know, Michael Jordan was supposed to play basketball. Floyd Mayweather was meant to box. And Eminem was meant to rap."[12]
Stat Quo also confirmed that a new Eminem album will be released.[13]
Bizarre of D12 stated that the new D12 album is "on hold", because Interscope wants Eminem to release his album first.[14] When asked if Eminem is involved in his new album, he responded "Nah, I did this album quick, so I really didn’t have time to reach out to him. He’s busy doing his thing too. I wanted to really do this on my own, with no influence. I’m trying to get away from the whole Eminem thing. I just want to be Bizarre and not focus on Marshall at all."[15]
The Alchemist spoke of Eminem and stated that he is still working on rap music everyday and his new material was on 'another level'. He said, "Eminem is one of the greatest of all time, and you know he's not done with rap music. He's definitely still working. I mean, come on - this is Eminem, this is what he does. I can't tell you when he's coming or what not, but know that every day he wakes up...he's musically inclined, so you know he's creating something incredible."[16]
When asked about Eminem's new album during an interview, fellow Aftermath artist Bishop Lamont responded, "No, but we’re actually going to be doing…I don’t want too get deep into it. It’s a lot of magic going on, you know what I’m sayin’? You could see a “Bad Meets Evil” part 2, just like Royce and Em got down, shouts out to the big homeboy Royce. We’re brainstorming something really fresh, so you’re definitely gonna see a collaboration. I’m gonna stop there! I want surprises for “The Reformation,” but yeah, there’s gonna be some magic. Em’s got a crazy album, I can say that!"[17][18]
During an interview, Obie Trice mentioned Eminem's new album saying, "Well, Marshall, Chi?, Trying to put out his album, you know, his album's done, his album is Incredible, I'm looking at after he drops, maybe we get in there hopefully by you know the summer, beginning of the summer I have something out here."[19][20]
Royce da 5'9" confirmed that he has officially resolved his longstanding differences with Eminem. Em told Royce that he has "some of the best shit recorded right now that he's ever done in his life." He explained that a recording session between the two has yet to take place, despite rumors about a reunion track produced by DJ Premier.[21]
In an interview with Emil Wagenius, Cashis stated that Eminem's new album is due in the '4th quarter of 2008'. "All I can say, is look out 4th quarter y'all... He graciously is letting me be able to eat, and take over the summer and fall. Because winter time, is the all time winner’s time. you dig." When asked about the name of the album he said, "I don't lie to the public, G. It's called King Mathers for sure!"[2]
Eminem called into his radio station, Shade 45 to talk to LL Cool J who was being interviewed. While speaking, Eminem said "Everything is good. I'm just in the studio now working on songs."[22]
Bishop Lamont also confirmed that Eminem is working on a new album. He told Entertainment Weekly, "Em is excited. He's been quiet too long, and he's got a lot to get off his chest." He later added, "he went through what he had to go through, and now he's been able to take all the pain and stress and put it out in his music." [23]
Akon has also stated that he has worked with Eminem on possible tracks.[24]
An Interscope representative has confirmed the existence of an upcoming album but hasn't stated a release date nor a first single, but stated the possibility of a fourth quarter release. This announcement coincides with Eminem's recent appearance on "Shade 45" stating he's been "bangin out tracks" and learning more of the production aspect of creating an album.[25][26]
In a red carpet interview, frequent collaborator and labelmate 50 Cent stated that he will be on Eminem's upcoming album and just like Eminem's previous releases, the public will "go right back to lovin' him all over again".[27]
In regards to the album's release date, reportedly Virgin Megastores had the album scheduled for Thanksgiving 2008 (November 27), and in mid-August a "music-industry source" disclosed that the album had a 99 percent chance of being released in 2008. The same source later refuted their statement, explaining that, "I think Eminem has tracks to finish."[28] Despite being reported that Amazon.com would be stocking the album on December 23, 2008,[29] this was later proven inaccurate.[30]
In November 2008, it was reported by 50 Cent that "[Eminem's] going to push the restart button" with the release of Relapse, that Dr. Dre is producing the majority of the album, and that the death of Eminem's close friend and fellow rapper DeShaun Dupree "Proof" Holton was an inspiration on the record's material. "He has some really serious things to write about that he didn't quite get a chance to express," says 50 Cent.[31]
Album title
In 2007, Cashis discussed the album, referring to it as King Mathers, saying that it would be released later that year, and that he would also be featured on the album.[3] However, Eminem's publicist, Dennis Dennehy, said that "there is no album scheduled for a 2007 release", and claimed that the KingMathers.com website is "bogus".[32]
During an interview, West Coast producer C Major was asked about Detox and Eminem's album which was once again referred to as King Mathers. He responded:
From what I know, Detox and King Mathers are almost done. I mean, they could both put out those records tomorrow and they would sound amazing and sell through the roof. They just have extremely high standards for themselves and they have to meet those standards before they release any records.[33]
On September 30, 2008, Sha Money XL referred to the album by a new title, The Empack.[34] Cashis later rectified this title, instead referring to the album as The Empact.[4] Further disputing matters, Sha Money made a following statement that "The Empack" was indeed a mistype, but that this was not the album's working title.[35] On October 15, 2008, Eminem himself referred to the album by the title Relapse at an event held by Shade 45:[5][6][7][8]
Here's the deal. There's like a lot of album titles floating around out there that like, are fake album titles . . . like bullshit album titles, so I was just gonna say, you know, tell everybody the real title of my album. It's coming out, it's called Relapse.
Music
Recording and production
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Dre confirmed that he would be devoting two months to work on Eminem's new album, saying, "We'll be trying to get his thing done and work on a few things on my own project"[36]
Producer Focus... briefly mentioned the album saying, "Marshall's album is coming out soon, and we just did a couple tracks together, and we've done a lot of writing together. I make my beats and send them out to him." But other than confirming the existence of a new album from Eminem, Focus... wouldn't divulge much else about the sound or the style of the project.[37]
DJ Premier revealed to HipHopDX.com that he received a phone call from Eminem requesting that "DJ Premier sound."[38] DJ Premier confirmed that he produced a track for Eminem entitled, "Keys to the City," which will appear on Eminem's upcoming album.[38] DJ Premier also noted that the track is "dope," and stated, "Man... Eminem is back," while informing that Eminem "attacked the track with a new style, just fucking ridiculous, kind of like how he came with 'The Way I Am' but even more lyrical like the old Eminem."[38] The track also holds the possibility of being leaked as a "street single".[38]
An insider told the New York Post that Eminem is back in the studio after a health scare just two months before. He said, "He has been cutting new tracks with Dr. Dre. They still have a ways to go, but so far it's really good." A representative confirmed the reports, adding that he has been working out. He said, "He's always in the studio and has worked with a trainer."[39]
When asked if Eminem was on D12's 2008 mixtape, Return of the Dozen Vol. 1, Bizzare said, "Naw, he's not on the mix tape... We just kind of wanted to let the world see us without Marshall. He's doing his own thing. He's got his own album to worry about, to put out. We just wanted to just do it with the four fellas."[40]
On October 15, 2008, at an event held for his autobiography, The Way I Am, Eminem confirmed the title of the upcoming album to be Relapse. At the event, he also debuted a freestyle titled "I'm Having a Relapse".[5][6][7][8] It is uncertain whether any portion of the freestyle was derived from the material featured on the album.
Guest artists
T.I. has stated that in addition to the 2007 single "Touchdown", he and Eminem recorded a second song as well, elaborating:
We did three records. One we did for him. You know how Marshall Mathers and Slim Shady have their beefs? Well, T.I. is trying to tell Marshall how to deal with Slim based on how he deals with T.I.P. Then T.I.P. butts in, like, 'You can't tell nobody nothing.' Then Em comes in and tells me, 'Who are you to tell me anything?' I was like, 'I'm just trying to help, homie.'[41]
In an interview with Loaded, 50 Cent stated he has also recorded a track with Eminem for Relapse.[42] DaShadySpot has since reported appearances by Cashis, Obie Trice and DMX, the latter two featuring on their first collaboration with Eminem since 2003's "Go to Sleep", featured on the soundtrack to the film Cradle 2 the Grave.[43] According to Stat Quo, Jay-Z will also feature on Relapse, in a song titled "My Syllielable".[44]
References
- ^ Relapse on Play.com, Play.com. Retrieved November 4, 2008
- ^ a b DaShadySpot.com - Ca$his interview (04/12/2008). DaShadySpot. Accessed April 26, 2008.
- ^ a b Eddie Gurrola (May 28, 2007). Exclusive Video Interview with Ca$his. Dubcnn. Accessed August 3, 2007.
- ^ a b Rhyme and Reason
- ^ a b c Eminem Returns To Rap With 'Relapse' Accessed October 16, 2008
- ^ a b c New Eminem called “Relapse” and new Freestyle AFTERMATHMUSIC.COM. Accessed October 16, 2008.
- ^ a b c Eminem's "Relapse" Coming After 50's "Before I Self Destruct" Accessed October 15, 2008.
- ^ a b c Eminem About To Relapse Accessed October 15, 2008.
- ^ MTV News Staff (September 12, 2007). Eminem Says He's 'In Limbo' MTV. Accessed September 12, 2007.
- ^ Hillary Crosley (September 13, 2007). Eminem Working On First Album In Three Years. Billboard. Accessed September 13, 2007.
- ^ David Goodson (September 17, 2007). Eminem Talks Comeback & Beef With 50 Cent (?). HipHopDX. Accessed September 24, 2007.
- ^ a b 50 Cent Confirms Eminem Album. Contactmusic (May 24, 2007). Accessed August 1, 2007.
- ^ Paul W Arnold (August 28, 2007). Stat Quo Speaks Exclusively about Shady/Aftermath Deal. HipHopDX. Accessed August 30, 2007.
- ^ Adam Graham (October 25, 2007). D12's Bizarre celebrates new album with a release party. Detroit News. Accessed October 25, 2007.
- ^ Sammy Newman-Beck (October 24, 2007). Bizarre: Split Personality. XXL. Accessed October 24, 2007.
- ^ Slava Kuperstein (December 10, 2007). Alchemist Speaks on Upcoming Album, Eminem. HipHopDX. Accessed December 10, 2007.
- ^ Bishop-Lamont.com (December 26, 2007). Bishop Lamont says that Slim Shady is back. bishop-lamont.com. Accessed December 26, 2007.
- ^ Eminem.net - Bishop Lamont interview with Dubcnn (November 2007)
- ^ Shade 45 (December 29, 2007). Obie Trice says Eminem's next album is completed. myflashfetish.com. Accessed December 29, 2007.
- ^ Eminem.net - Obie Trice: Eminem's album is done?
- ^ HipHopDX.com - BREAKING: Eminem And Royce Da 5'9" Squash Beef (March 12, 2008)
- ^ People.com - Eminem Prank Calls LL Cool J During Radio Show (June 12, 2008)
- ^ July 17 Label Rep Confirms That Eminem Is working On Next Album. BallerStatus. Accessed July 18, 2008.
- ^ ITN Akon talks about working with Whitney, Eminem and Lohan YouTube Accessed August 25, 2008.
- ^ Jokesta (September 19, 2008). Reps Confirm New Eminem Album May Hit Stores 4th Quarter DefSounds. Accessed September 20, 2008.
- ^ http://www.amazon.com/Relapse-Eminem/dp/B00192M9FC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1225046132&sr=8-2
- ^ ITN (September 15, 2008) 50 Cent on what he's been up to and his good mate Eminem YouTube. Accessed September 20, 2008.
- ^ Legends of the Fall. Rolling Stone. October 2008. p. 32.
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(help) - ^ Ismael AbduSalaam (October 27, 2008). Eminem Release Date Confirmed AllHipHop. Accessed October 27, 2008.
- ^ Eminem Album No Longer Listed For Dec. 23 Release. HipHopDX.com. Accessed October 28, 2008.
- ^ Inside Eminem's Comeback. In Touch Weekly. November 3, 2008. p. 62.
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(help) - ^ Emil Wagenius. (August 1, 2007). Eminem Album on Hold, Not on Schedule for '07 Says Rep. HipHopDefined. Accessed August 1, 2007.
- ^ Interview with C Major DUBCNN. (June 2008)
- ^ Sha Money Motivation
- ^ The Money Motivation blog: Letter to the people. Accessed October 11, 2008.
- ^ Robert Hilburn (September 23, 2007). Dr. Dre, mix marathon man. LA Times. Accessed September 22, 2007.
- ^ Gil Kaufman (February 29, 2008) Focus Bust With New Eminem, Dre Albums- And One Of His Own MTV News. Accessed March 1, 2008.
- ^ a b c d Andreas Hale (March 11, 2008). New Eminem Produced By DJ Premier???. HipHopDX. Accessed March 11, 2008.
- ^ AftermathMusic.com - News March 2008 - Eminem Is Back In The Studio (March 18, 2008)
- ^ The return of D12 | Metromix Detroit
- ^ Shaheem Reid (May 1, 2007). T.I. Gives 'Rappin' Fool' Eminem a T.I.P. about Alter Egos. MTV. Accessed August 1, 2007.
- ^ Fiddy Seeks Robbie Duet. Contactmusic (September 11, 2007). Accessed September 22, 2007
- ^ DaShadySpot (September 28, 2008). Eminem, DMX & Obie Trice To Reunite On Track DaShadySpot. Accessed September 28, 2008.
- ^ Stat Quo To Release "300-400" Unreleased Dr. Dre Tracks. HipHopDX.com. Accessed October 23, 2008.