Author: Isabelle

NEW YORK (Billboard) – Although details remain tightly under wraps, Billboard has learned that Eminem’s upcoming album, “Encore,” will be available in a special collector’s edition:
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=musicNews&storyID=6433315
Due Nov. 16 via Shady/Interscope, the boxed set will feature 25 glossy photo inserts, full album lyrics, an exclusive Eminem photo and an exclusive free ringtone.
“Encore” is tipped to include a bonus disc of songs that have leaked online. First single “Just Lose It” bowed last week at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it’s the highest-debuting airplay-only track of the year to date.
The accompanying video clip finds Slim Shady (Eminem) goofing on Michael Jackson circa “Billy Jean,” Pee Wee Herman and Santa Claus, as well as jogging in the nude down a busy street. Actors Erik Estrada (“CHIPS”) and Tony Cox (“Bad Santa”) make cameos. Fans can view the video on Eminem’s official Web site (http://www.eminem.com).
The new set is the follow-up to 2002’s “The Eminem Show,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has sold more than 9.2 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Reuters/Billboard

Will Eminem actually move from Detroit to Hollywood?
Some recent rumors say so. A recent article from the Sun Magazine even gives full details about Marshall’s new Hollywood mansion:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,4-2004460682,00.html
Has Eminem turned his back to his Detroit roots? Many people say so. Some of them even accuse him to become a « sell out » because of his recent decision. Why should we even argue about Marshall’s decision? It is none of our business, after all.
The same article from the British tabloid also reveals out some details about Eminem’s future rooms and their equipment.
A few months earlier, Eminem stated that he would never leave Detroit. So why did he choose Hollywood? According to a source, the talented rapper wants to be concentrated on his acting and producing career.
” He will never lose touch with Detroit but Eminem felt it was time to move to Hollywood.
“He’s always staying there for work and has loads of friends in the area.
“The house is new and comes fully kitted out but he is employing an interior designer to personalise it to his taste.”
Does that also mean that Eminem might stop rapping soon? That might be a great disappointment for a lot of fans who would be more than glad to see him stay being part of the rap game.
Will Eminem actually leave Detroit and move to Hollywood? It is rumored in the tabloids. We will be informed about it in a near future I guess.
According to Eminem’ s recent TRL call, there is nothing true in those rumors:
“You know what’ s so crazy to me is I don’t know where these rumors came from but that rumor is not true. I’m going to stay in Michigan for the rest of my life. I’m a Detroiter for life, baby!” (Em

Guess who’s back with a brand new video? Slim Shady is ready to piss you off again. His targets may not be the same, but Eminem’s new « Just Lose It » video is full of sarcasms. This video will make you laugh crazy from the beginning to the end and won’t probably leave you indifferent.
You can watch it here:
http://www.shadybase.com/content.php?page=video
I gotta be honest with Eminem and with my readers, though. When I first listened to the full song and had a look at the lyrics, I was a little bit disappointed by the lyrical content and the commercial beats of « Just Lose It ». I was even sad to think that Marshall Mathers could create a « whack song » like this one.
Lyrically speaking, Marshall can do better. The « Infinite » song and « Drug Ballad », for instance, are good examples of Eminem’s rich and complex rhyming style.
But I guess that I must have misunderstood Eminem’s intentions: the video has enlightened me about it and I have completely changed my mind.
The « Just Lose It » video has a little bit of a Without Me » taste…
At the beginning of the video, Eminem introduces you into his one man show. Eminem starts inviting little kids to the dance floor when he suddenly interrupts the show:
“Guess who’s back
Back again
Shady’s back
Now everyone report to the dance floor
To the dance floor, to the dance floor
Now everyone report to the dance floor
Alright Stop…Pajama time”
Pajama time? Isn’t that a clear allusion to Michael Jackson sleeping with kids? Yes, you guessed it right. But it is also a sarcastic derision of Mc Hammer’s rapping style « Hammer time ». It is no secret that Eminem doesn’t like Mc Hammer at all. Eminem’s clothes at the beginning of the video will remind you of the rapper.
Slim Shady goes on, incisive as ever:
“Come here little kiddies,On my lap
Guess who’s back with a brand new rap
And i don’t mean rap as in a new case of child investigation accusation
Aah aah aah aah aah
now worries, pappa’s got a brand new bag of toys
what else could i possibly do to make noise
I’d an touched on everything, but little boys
That’s not a stab at Micheal
That’s just a metaphore, I’m just psycho…”
Picture Eminem as a perverse Santa Claus with a bunch of kids on his lap…
The press has spilled a lot of ink about the accusations against pop star Michael Jackson. Eminem is trying to make people laugh and to humor the event.
Is Marshall dissing Michael? No, I don’t think so. The song is self explanatory:
“That’s not a stab at Micheal
That’s just a metaphore, I’m just psycho a little bit crazy sometimes…”
The video goes crazier as Marshall parodies Madonna. It looks like Michael and Madonna are ready to entertain the crowd together. Madonna’s candle sets Michael’s Jackson’s hair into fire…
The crazy party goes on…full of hilarious episodes, like Eminem throwing out upon Michael Jackson.
The funniest part of the song is-you guessed it right- Marshall running butt naked through the street and landing in jail. But Michael losing his nose at the end of the song increases the comical effect of the song.
Eminem, I owe you an apology: this song wasn’t made to be structured with great rhymes. It wasn’t a party song either, although many people thought so while listening to your full song.
The parody of the pop world you did was from the mind of a genius and you managed to surprise me with your immense talent, as usual.

His work is real artistry. Cypress Hill made him famous, Eminem put this man to the top. His business is blooming. Mr Cartoon lives down in the East of L.A. He elaborates the most beautiful pictures that he loves to improve for many artists in the music industry.
Mark Machado aka Mr Cartoon is a perfectionist.
The tattoos he creates are masterpieces of work. You only need to have a look at Eminem’s tattoos to know it is actually true. The way he pictured Hailie’s face on Marshall’s right arm is admirable.
By exploring Mr Cartoon’s website, you will be amazed by the numerous artists he has already tattoed. Among them: Eminem, B Real, Nas, Obie Trice, Bizarre, Eminem’s « Stan », Pharell Williams, the notorious Dr Dre, Xzibit…

More facts about the talented Mr Cartoon

He was born in LA. Mark Machado has Mexican roots. His parents were Mexican-American. Mr Cartoon had a great interest in drawing since he was 5 years old.
Mr Cartoon’s great passion for graffiti, airbrush on low riders has rapidly revealed his talent.
Mr Cartoon has always been attached to hip hop culture and he started specializing in tattoo art and magazine covers. Famous magazines such as Vibe, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and many more have featured Mr Cartoon.
Mr Cartoon has also done album covers for groups such as Cypress Hill and D12.

Why is his tattooing technique so special? Where does it come from?

Mr Cartoon’s original technique comes from California prison. The prisoners had no access to colored inks, so they used watered down black inks to create shadows and depths. This particular technique is called « fine line tattooing ».
Mr Cartoon’s work is precise. NPR reporter Michelle Norris describes the originality of his work:
« What sets (Mister Cartoon’s) tattoos apart is the intricacy. Details so stunning they almost look like photographs — textures so finely drawn they almost appear to be three-dimensional.”
People who had a look at some of the most famous hip hop personalities tattooed bodies know that Mrs Norris’ statement is perfectly true.

How much does it cost?

A tattoo from Mr Cartoon will cost you from $ 300 to $ 20.000.

What is the meaning of the old English letters many artists use?

Gothic letters have to do with authority and credibility. As Mr Cartoon points it out in an interview, newspaper titles are written in old English. So are birth and death certificates.

The first time Eminem entered into Mr Cartoon’s shop

Funny fact: Marshall entered and told Mr Cartoon: « I wanna tattoo.. »
Mr Cartoon was surprised and asked him: « What do you wanna tattoo? »
Marshall replied: « I don’t know… »
Then Mr Cartoon suggested Marshall to remember some events of his past, to consider what would never change in his life and Marshall came up with lots of elements that are now pictured on his body: mushrooms, life in the ghetto, girls in the city, his nickname etc…
Eminem is very proud of Mr Cartoon’s work:
« He wears them like a badge of honor, showing them off with muscle shirts and flashing them on magazine covers. » (Michelle Norris)

Mr Cartoon about tattoos

« It glamouroses the way we look at life »
Tattoos- particularly Mr Cartoon’s tattoos- are artistic and beautiful most of the time. Those beautiful drawings make us enter in a world of fantasy.
Tattoos which have a particular meaning make us feel unique in this world.
They also have the power to make us feel stronger.
You might not like them, but Mr Cartoon’s art is worth checking out. You will learn more about him and his tattoos on his personal website:
http://www.mistercartoon.com/home.html

I have registered to an interesting Eminem forum recently that is very informative. Although I have always shown respect to each member, even when they happened to strongly disagree with me, a silly teenage boy started some beef with me because I had argued about the right spelling of Paul Rosenberg on a topic. He started calling me “a teenage homo Stan groupie” (how funny and how original) and pointed out that I had nothing to do on an Eminem forum as a freelance writer.
Because he’s been a real bitch to me, I have decided to make this diss public. Have some fun!
Ayo, ready to be killed, bitch? Your attitude you’d better switch before it’s too late
Marshallengraved will be digging your grave, I bet you ain’t brave! I’ll spread my sound like an electromagnetic wave, man you should question the way you behave…
I’ll come to you like a storm to make you regret the day you bitch was born
Ok, I am an Eminem fan, so what? I say it loud of Marshall I am proud! you look like a fan of Korn
Come one, gimme some pop corn and start to mourn
Cuz I’m a villain my crowd I wanna entertain (haha) while I’m smashing your brain
You deserve more than a smack for your intelligence lack, acting as if a lady had a dick when yourself are a pussy,
I’ma break your fucking neck, man I don’t need your respect I am who I am whatever you say I am
I don’t need to be published in a magazine to know I am doing good work man you’re a jerk!
Yea I got my ezine and I’m fucking proud of it ; indeed many people like what they read.
So go back to your weed, before I stab you in the head until you will be dead.
Fucking sissy! Or should I call you missy?
Little fool, go back to school. You despise grammar?My sentences will be your hammer!
Man I even bet you can’t rap, my words will make you fall into a huge trap…
That’s what separates you and me: a huge gap, take my advice : stop your childish crap.
This is a suspense thriller and I am your killa
On your tombstone, one will read ” rest in pieces and rot in hell “, so now you demon can start to

As most of you probably already know, Marshall Mathers III was born on October the 17th, 1972, in St Joseph, Missouri.
People who are curious to discover more about the town where Eminem was born will find some reliable info here
What do we know about Marshall’s early years?
In fact, very few things that have been written down by Eminem’s grandmother from the paternal side, Rae W. Drowns, and we also know some other facts thanks to great aunt Edna Swartz.
Debbie Mathers is not the person who witnessed Marshall’s early years. After she split with her husband in 1973 and left North Dakota for Marshall’s great aunt Edna’s home, Missouri, Debbie disappeared from her son’s life for several years and suddenly reappeared around 1977.
The person who pretty much raised little Marshall is his great aunt Edna . Edna Swartz happens to be grandma Rae’s sister.
If Marshall Mathers Jr’s statements are true, Edna’s task wasn’t simple at all: Debbie forbid her to tell anybody where her son was actually staying or she would cut all ties with with her and her sister for ever.
Marshall’s « hidden » childhood
Great aunt Edna describes Marshall as a « happy and curious baby » . The first words pronounced by the full mouthed rapper on April the 17th, 1973 were « dada » and « hungry ».
Marshall started walking when he was only 11 months. Eminem’s footprints are kept in an album that was found by Eminem’s dad in 2002 when grandma Rae died from Alzheimer disease.
The same album gives us an idea of Marshall’s favorite taste as a baby: he used to like cherry and vanilla pudding very much. It also gives us some information about Marshall’s favorite song at this time: he used to like « the Ugly Duckling » as a little kid.
Grandma Rae’s album also reveals: « Marshall likes to sleep any time, day or night, and goes to bed between nine and ten. »
Another document reminds us of Eminem’s early years: it is the card that he had written to grandma Rae for Christmas when he was around 5 years old.
Although Marshall seem to be very attached to Detroit, St Joseph may remind him of happy and peaceful early memories. It is also the place where his friendship with Ronnie started.
Aunt Edna is still alive. She never took any money from Marshall when he became famous. She is the real whitness of Marshall’s « hidden » childhood in Missouri.

Lawrence Parker aka King Tank (formerly known as Young Tank) was born on September the 24th 2004 in Detroit. He is one of those Detroit underground rappers who will impress you with his creativity and his rhyming skills.
King Tank is a man of many hats: he is not only a rapper, he is also a producer and an engineer in training. King Tank produces most of his tracks.
Besides that, Lawrence Parker has a great passion for poetry. He has written short stories and novels. He also writes gospel and RnB songs.
« I write Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel, Poetry, & movie formats. I also produce all of my own tracks, 95% of which are without samples. I opened up for a lot of major artists & performed on Showtime at the Apollo, where I tore the roof off. I’m hot, at least that’s what the people tell me… » (King Tank)
Lawrence Parker has opened shows for the greatest artists. Among them: Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, D12, Redman…
The talented artist has been featured on local TV channels and also BET’s Teen Summit.
Besides being an amazing artist, producer and writer, King Tank is also a business man. He has his own clothing line.
You will be able to discover two of King Tank’s tracks on the following website:
http://www.cornerband.com/html/bandPage/bandPage.asp?band_id=1024887
My preference goes to « Hot 2 Death » that will certainly amaze you and please your ears. Besides the fact that this song is well written, King Tank has a warm voice and real good beats that won’t leave his audience indifferent.

Some of you might not like it, some might even doubt it, but Eminem is politically engaged and has offered a lot of criticism against the Bush administration in The Eminem Show. Eminem has also expressed his disgust of Bush in other albums like Obie Trice’s « Cheers ». In the D12 outro of « Cheers », Marshall says:
« I’m a general, I ain’t Bush, I don’t send my soldiers to war
I’m right there in the middle of the shit with ’em… »
He directly expresses his solidarity with young people sent to war.
In DJ Green Lantern « Invasion » tape Part II, Eminem also says:
” Bush has declared the world a fucking war zone
meanwhile we got a war going on of our own at home”
Encore will definitely be Bush bashing:
http://www.rwdmag.com/music_articles/news/99287/eminem/eminem_bashes_bush/
The United States and the rest of the world are in need of engaged people like Marshall Mathers, because President Bush is the worst president America has ever had in my eyes.
For those who doubt about Bush’s responsibility in the drama of September the 11th, check out this timeline:
http://216.109.117.135/search/cache?p=bush+knew+about+September+the+11th&ei=UTF-8&cop=mss&u=www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/02_11_02_lucy.html&w=bush+knew+september+11th&d=C21374A1F5&icp=1&.intl=us
The Bush administration is guilty in this sad drama, it is more than obvious. The Bush administration knew about the attacks, but didn’t do anything:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4582.htm
Eminem is very conscious of his power. His music reaches a numerous audience of very different people across America and all around the world.
Nick Mercadante, the station manager of radio WVOF, is so right about it:
« Music is a way to reach millions with your thoughts and words. To deny someone that ability is wrong, but with that said, artists must recognize that they have a powerful instrument for self-expression and expression of views. »
Eminem’s powerful words punched the Bush administration right in the face. By offering such kind of criticism, Marshall manages to open people’s consciences and they start realizing how much the Bush administration is wrong, particularly in its worthless Iraqi war.
Although I am not an American, I really felt offended to see Bush’s campaign with publicity stunts like « I kissed my son goodbye ». I have seen young American soldiers die on TV in order to satisfy Bush’s hegemony wish on Iraq. Don’t tell me that my views are only one sighted: I also feel sorry for the numerous innocent Iraqi victims.
« Square Dance » and « White America » are meaningful songs where Eminem officially takes position against the Bush policy.
Eminem is not the only rapper to protest against the war. Many others have expressed their disgust of the war. The whole hip hop movance wants to fight Bush anyway. « Hip Hop against infinite war » is a movement of young people involved in hip hop activism who are determined to fight dictator Bush.
Eminem deserves credit for his political engagement. He also got a lot of hip hop soldiers behind him to back him if needed.
Encore will be political- and I am definitely happy about it.

Guess what? It has been rumored that Eminem and his daughter would be guests to Britney Spears’ wedding. Some of you might argue that pop star Britney’s wedding is over since September the 18th.
We even got evidence that her second « marriage » (that is much more a big publicity stunt than anything else) is fake:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0924042_britney_spears_1.html
So I was very surprised when I discovered the following article at Brachman.com:
http://www.brachman.com/cgi-script/csNews2/csNews.cgi?database=eminem.db&command=viewone&id=10&op=
It seems like the « real marriage » (I’m not even convinced that this marriage ceremony will ever take place) will happen around November.
According to Brachman.com, Hailie and her daddy will attend to the marriage.
Slim Shady lovers perfectly know Eminem’s disgust of Britney’s music that he expressed several times in his songs (Remember: « Britney’s garbage? »). He also voiced his opinion about her music publicly:
“I’ve met Britney a couple of times but I’m not going to demolish her in public.
“I’m not a fan of her music though, that’s for sure. I think it’s corny as hell, but whatever. I can’t knock her for doing her thing. She sucks and she can’t sing.â€?
Eminem’s daughter seems to like Britney Spears very much and Marshall even buys Hailie her Cds.
Did Britney Spears actually invite daddy and daughter? Rumors? True facts?
I guess we will have to wait until November to know the answer.

Russian Rap: « Lost In Translation » mixtape album review
The « Lost In Translation » mixtape is available here:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/1/russianrap213music.htm
A new talent will impress you with his rapping skills. His name? Eddie aka Russian Rap. His brand-new « Lost In Translation » mixtape is incredibly good.
The introduction is made of nostalgic Russian sounds. It represents Eddie’s arrival in California. Russian music appeals to people’s feelings and Eddie hasn’t forgotten about his roots.
The listener might be surprised by some titles that might strangely remind him of some former Eminem titles. Track Nr2, for instance, is « The Way I Am »: no it is not just another carbon copy of Eminem’s song! It is Eddie expressing his feelings. He defines his offensive style and hip hop lovers will enjoy it?
The following rhymes, that are taken out of Eddie’s « The Way I Am » will give you an idea of his lyrical skills:
« Crazy mofucka and i’m hurr to stay
watch these bitches grab gats i gotta an AK//
i got stacks of cash and my crew got my back
those who come to attack me dotn ever make it back//
to they beds, i pump your ass wit more led
then a mofuckin pencil, alls i do is spit sick shit//
your shit aint felt by me you aint no G
rappers wont come close if they move next to me//
i’m my own army man, if you jump i aim higher
fuck amends, duck and dance when look to fire//
bullet holes in ur pad and ur ride comin right up
eyes wide make your homies hands come up//
so stick wit me, i’m sick wit skills knock you out
hit you on ur way up, so u can calm da fuck down//
bow down, hand me da crown, i’m throw it
my gats like me at a club, we stay loaded// »
You will also enjoy Russian Rap’s hot rhymes in his track « When Da Music Stops »:
« I dont give a flying fuck…. like sex on the plane
the game took me in ……now guess i can’t complain//
like i cant remain da same always gotta change ways
and stay versatile da flow switched so is da style//
spit hottness i’m winnin….. rappers in denial
cuz i got ways to diss wit more flows then the-Nile//
i pray for the day when someone spits like me
decides to fight me, and they end up suckin deez//
you must be, crazy ye… you gotz to be
i bust heat at any one who wants it wit me//
get-me if you can if you a man enough
your the opposite of smart donkey dumb ass//
watch me blast the fuck out of this mofuckin bitches
wich is always good when i’m almost reaching//
the boiling point, so talk shit i get annoyed
and your mothafuckin block getting da fuck destroyed// »
Words are flooding from his chest, you could hardly stop his flow.
Funny fact and strange coincidence: Eddie seems to have a lot in common with his biggest source of inspiration, Marshall Mathers. His former girlfriend was named Kim too.
The song « Kimberley » is an expression of unhappy love. It is a moving song a lot of people can relate to. No matter if you’re a boy or girl, many of you have probably experienced an unfaithful partner. This experience has been part of my life too.
Russian Rap’s diss tracks are pretty good too. Songs like « Rest In Pieces » are really worth listening to.
In conclusion, « Lost In Translation » is a pretty hot mixtape that is worth checking out. Eddie’s flow is really great.
If you consider that this mixtape is his first release, you can forecast that this young and talented rapper is gonna make it big in the future.