In a surprising turn of events, Eminem has announced that his next album will be a swan song to his alter ego, Slim Shady. The news broke on social media, accompanied by a fake obituary for the character in the Detroit Free Press.
Fans of the 51-year-old rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, have been eagerly awaiting details about the upcoming album, which will be his 12th.
While the exact release date for 'The Death of Slim Shady' is still under wraps, Eminem did reveal in a teaser clip that the album is set to drop in the summer of 2024. This announcement was initially teased by his longtime producer, Dr. Dre, during an appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in March 2024.
As for the tracklist, no songs have been officially released yet. However, fans have speculated that a track titled "Will Never Forget" might be on the album, based on the fake obituary that ran in the Detroit Free Press. It's also anticipated that Dr. Dre will be involved in the production of the record, given their long-standing collaboration.
Eminem has kept most details about the record under wraps, but the fake obituary offers some insight into the album's theme. The piece, in part, suggests how Slim Shady met his end, stating, "Ultimately, the very things that seemed to be the tools he used became calling cards that defined an existence that could only come to a sudden and horrific end."
For those unfamiliar with Slim Shady, the alter ego was first introduced on the Slim Shady EP and has been a recurring character in Eminem's work. Known for his violent and nihilistic lyrics with a comedic twist, Slim Shady has been a significant part of hits like "My Name Is" and "The Real Slim Shady."
While the end of Slim Shady may be bittersweet for fans, it marks an exciting new chapter in Eminem's career. As the Stans eagerly await the release of 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)', the anticipation for what Marshall Mathers has in store continues to build.
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