Eminem has shared insights into the song that dramatically transformed his career and catapulted him to fame.
If you’re familiar with music discussions, you’ve likely encountered Eminem’s name—also known as Slim Shady, Marshal Mathers, or B-rabbit—mentioned among the greatest rappers of all time. His influence has been felt for many years.
As expected, Eminem has amassed a considerable following worldwide, contributing significantly to his status as a global icon originating from Detroit.
Before his reputation as a legendary artist known for his pointed critiques and bold lyrics, Eminem had to establish himself in the music industry.
In the early 2000s, prior to the advent of platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, emerging artists often used the MTV cable channel to gain recognition. Eminem has noted that one particular song that received significant airtime on MTV played a pivotal role in his rise to stardom.
In his latest documentary, STANS, which is slated for release in theaters on August 7, Eminem reveals that a specific track had an immediate impact on his career, elevating him to new levels of success.
The track in question is the comically outrageous “My Name Is,” released in 1999 as part of his sophomore album, The Slim Shady LP.
When discussing his rapid rise to fame, Eminem was asked if such a level of recognition ever became ‘normal’ to him.
His response was clear: “Well, none of this is normal, none of it is normal.”
He continued, “Once the ‘Hi, my name is’ video… once MTV accepted that and played it, it was like a f****** switch went off overnight.”
“All of a sudden I woke up the next day from that and my entire life was changed forever.”
While Eminem acknowledges the impact of this hit on his career, he also reflects on songs he regrets releasing.
A particular track stands out for its harshness, as it contains several jabs at his mother, Debbie Mathers, with whom Eminem has openly acknowledged having a complex relationship.
The song is “Cleaning Out My Closet,” featured on his 2002 album, The Eminem Show.
In this song, Eminem accuses his mother of persistently mistreating him during his upbringing and of misusing prescription medications.
He also declared that she would never meet his daughter and expressed his wish for her to suffer in hell.
However, in 2014, Eminem released an apologetic track titled “Headlights,” making it clear he was retiring the 2002 song.
In “Headlights,” he rapped: “I’m sorry mama for ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet,’ at the time I was angry.”
“Rightfully, maybe so, never meant that far to take it though.”
“Now I know it’s not your fault and I’m not making jokes.”
“That song I no longer play at shows, and I cringe every time it’s on the radio.”