‘The World’s Changed’: Eminem Opens Up About Moving On From His Slim Shady Persona

Marshal Mathers talks to Slim Shady 

Through his latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” Eminem, the artist formerly known as Without Me, has revisited themes he previously explored by abandoning his rapping persona of Slim Shady.

On a thrilling Tuesday, July 30, 2024, I couldn’t help but eagerly anticipate the release of a highly anticipated video titled “Slim Shady vs. Marshall Mathers: The Face-Off,” gracing the cover of Complex magazine’s July issue. I simply couldn’t wait to immerse myself in this rap battle spectacle!

In this video, you’ll find Marshall and Shady talking about Eminem’s struggles and how they impacted Eminem’s career over the course of his 26-year musical journey in hip hop.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m referring to a conversation between Mathers and Shady, as depicted in their video. Mathers inquires whether Shady finds humor in stirring up anger among people. This question stems from an incident where Shady criticized Mathers’ music release by stating, “People crave entertainment.”

Later on in the video, Mathers can be heard stating that he has grown more mature and acknowledges that his fans have matured too.

As a longtime observer of popular culture, I’ve noticed a significant shift in societal sensitivity over the years, and it has become increasingly evident in the entertainment industry. Growing up, artists like Eminem had more leeway to express themselves freely without fear of immediate backlash or cancellation. However, today’s Generation Z seems to have a different perspective on what is considered acceptable behavior.

Additionally, Mathers attributed Shady’s issues with substance abuse, the decline of his career, strained family relationships, and even personal turmoil to him.

In the video, Mathers also stated that his life has been great since the time Shady was absent.

The Death of Slim Shady

Title of Eminem’s newest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” debuted on July 12, 2024.

Initially, the rapper hinted at the potential demise of his persona, Slim Shady, as early as April, using a video format similar to Detroit’s Murder Files, inspired by the true-crime series Unsolved Mysteries.

He then went on to drop another easter egg about Slim Shady’s demise through a fake obituary. 

In the recently released single, Houdini, Eminem brought back Shady in its music video on May 31.