Oscar-winner and controversial hip-hop artist Eminem has observers slack-jawed yet again, this time after a clip of a new song entitled “What If I Was Gay?” leaked online. The song, a collaboration with rapper Joyner Lucas, apparently is about two men questioning their sexuality, or wondering what it’s like for gay people in the world.
“What if I told you that I’m out of place? / Wait, what if I told you that I was gay?” the pair rap in the song.
Related: Taylor Swift, Eminem & Dolly: These music videos featured queen-sized ‘Drag Race’ cameos
The leak has proven particularly incendiary in the context of history for Eminem & Lucas, both of whom have met criticism over the years for homophobia in their lyrics. Particularly in his earlier work on albums like The Slim Shady LP, critics attacked the singer for his frequent use of the word “fa*got.” In interviews–including one with out-gay journalist Anderson Cooper–Eminem denied any homophobia, claiming that he used the words in a generally negative way, not one directed specifically at LGBTQ people. He also endorsed marriage equality in 2010.
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Given that the entirety of the song has yet to go online, we’re reserving judgment. That said, we’re hoping that after 20 years of these criticisms, Eminem has actually learned something about choosing words carefully.
Sister Bertha Bedderthanyu
Considering the riches that fell into your purse pretending you were black the only thing next to do (especially now that your record sales and relevance are no where near what they once were) is go gay. You’d be surprised how many queens will flock to your concerts to get a glimpse of the top of your BVD’s and (nothing more). Hey, that BVD schtick made tens of millions for LLcoolJ by packing in the dl crowd didn’t it? Go for it.
LamarTrotsky
Ouch!
Donston
I’m not sure about that. Em was a “white trash” sex symbol some time ago. But that time has come and gone. If he were to play the “I might sorta be into dudes in some type of way, maybe” game I doubt it would do much for him career.
ronk212
You might try using proper grammar. S/b ‘What if I were gay’ And, we hope you are not.
KJ
I’m not sure that the subjunctive tense would sell. 🙂
Sister Bertha Bedderthanyu
Are you two honestly saying you dont the black “angle” in his comment? Get real. Eminem has the best publicity men on the planet (as does Justine Timberlake and Justin Bieber) and he knows when to go black.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Honestly Marshall, I’ve thought the same thing for years….
tr6886
Like Miley Cyrus, it’s a public stun.
Hillers
Ol’ Marshall’s looking very F to M in that pic…
Donston
Like most “leaks” this seems like an attempt to garner some buzz and controversy. If we ever hear the full song (which we likely never will) it would probably sound similar to MacLemore’s lame “Same Love”: I sorta/kinda questioned my sexuality at some point (a point that has long ago passed) and I’m really cool with the “gays” and sympathize with them. Honestly, Em has always given me minor “queer” though not homosexual vibes. He just gets off too much on shocking people and riffling through past traumas and mama issues and rapping about homo behaviors. He comes off like one of those dudes who may not love sex with guys but really likes male affections, passions and love. I’m probably way off. But even if I was correct no one care about Em any longer outside of his staunch fan base, which is mostly made out of motor home garbage. Though it would be hilarious to see them react to him revealing being into dudes.
Bob LaBlah
It has been heavily rumored for years that Dr. Dre, the one responsible Eminem even getting off the ground, is gay and is into white boys despite the wife and kids cover. Not having ever slept with Dr. Dre personally I do believe he is (and he is a VERY rich man too). When I saw the video Without Me that left me with no doubt they were 6’9ing each other. Eminem look cute in that drag scene in that video too.
throwslikeagirl
Elton John sez in his new autobiog that he’s Eminem’s AA sponsor. Interesting coupling.
wellinmysoul
reminds me of that OJ book by dunne/fenjves: “if I did it”
J W G
Haven’t you guys learned? Most men, put in the right situation and the right time, will opt for a homosexual fling. And so what? Back in 2000 I kept reading and hearing about this white rapper who was making homophobic, misogynistic and general anti social, violent lyrics on his album. I had to hear this. Not being the age group that listened to this stuff I had a young friend make a cassette tape (remember those?). I was hooked! Loved it. Never thought for a minute that Eminem was really homophobic. Too bad Em has lost that edge over the years. I’d enjoy the snowflakes now days crapping their pants in righteous outrage. He’s ok in my book.
Donston
Some might be “outraged”, but I just found it lame. Em was always at his best when he was introspective or a jokester. Even as a kid I didn’t find it particularly offensive. When he tried to be super “controversial” it just came off as tacky and forced to me. But you seem like one of those hetero/“mostly straight” worshipers who at the end of the day resent “gays”. The majority of “gays” either enjoyed Em’s early music or was just indifferent. But it was apparent that he saw “gays” as an easy target, something he could make fun of and would cause a stir but wouldn’t be of much consequence. If he tried that shit today it would be a very different story.