Gain the World, Lose Yourself

Reason writers around town: At The American Spectator, Brian Doherty explains why Eminem would actually have to kill the President to become controversial again.

Comments

[Warren]

yawn

[Gordon Shumway]

I was going to say "yawn" but then Warren's comment was so sharp and biting I can only say "wow".

And Warren, the guys who usually cut up on the folks singing karaoke down at Kelly's wanted me to tell you that you're their new sobriety. Cheers and kisses.

[thoreau]

Some people here will probably think this is heresy, but there are definitely some sentiments in his raps that libertarians could admire:

"Everytime I write a rhyme some people think it's a crime for me to say what's on my mind, I guess I'm a CRIMINAL, I don't gotta say a word I just flip 'em the bird, keep moving, don't take shit from no one!"

"How many people are proud to be citizens of this beautiful country of ours? The Stripes and the Stars for the rights that men have died for. The women and men who have broke their necks for the freedom of speech the United States government is sworn to uphold...or so we're told."

"Fuck you Mrs. Cheney! Fuck you Tipper Gore!"

"When a dude's gettin bullied and shoots up his school, And they blame it on Marilyn (ahh) and the heroin, Where were the parents at?"

"But how dare you try to take what you didn't help me to get!" (referring to his drug addict mother, but could also apply to Uncle Sam on April 15)

I know, it's heresy to admire a libertarian sentiment in the work of anybody who isn't a doctrinaire libertarian. Fine, stone me while I dance up and down chanting "Jehovah!" (Monty Python reference) I choose to admire lyrics that I find appealing and not worry too much about the musician's intent. Meaning is in the ear of the beholder.

[rst]

can someone tell us what it'll take for him to become RELEVANT?

When is any entertainer relevant? A music entertainer is the sum of his chops, his image, and his packaging. There isn't much relevance to be found in those characteristics. Eminem is a product for your consumption and enjoyment, both of which are yours to choose or decline.

[Douglas Fletcher]

Noisy asshole. I can only hope when he goes to hell he has to listen to himself ranting through eternity.

[Thorley Winston]

What Douglas said (even though I don't believe in hell).

[OL]

OK, now that we know what it'll take for Eminem to become controversial, can someone tell us what it'll take for him to become RELEVANT?

[Thorley Winston]

If his blood work were found to have the key to curing some horrible disease.

[beanie]

8-mile was absolutely terrible. No charecter development. Completely static. Unconvincing.

I'm with Douglas, anyone can rant ad infinitum, and might eventually say something I can agree with. Em appears more likely a frustrated child flailing in impotence rather than a well-reasoned advocate of genuine ideas.

[Brian Cook]

'(Monty Python reference)'

this is the INTERNET. Jesus, you don't have to explain your Monty Python references, we get them by definition.

[Jean Bart]

thoreau,

That's a rough choice - Lynne Cheney or Tipper Gore. 🙂

I thought "8 Mile" was a good film; better than most of the crap created by Hollywood.

[amr]

Em's rapped in favor of gay marriages:
"If we can hump dead animals and antelopes, there's no reason a man and another man can't elope." Of course, he then says "eww."

Message:
Just cos I don't like it, it should still be legal.

Maybe i'm stretching...

[Bill]

I kinda wish he would off the president. Two birds with one stone and all...

My buddy Brian used to say, "How could anyone who wants to kill Reagan and pork Jody Foster be deemed nuts? We should give him a parade."

I'm sure somebody who is up on Eminim could update this quote for today.

[Jean Bart]

rst,

Brilliant.