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Eminem Pays Homage To His 'Beautiful' City

Posted Fri 3 Jul 2009 9:05AM NZST by Billy Johnson, Jr. in Hip-Hop Media Training

Eminem puts his controversial antics on the back-burner for the fourth single from his "Relapse" album which has already sold more than 1 million copies since its May 19 release.

The video for his new record "Beautiful" spotlights his hometown of Detroit. It opens with a historical statement about the Michigan's national ranking during an economic peak.

"In 1950, Michigan was 1 of 8 states in America that collectively produced 36% of the world's GNP," the text read.

On a second screen the message continued, "Detroit was the greatest manufacturing city in the world."

The 4-minute clip shows Eminem walking through various Michigan landmarks that once thrived but are now impoverished--Beaux-Arts train station (Michigan Central Station), the original Tiger Stadium, and the former Packard Motor Car Company plant. Each of the now dilapidated structures were built prior to 1914.

Ironically, the song lyrics are not about Detroit, but Eminem's battles with depression during his bout with an addiction for which he sought rehabilitation. He raps, "I don't know how or why or when, I ended up in this position I'm in."

In a statement released via his label, Eminem said that after overcoming his trials, he realized that the song could also be used as a metaphor.

"Tiger Stadium is being torn down, and the train station is supposed to be demolished too," Eminem said. "This video is one of the last times anybody outside of Detroit is going to see them."

Eminem added, "['Beautiful'] is a reminder to keep your head up, and to see who you really are despite what you may be going through. Now that I've gotten through the toughest part, I see how the song relates to Detroit, and it feels even more powerful."


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1335 Comments

141. Yahoo! Music User -
I can tell you what happened to Detroit. The exploding black population who quickly gained the population majority, and forever the true racists...elected their public officers based on race and not qualifications. Hence, the white flight...to include businesses. Black culture here and in Africa is a killing, genocidal self killing criminal culture, poor work ethics and low intelligence and a self defeating mindset...it's mapped in the Human Genome...DNA people....search for it, no racism here..it is now scientific fact...and the guy is a NOBEL prize winner. Not all blacks of course....but out of a population of say....100,000 1500 will be decent, good people.......but they will still only associate with the pathetic ones...because they are racist.
Here is the funny thing...most blacks excuse and forgive their own criminal behavior because "I try but God knows I'm a sinner and I may not succeed but I will try harder tomorrow." They also repeatedly insist they are good people....with a criminal record...yeah right....cause your not a serial killer? That makes you "Good People"?

I will take a illegal Hispanic, Indian from Canada etc coming into the US over a "native" black any day, they have Great work ethics...in general. Even if the Hispanic commits a crime....most are smart enough to pull it off....if not, they leave the country when they get bail.

142. Yahoo! Music User -
I love Eminem... This song is so deep!

143. Tru Brit -
OH MY GOSH THIS IS JUST AMAZING!! I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!! EMINEM IS THE BEST EVER!!!

144. Cass -
Love this song & the video is truely awsome!! I grew up in that nighborhood so It is special to me to have this to remember what soon will be gone! Tiger Stadium & The Train Depot Live on in my childhood memories.

145. Nancy -
This is by far his best album to date, and his best song. He is just an amazing artist and it's about time someone shows how great the state of Michigan really is. I'm from the EUP(Eastern Upper Peninsula) and I'm proud of being from Michigan. Thank you Eminem.

146. Kelly -
Thee best song he made...

"'cause i already told you my life story, not just based on my description. cuz where you see it from you sitting if probably 110% different"

147. JJ -
One of Eminems top 3 songs ever! this song has so much meaning just listen to these lyrics

148. beautiful -
Awesome Video and song. This is waht is exactly needed to bring back the great city to it glory. At least for a start. Let's join and drive detroit out of depression into development.

149. KimberlyS -
True person who knows how to relate and express himself he is a tough act to follow

150. billy -
I loved the video. Major respect for Eminem.

151. Mycal B -
I think i know why America is falling apart cause people think this was wow and no words for it hahaha its detroit one of the murder capitals .. I bet ya'll also voted Daddy Obama

152. Gia -
What's happening in Michigan is happening all over America right now! When there's a huge impact in your city, maybe you'll realize how sad it truely is to see it fall. I've never lived in Michigan but I feel what EM is saying and understand. He has done a great job at conveying his POV and the struggle of others watching their world crumble around them! Great job EM! This is what a GREAT celebrity looks like!

153. Lillian -
I have not been home in about four years seeing this video is making me home sick. EASTSIDE of Detroit good song M

154. athena -
I love this video "Beautiful". Eminem is a true rapper, He sings from the heart and has his own style and that style hard to follow. He was gone for awhile, trying to find himself and now he is BACK. How awesome is that............

155. Ellen -
Hes definately true to himself and he points that out to himself and everyone to always be true to yourself.Hes an excellent artist.

156. Virginia B -
WOW!! I REALLY NOT A BIG FAN OF HIS BUT HE IS GETTING BETTER AT HIS MUSIC. THIS SONG IS TOUCHING!!

157. Yahoo! Music User -
This Clown has NO Talent!!!!!!!!!

158. chicken little -
what a stupid song made for stupid people who dont have the forsight to take care of themselves, or in the metaphoric sense, their own communities. losers

159. Yahoo! Music User -
Father, send a revival. Restore this city; and let the world know that it's you.

160. Diane -
The song is good...the video kinda blew though.
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