Whoah. I detect a bit of leftist tendencies in this thread.
As in: "Everything that isn't what I agree with is crap"
;-) Just messin' with ya'll. Probably just a generational gap is all. Trust me, I have been involved in music my whole life, classically trained pianist since 4th grade, (although slacked off on that later in life a bit) ..played guitar in rock bands in my teenage years, was a club DJ, and compose electronic music. So don't get the wrong idea about me. You would be surprised what music I enjoy, it varies greatly. However, you will never convince me that Eminem is not talented. Whether you personally like what he does is your own personal gig. Don't get the two confused.
Bones
Generational gap? What generation? I'm 21, I absolutely hate "rap music" (an oxymoron if there ever was one).
And Eminem exemplifies the worst in the genre - misogynistic lyrics, anti-moral ideals, liberal values...
I'll never forget the comment someone posted here from DU about this crap video. It "made me cry" was the statement... "everyone should see this!"
I haven't seen the entire video; MTV is not welcome in my home. But I've seen clips, lucky me, on the news. A woman is laid off and blames Bush? Her kids are frightened? So she joins a mob or a gang or some anti-government group? And I'm not up on the symbolism in music videos, but the fact this "woman" dons a black hooded robe tells me plenty. Seen the pictures of terrorists wearing black lately?
That's a bit more than a generation gap. It's an intelligence gap. It is not the government's responsibility to provide jobs to people. Personal responsibility is lost to too many in the younger generation. (and other gen's as well, sadly).
I am grateful you will not be buying his music as a fan because of his political rant mixed into his musical "message." At least you've thought it through on that level. I've sacrificed about 3 dozen of my favorite musicians as well to the altar of "Shut up and Sing." :) Foo Fighters, Bruce, Dave Matthews are just a few. I could name many more, but football is on :)