Complex.com did an interview with Eminem a couple of days ago. Not only the Rap God, but they managed to get a hold of Paul Rosenberg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Royce da 5’9 and Mr. Porter. Thank you Complex for putting up this awesome interview. What’s the occasion? The 15th anniversary of Shady Records–the record label brought to life and built up by Eminem and Paul Rosenberg.
It has been 15 years since Eminem and Paul started their own record label. But their friendship dates way back to the years where Em was rapping in underground battles hosted by Proof (RIP). Eminem says meeting Paul was like his ‘ticket’ to the mainstream, saying that Paul did have ‘connections’ in the industry. Eminem does not forget to pay his sincere gratitude to this father-figure of a man for nurturing him through tough and good times. Paul is Eminem’s anchor.
Each artist goes on to speak about meeting Eminem. Eminem pays special tribute to his mentor Dr. Dre and they both speak very highly of each other. Dr. Dre is the person who taught Em to compose and produce music, rather than be a lyricist and a rapper. 50 Cent speaks very highly of Em too. For 50 Cent, Eminem is his Dr. Dre. Royce da 5’9 speaks about the ‘genius’ of Eminem and very much appreciates the fact that Shady Records never wanted anything less from them than for them to achieve the highest point of success possible.
All the artists signed up with Shady Records, are handpicked by Eminem the maestro himself. Technicality of an artist is still priority number one for Eminem. He says it gives an artist ‘wiggle room’, and within that wiggle room, and artist can explore his potential later on with lyricism, wordplay, deliverance, attraction and message.
Listen to full ‘Not Afraid: The Shady Records Story’ Interview with Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se9kiTUqdFo
Towards the end, Eminem and Paul talk about the future of Shady Records. They ask each other the question, ‘where would Shady Records be in another 15 years’. Eminem has no clue. Paul Rosenberg says he’s done, Eminem pitches in, “He’s retired, and I’m tired“. It’s understandable, but not acceptable. Eminem is bigger than ever. It must take a toll o anybody–even someone with a rough upbringing as Marshall Mathers. But you got more years to be a Rap God, Marshall. Don’t leave us fans now!
The last bit of the interview gets quite emotional, when Paul Rosenberg very genuinely speaks about Eminem as a once in a lifetime occurrence. Shady Records may find another Eminem, says Paul and Eminem grins. Then Paul goes on to say ‘there will never be another Eminem, buddy. I don’t think the world can handle another one of you’. They finally shake hands, Paul thanking Eminem for ‘ruining’ 15 years of his life. Those are the best kinds of relationships–when you can thank your friend/partner for ruining their life.
Eminem may feel ‘tired’ after everything he has been through as a person. Talking about Eminem’s best friend Proof, the interviewer can cleverly eliminate Em and Paul from those questions. Eminem has never really recovered from the loss of his best friend Proof. However, others do input their opinions on Proof and how his loss affected Em, and all of them–referring to Proof as the ‘glue’ that brought and stuck all of them together.
Rest In Peace, Proof!
Let us know what you think about the interview ‘The Shady Records Story’. Make sure to leave a comment about this hilarious interview.