Eminem:Unlikely Leader

[LazerLordz]

Eminem, Anti-Hero

By Davina Baum, AlterNet. Posted October 29, 2004.

With a new video proudly declaring war on Bush, Eminem steps into the political fray, perhaps the least likely – and most effective – generational leader imaginable.

There was merely a ripple in the cultural zeitgeist when Bruce Springsteen put aside his genial nonpartisan everyman stance and headlined the Vote for Change concerts, benefiting America Coming Together (ACT), and ultimately, John Kerry. No one blinked when Ani diFranco set off on her own tour, boldly titled Vote Dammit. Same with Moby, who has worn his politics on his sleeve from day one. And no eyebrows were raised when P. Diddy, in typical Diddy style, came out big and loud with his Vote or Die campaign – which as usual seemed to be more about Diddy than anything else.

But Eminem – the man who George Bush once called "the most dangerous threat to American children since polio" – could be the true October surprise.

Eminem is one of the least likely artists to come out with an overtly political message and a rallying call to youth, yet eight days before the election Eminem released "Mosh," the second single from his forthcoming album "Encore," scheduled for release on Nov. 6. Solidly established as an anti-hero, reveling in the fact that his words and actions – pulling a gun on his ex-wife's boyfriend, rapping about "fags" and then making nice with Elton John or mooning fans at the MTV Video Music Awards – were not to be followed, analyzed, or mimicked, Eminem seemed content to remain the angry young man with a wicked flow, biting lyrics and astronomical record sales.

Instead, he releases a rousing call to arms for the hip hop generation to take back the government that seeks to represent them. He even proclaims himself their leader. Surprise indeed.

With "Mosh," Eminem – the most polarizing musician of our times – takes on the most polarizing election of our times.

In the video, Eminem leads a mob fired up and politicized by four years of outrage and anger at the Bush administration. Clad in black hoodies, fists raised, the angry young men and women descend on a state building ... to vote.

Chunky black-and-white illustrated figures on a moody, sepia-toned landscape play out the frustration and angst of a generation. One young Iraq veteran returns home, to be met by his wife and children and a notice of reassignment; "**** Bush" is the accompanying lyric he spits out. Then he dons a black hoodie and joins the mob. A single mother comes home, groceries in hand, and opens an eviction notice while news of a tax cut for the rich plays on the television ... she dons a black hoodie and joins the mob.

http://www.alternet.org/images/managed/Story+Image_em1.jpg

Eminem leads the crowd, providing "spark" to the chorus:

"Come along follow me as I lead through the darkness
As I provide just enough spark that we need to proceed
Carry on, give me hope, give me strength
Come with me and I won't steer you wrong
Put your faith and your trust as I guide us through the fog
To the light at the end of the tunnel
We gonna fight, we gonna charge, we gonna stomp, we gonna march
Through the swamp, we gonna mosh through the marsh
Take us right through the doors (c'mon)"

The video was produced, directed and edited by Ian Inaba of the Guerilla News Network, who didn't necessarily have Eminem in mind when he came up with the concept. Inaba, also a contributor to GNN's new book "True Lies" (The Penguin Group, 2004), concurs that the song and the video have altered the left's perception of one of its favorite whipping boys: "People who have been critical are now saying positive things about him," Inaba tells AlterNet. "I think he's matured a lot as an artist and he's a very hard working and intelligent artist. And I think this song and his effort is showing people that."

This sea change in public perception occurred in less than five days. The video was finished on Monday, Oct. 25, and posted at gnn.tv on the same day. After rumors that MTV would refuse to air it, the video appeared on Total Request Live on Tuesday; it's currently No. 1 on the charts.

So Inaba and Eminem were a fortuitous pairing. The video was first a concept in search of a song, but when Inaba, who had worked with Eminem on his last album, heard the song, he felt it was the perfect fit. "I wanted to do a voting video," he says. "[We were] trying to come out with it right before the election – hopefully a little earlier than we ultimately did." Inaba shopped it around to record labels, landing at Interscope, looking to see who among the label's artists would be releasing an album near the election. "The video's content was pretty well established in my head when I went to his management so we were both kind of surprised when I heard the song. You know it couldn't have been a better song," says Inaba.

"Mosh" couldn't have fit better with the concept, and Inaba considers Eminem's nation of listeners a powerful bloc who otherwise wouldn't have heard the message: "We heard the song, we knew it was gonna have the reach, you know we could have gone with other artists, but he's got reach into swing states, into middle America, and that's, you know, a powerful thing." Think of it as the Michael Moore effect on an Xbox.

Indeed, in a nation where undecided-voter frenzy has reached a fever pitch, the hip hop generation has been a favorite target. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 26.7 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 24, and only 8.6 million of them – about 32 percent – voted in the 2000 presidential elections, meaning two of every three did not vote.

Reactions to the video have been dramatic. Moby, whose history with Eminem is stained with vitriol, has been effusive: "Wow, you know that Eminem and I have had our differences in the past, but this video is the best thing that I've seen all year. It's an amazing song and an even more amazing video. Please go watch." The "differences" that Moby blithely refers to include a call-out in Eminem's 2002 release "Without Me": "You 36-year-old boy fag, blow me/ You don't know me, you're too old, let go/ It's over, nobody listens to techno."

Inaba thinks the response has been amazing – and if the goal is getting out the vote, he believes that the video is a success: "We've gotten a lot of responses on message boards, on blog sites, things like that; kids saying, 'I wasn't gonna vote and I saw this video and it's really transformative and I'm now gonna go out and vote.'"

Naturally, the hip hop generation is watching, and talking. On MTV.com's "You Tell Us" feature, reactions are strong. Kyle, a 22-year-old from Ithaca, N.Y. says: "Not since Chuck D has a hip hop artist spoken so eloquently of the power in numbers. If we stand up as a bloc and vote, both the president and the senator will have no choice but to listen."

Nineteen-year-old Kelley from Apple Valley, Minn. has a different take: "I am completely appalled by Eminem's 'Mosh' video. He may have his own opinions about our president, but there should be no reason that he has to come out with this Bush-bashing video a week before the election. I am a huge Eminem fan, but this is extremely upsetting. I am also afraid that people will watch this video and be corrupted by what he is portraying, and that is a false image of President Bush."

Eminem, not surprisingly, disagrees. In an advance report of a poorly timed interview in Rolling Stone (appearing in the Nov. 5 issue), he is quoted as saying:

"[Bush] has been painted to be this hero, and he's got our troops over there dying for no reason ... I think he started a mess ... He jumped the gun, and he ****ed up so bad he doesn't know what to do right now ... We got young people over there dyin', kids in their teens, early 20s that should have futures ahead of them. And for what? It seems like a Vietnam 2. bin Laden attacked us, and we attacked Saddam. Explain why that is. Give us some answers."

According to the article, Eminem won't endorse a candidate: "'Whatever my decision is, I would like to see Bush out of office,' Eminem says. 'I don't wanna see my little brother get drafted – he just turned eighteen. People think their votes don't count, but people need to get out and vote. Every mother****in' vote counts.'"

If the video augurs anything, those votes will be legion. Eminem ends the song as a line of voters stretches out into the distance:

"As we set aside our differences
And assemble our own army
To disarm this weapon of mass destruction
That we call our president, for the present
And mosh for the future of our next generation
To speak and be heard
Mr. President, Mr. Senator
Do you guys hear us?"

Well, do you?

[Ratamacue]

He's just trying to get attention and staying in the headlines by being "fashionable" with his criticism.

[American Patriot]

Too bad Eminem fans don't vote. :lol:

[scm77]

rofl rofl

[SeanAshi]

Eminem is a no-talent ass clown, fooking lout...he sounds like an early Madonna with a bit of Alvin and the chipmunks.

[Aerosoul]

Eminem can kiss my ass. Along with all his buddies. Mos Def, 50 cent, etc.

After he did that song with Mos Def "bin laden" [didn't blow up the projects....bush knocked down the towers"]. I got only more angry at these ****ers who rap for money and have no brains and no respect.

[Midav]

Eminem can kiss my ass. Along with all his buddies. Mos Def, 50 cent, etc.

After he did that song with Mos Def "bin laden" [didn't blow up the projects....bush knocked down the towers"]. I got only more angry at these f*** who rap for money and have no brains and no respect.

Why I'm becoming more and more afraid for our society. No self responsibility, PC everywhere, lawsuits galore, idiots as role models that influence the next generation, horrid schooling system and the like.

It's scary.

[Red]

I dont intend to start anything but i wonder what y'alls reactions would have been if Eminem sang a pro-Bush song?I wonder,i just wonder.

[Midav]

I dont intend to start anything but i wonder what y'alls reactions would have been if Eminem sang a pro-Bush song?I wonder,i just wonder.

If it helps any, I'm no big fan of Darryl Worley or Toby Keith's songs, either.

I think people that play music should stick with music and leave the politics at home.

[Ameen]

After he did that song with Mos Def "bin laden" [didn't blow up the projects....bush knocked down the towers"]. I got only more angry at these f*** who rap for money and have no brains and no respect.

I myself listen to rap and hip hop. I like these artists and that is my opinion. Everyone has different opinions. But here are the lyrics for that song you are talking about. Some things actually make sense. I am not sure about the rules abut profanity on this forum but i am sorry if i break any here with these lyrics:

[Mos Def - talking]
Man, you hear this bull**** they be talkin'
Every day, man
It's like these mother****ers is just like professional liars
YouknowwhatI'msayin? It's wild
Listen

[Hook - Mos Def]
Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga

Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]

[Verse 1 - Immortal Technique]
I pledge no allegiance, nigga **** the president's speeches
I'm baptized by America and covered in leeches
The dirty water that bleaches your soul and your facial features
Drownin' you in propaganda that they spit through the speakers
And if you speak about the evil that the government does
The Patriot Act'll track you to the type of your blood
They try to frame you, and say you was tryna sell drugs
And throw a federal indictment on niggaz to show you love
This **** is run by fake Christians, fake politicians
Look at they mansions, then look at the conditions you live in
All they talk about is terrorism on television
They tell you to listen, but they don't really tell you they mission
They funded Al-Qaeda, and now they blame the Muslim religion
Even though Bin Laden, was a CIA tactician
They gave him billions of dollars, and they funded his purpose
Fahrenheit 9/11, that's just scratchin' the surface

[Hook]

[Verse 2 - Immortal Technique]
They say the rebels in Iraq still fight for Saddam
But that's bull****, I'll show you why it's totally wrong
Cuz if another country invaded the hood tonight
It'd be warfare through Harlem, and Washington Heights
I wouldn't be fightin' for Bush or White America's dream
I'd be fightin' for my people's survival and self-esteem
I wouldn't fight for racist churches from the south, my nigga
I'd be fightin' to keep the occupation out, my nigga
You ever clock someone who talk ****, or look at you wrong?
Imagine if they shot at you, and was rapin' your moms
And of course Saddam Hussein had chemical weapons
We sold him that ****, after Ronald Reagan's election
Mercenary contractors fightin' a new era
Corporate military bankin' off the war on terror
They controllin' the ghetto, with the failed attack
Tryna distract the fact that they engineerin' the crack
So I'm strapped like Lee Malvo holdin' a sniper rifle
These bullets'll touch your kids, and I don't mean like Michael
Your body be sent to the morgue, stripped down and recycled
I fire on house niggaz that support you and like you
Cuz innocent people get murdered in the struggle daily
And poor people never get **** and struggle daily
This ain't no alien conspiracy theory, this **** is real
Written on the dollar underneath the Masonic seal

(I don't rap for dead presidents
I'd rather see the president dead
It's never been said but I set precedents)--[Eminem]

[Hook]

(Shady Records was 80 seconds away from the towers
Some cowards ****ed with the wrong building, they meant to hit ours)-- [Eminem]

[Nizark]

I dont intend to start anything but i wonder what y'alls reactions would have been if Eminem sang a pro-Bush song?I wonder,i just wonder.

I was just gonna say that.

[Ratamacue]

I dont intend to start anything but i wonder what y'alls reactions would have been if Eminem sang a pro-Bush song?I wonder,i just wonder.
I was just gonna say that.
I don't really like Bush. But liking Bush or not doesn't change the fact that Eminem is just trying to be fashionable and take advantage of the anti-Bush feelings residing in the majority of his target audience.

[vampireuk]

I think Eminem realised how foolish it was appealing to his fans to vote, since most of them are not old enough to do so in the first place.

[GDS Starfury]

Man, you hear this bull**** they be talkin'


what great grammar

[LazerLordz]

You gotta admit something in those lyrics make sense though it's not a very appropriate usage of popular culture.

[LordHalbert]

These rappers are only interested in taking your money.

They would make bad politicians.

Some might same say the same about W. Bush or any other leader.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

They should be happy in a free country which allows them to talk **** about the president, it shows a working democracy.

[Mr Gently Benevolent]

George Bush actually said the following "the most dangerous threat to American children since polio" if so what a silly man.

[MARINO]

poor guy :lol:

[Hoplite_V]

These rappers are only interested in taking your money.

They would make bad politicians.


Are you kidding? Isn't that what politicians are all about now? Money?

I can't stand rap.
I kinda like Eminem's videos. Their usually pretty funny and I get a kick out of them. Stops there.

i can't stand when movie stars or musicians try to make political arguments. Movie stars (sean pen) or musicians like puff daddy or p diddy or puffy cons or whatever the **** his name is this week and his whole "vote or die" campaign. Bono and friends. Their bored with their music and feel like they are some all important wise icon so they need to spread their wisdom. Eat ****.

I rufuse to be humbled or preached to by musicians preaching world peace, feed the starving and tollerence when the are driving around $80'000 pimped out urban assault vehicles, spending $40'000 on a watch or trying to equate the rap industry to a war and going on and on about how hard their lives are. Sure is hard using $100 bills to start your fireplace up at night in your 8 million dollar home.

went off on a bit of a rant there :roll:

[Stormy]

He's just trying to get attention and staying in the headlines by being "fashionable" with his criticism.

True indeed.




I dont intend to start anything but i wonder what y'alls reactions would have been if Eminem sang a pro-Bush song?I wonder,i just wonder.

If it helps any, I'm no big fan of Darryl Worley or Toby Keith's songs, either.

I think people that play music should stick with music and leave the politics at home.

I also Agree with you Midav. Politics and music can become very boring, Sometimes. It's actually about what you say and how you say it and some artist do have bad timing or they are just to blunt and extreme in what they say but they say it anyway. HipHop along with some other music is like "Rebel Music" by the way. Alot of it shouldn't be aimed at the mainstream. ( Some Songs that is )


You gotta admit something in those lyrics make sense though it's not a very appropriate usage of popular culture.

Extremely true. I say it again like I said above. HipHop music along with some other music is what you all may like to call "Rebel Music" and alot of it shouldn't be aimed at the mainstream. ( Some Songs that is )

_____________________________________________________________





I'm not a fan of Eminem but I will tell you the truth, He is a very good "mainstream" - "PopCulture" hiphop artist regardless if you like his voice or not. HipHop is not based on how sweet his or her voice sounds. It's actually based on who could rhyme and have precision. Some of his songs alot of you may find it loony or whatever but then again HipHop music along with some other music that are considered what alot of you may call "Rebel Music" and it is based on many things and many stories that can be told from this music or what the artist is feeling.

I actually know and I am a fan of 2 out of the 3 Artist that forum member Ameen mentioned and I do know one of their producers quite a bit. He is a very nice man and understanding. We talked in a group about music that deals with politics in the past and he said he don't agree with everything the artist does but they do it anyway as HipHop music is Freedom of speech and sometimes just hard "Rebel Music". I'm what you call a young producer and also I love making "beats" and spinning records. It's one of my hobbies. I actually know alot of artist ( Not Mainstream ) but alternative and underground artist in many different urban music fields both alternative & underground from HipHop to Jungle to Rock to Jazz and a few more.

Pop Culture, Is one things I don't like for many different reasons alone. Alot of the music in the Pop World is not the best overall, Alot of the times the big man on top controls what the artist should do or say in his or her songs. As for HipHop in the pop scene I think it is ridiculous, Like a good 85% - 90%. It's all about the Bling-Bling or the so called bitches or just thugging it out. It's just wrong. The Big record company's seems to like this for some reason and make it pop-mainstream. Alot of the music they make it as pop-mainstream won't even survive in the alternative-underground music world becuase it will be considered "garbage" and I'm sorry for the use the word. Alot of people like these pop songs for some reason I don't know. I will only suggest to you is don't take this extremely seriously because it is a waste of energy and time.

Once again, Hiphop music along with other music ( Like some rock ) is considered a "Rebel Music" in the eyes of many. It is not like country or any other music that is the same. Alot of the songs should'nt be aimed at the mainstream/commercial. One thing I don't like about the mainstream is that they may have some artist and some songs and show this to the masses and then the masses that don't even undserstand the music genres thus will see us all as the same as these Commercial, Pop, Mainstream artist, unfortunitly.


BTW; Have a Merry Christmas to all and enjoy your day. :)

[GrimmyRX]

It's all about the power.

MM has some.

He used some.

If a average person can try and affect elections and express opinions, why can't artists\movie stars\etc..?

How do you know he's just being "fashionable" with his criticism? You there by his side when he decided to write the song and make the video?

No?

Well then, all your speculations amounts to just about a hill of beans then doesn't it?

[hmanphotos]

I have two comments which will get me flamed I'm sure.

One, if you think Em is a no-talent ass clown.... you're wrong.

Second, he didn't need this song to "stay popular". He's huge, and going to be huge for a long time.

[Stormy]

If a average person can try and affect elections and express opinions, why can't artists\movie stars\etc..?

That is Correct. ;)




One, if you think Em is a no-talent ass clown.... you're wrong.


He does have alot of talent and he does represents his talent. I know you didn't direct this at me :lol: I gave him his "props" above even though I'm not a a big fan of his.

[Midav]

If a average person can try and affect elections and express opinions, why can't artists\movie stars\etc..?



If an average person could, I might agree with you.

These stars have one heck of a lot more money and influence than you or I will ever have.

They can reach out to a much larger crowd than you or I ever can.

[Midav]

Before I get accused... I never said to censor these people.

Not once. But as much as Eminem has his right and his opinion on something, it is my right and my opinion that he should shut up.

Merry Christmas ;)

[GrimmyRX]

If a average person can try and affect elections and express opinions, why can't artists\movie stars\etc..?



If an average person could, I might agree with you.

These stars have one heck of a lot more money and influence than you or I will ever have.

They can reach out to a much larger crowd than you or I ever can.

I still don't see why the fact that they have power means that they can't try and affection elections and express opinions.

[Midav]

If a average person can try and affect elections and express opinions, why can't artists\movie stars\etc..?



If an average person could, I might agree with you.

These stars have one heck of a lot more money and influence than you or I will ever have.

They can reach out to a much larger crowd than you or I ever can.

I still don't see why the fact that they have power means that they can't try and affection elections and express opinions.

Well they are aren't they?

It's my opinion that they should stick with music and leave politics to the politicians.

For instance, when I go to a concert, I don't give a rats ass in hell whether the Dixie Chicks like GWB or not.

I like their music, not their ideas on politics. However, if you want to go in that field, more power to you. However, drop what you're doing.

Good example is Arnold Schwarzenegger.

[Stormy]

When I'm in the NM area I will take Midav to party ! :) Hope you don't mind a few beers and loud ass music ;)

[Midav]

When I'm in the NM area I will take Midav to party ! :) Hope you don't mind a few beers and loud ass music ;)

Sounds like a plan! :)

[Stormy]

woot You don't know the feeling when you see a bunch of people on a long line at a club and then you are allowed to skip all of them and go right on in for free. :P Let me stop hehe :cantbeli: p-)

[GrimmyRX]

I know exactly the feeling, lol, my regiment has a club right next to it. We go there often enough that we get to skip the line, ^_^

[Midav]

hehe

[Stormy]

know exactly the feeling, lol, my regiment has a club right next to it. We go there often enough that we get to skip the line, ^_^

It feels funny actually :lol:
People like to stare you in the eye when you walk by them.

[Kilgor]

Hmmmm... "gansta rappers against war"

For guys who love talking about guns, voilence, killing cops and conflict are now suddenly against war ?

rofl

[Stormy]

I know Kilgor bops his head to Gansta Rap in his car. I seen him Bop it really hard :P :lol:

[Kilgor]

im not knocking gansta rap... Im a NWA fan from way back :P

I just think they should STFU about preaching for peace p-)

[GrimmyRX]

know exactly the feeling, lol, my regiment has a club right next to it. We go there often enough that we get to skip the line, ^_^

It feels funny actually :lol:
People like to stare you in the eye when you walk by them.

And then they see the uniform and turn away quickly, ^_^

[Stormy]

True I like NWA too. They were some of the few that did Gansta-Rap good I think.

Matter of fact I'm going to put it on the plate right now and play it real loud in my apt :P Thanks for reminding me.

[Midav]

Just a little off topic.... at least much of that music makes a little bit of sense, unlike Sean Paul:

"Like Glue"

[Intro:]
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, feel dat trend now, yeah yeah
Sean-A-Paul, so mi go so then

[Chorus:]
Well I don't really care what people say
I don't really watch what dem waan do
Still I got to stick to my girls like glue
And i'm not play number two
All I know the time it is gettin dread
Need alot of trees up in my head
Got alot of damsel in my bed to run dat re-eeeddd!!!!

[Verse 1:]
Well enough likkle girl dem bought they own dem got di goody goody
One ting mi haffi tell dem Dutty got di woody woody
Frontway backway Dutty K man have di shooby shooby
Virgin dem waan gimme and mi have to tooky tooky
Hot girls outta road dat seh dem see mi see mi
And a tell mi seh dem have somethin fi gimme gimme
How much a one night dem all a dream bout di jimmy jimmy
Dem a promise and a tell mi seh a fi mi fi mi
But a promise is a comfort to a fool, so cool
Well yuh dun know seh dat man haffi rule, di school
We nuh pet dem just wet dem up just like a pool
And a dignitary we haffi use up mi tool

[Chorus:]
Well I don't really care what people say
I don't really watch what dem waan do
Still I got to stick to my girls like glue
And i'm not play number two
All I know the time it is gettin dread
Need alot of trees up in my head
Got alot of damsel in my bed to run dat re-eeeddd!!!!

[Verse 2:]
So how can they waan big up dem chest
But they dun know Dutty Cup we deyah rated as di best
A wouldn't they love diss this is Sean-A-Paul this
We nuh cater fi nuh guy and only girls we a request
So gimme di gal dem, yo and every minute I'm wid it
Fi get di gal dem exquisite and get dem regular visit
Just gimme di gal dem, now dem all a pressure mi cellular
Seh a mi a di dappa dem waan fi be dem big poppa
Gimme di gal dem, after di chronic we tek a drag
And I don't mean to brag everyday I got to shag
Gimme di gal dem, everytime I look inna my mind
It's only girls dat weh mi find and true mi love dem design

[Chorus:]
Well I don't really care what people say
I don't really watch what dem waan do
Still I got to stick to my girls like glue
And i'm not play number two
All I know the time it is gettin dread
Need alot of trees up in my head
Got a little of damsel in my bed to run dat re-eeeddd!!!!

[Verse 3:]
Some guy a live dem life and dem nuh really waan check it
Dem have nuh girl nuh wife nuh woman dem nah select it
Sometime mi haffi wonder if dem headset dem wreck it
Jah know dem ago bun well if dem don't waan correct it
So please, dem nuh wannabees
Dem hangout wid too much dogs and catch fleas
Dem nuh waan nuh honey, dem only waan di money
Dat's how mi know seh dem bwoy deh all a move funny
Look like dem lost, livin in di past
One ting mi haffi tell dem sorry Ma
Dem better move fast, before we get crossed
Badman nuh cater fi dem just because, mi go so then

[Chorus:]
Well I don't really care what people say
I don't really watch what dem waan do
Still I got to stick to my girls like glue
And i'm not play number two
All I know the time it is gettin dread
Need alot of trees up in my head
Got alot of damsel in my bed to run dat re-eeeddd!!!!

rofl

[KalleBalleSvartSk@lle]

Why is there a forum for political stuff?

[Midav]

Why is there a forum for political stuff?

Dunno. You should ask them in that forum.

:P

[HoboWithAK]

I dont intend to start anything but i wonder what y'alls reactions would have been if Eminem sang a pro-Bush song?I wonder,i just wonder.

This is almost a vicious circle. Why do kids have this political view? Because they are too incompetent do make up their own minds, and think that following a popular figure head makes them right and cool. Why does Eminem have this political stance? Because it is popular, which in turn, makes him popular. If the youth of America were all pro-Bush, so would be those who try to appeal to them. Too bad that it isn't just the youth of America who cannot make up their own minds, but many adults of voting age who allow themselves to be spoon fed the correct and popular opinions. I wouldn't feel different if the popular beliefe was pro-Bush. I would still know that what is right is what is popular among the brainless wonders of this country. I don't know how they feed themselves to begin with.

[SeanAshi]

I dont intend to start anything but i wonder what y'alls reactions would have been if Eminem sang a pro-Bush song?I wonder,i just wonder.He still would suck but that's my opion....

[Opening Batsman]

They say the rebels in Iraq still fight for Saddam
But that's bull****, I'll show you why it's totally wrong
Cuz if another country invaded the hood tonight
It'd be warfare through Harlem, and Washington Heights
I wouldn't be fightin' for Bush or White America's dream
I'd be fightin' for my people's survival and self-esteem
I wouldn't fight for racist churches from the south, my nigga
I'd be fightin' to keep the occupation out, my nigga
You ever clock someone who talk ****, or look at you wrong?
Imagine if they shot at you, and was rapin' your moms

That is good.

[Ameen]

They say the rebels in Iraq still fight for Saddam
But that's bull****, I'll show you why it's totally wrong
Cuz if another country invaded the hood tonight
It'd be warfare through Harlem, and Washington Heights
I wouldn't be fightin' for Bush or White America's dream
I'd be fightin' for my people's survival and self-esteem
I wouldn't fight for racist churches from the south, my nigga
I'd be fightin' to keep the occupation out, my nigga
You ever clock someone who talk ****, or look at you wrong?
Imagine if they shot at you, and was rapin' your moms

That is good.

So true.

[Midav]

If that were the honest god’s truth
Why are they using god’s name for their spoof
They ain’t attacking harlem, nor the heights
Just Iraq a hard place in its own right
Some be fightin’ for Osama and Saddam, some for Iraq
Some for jihadi ****, seems to be the fad
They’re blowin up churches, unlike the other rap
Read the news or shut your stupid trap
The rest o your **** makes no sense
I be a rapper just makin’ cash off everyone’s ignorance.

Buy my CD, yo!

[usa320]

Mos Def - talking]
Man, you hear this bull**** they be talkin'
Every day, man
It's like these f*** is just like professional liars
YouknowwhatI'msayin? It's wild
Listen

[Hook - Mos Def]
Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga

Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]

[Verse 1 - Immortal Technique]
I pledge no allegiance, nigga f*** the president's speeches
I'm baptized by America and covered in leeches
The dirty water that bleaches your soul and your facial features
Drownin' you in propaganda that they spit through the speakers
And if you speak about the evil that the government does
The Patriot Act'll track you to the type of your blood
They try to frame you, and say you was tryna sell drugs
And throw a federal indictment on niggaz to show you love
This **** is run by fake Christians, fake politicians
Look at they mansions, then look at the conditions you live in
All they talk about is terrorism on television
They tell you to listen, but they don't really tell you they mission
They funded Al-Qaeda, and now they blame the Muslim religion
Even though Bin Laden, was a CIA tactician
They gave him billions of dollars, and they funded his purpose
Fahrenheit 9/11, that's just scratchin' the surface

[Hook]

[Verse 2 - Immortal Technique]
They say the rebels in Iraq still fight for Saddam
But that's bull****, I'll show you why it's totally wrong
Cuz if another country invaded the hood tonight
It'd be warfare through Harlem, and Washington Heights
I wouldn't be fightin' for Bush or White America's dream
I'd be fightin' for my people's survival and self-esteem
I wouldn't fight for racist churches from the south, my nigga
I'd be fightin' to keep the occupation out, my nigga
You ever clock someone who talk ****, or look at you wrong?
Imagine if they shot at you, and was rapin' your moms
And of course Saddam Hussein had chemical weapons
We sold him that ****, after Ronald Reagan's election
Mercenary contractors fightin' a new era
Corporate military bankin' off the war on terror
They controllin' the ghetto, with the failed attack
Tryna distract the fact that they engineerin' the crack
So I'm strapped like Lee Malvo holdin' a sniper rifle
These bullets'll touch your kids, and I don't mean like Michael
Your body be sent to the morgue, stripped down and recycled
I fire on house niggaz that support you and like you
Cuz innocent people get murdered in the struggle daily
And poor people never get **** and struggle daily
This ain't no alien conspiracy theory, this **** is real
Written on the dollar underneath the Masonic seal

(I don't rap for dead presidents
I'd rather see the president dead
It's never been said but I set precedents)--[Eminem]

[Hook]



What a douche. Assholes like him give all rappers a bad image, not like that had a very good image to begin with. Rap music never used to bother me, but the more of it i lsiten to, the more i realize its about nothing but glorifying drugs, ***, gangs, crime and violence. And these rappers are targeting the youth, and by doing so, brainwashing the future generations.

Just further proof that this country is being lead down the moral sewer by pop culture.

Call me a fascist, but i think a good old fashioned McCarthiest crackdown in hollywood is long overdue.

[Aerosoul]

Em and other rappers are just preaching to the uneducated masses. Easily swayed one way or the other. When foolish, uneducated, close-minded teens see someone "cool" with "hip" music start rapping against the President....CLICK. Millions follow...and millions of dollars flow...

[EvanL]

Mos Def - talking]
Man, you hear this bull**** they be talkin'
Every day, man
It's like these f*** is just like professional liars
YouknowwhatI'msayin? It's wild
Listen

[Hook - Mos Def]
Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga

Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]

[Verse 1 - Immortal Technique]
I pledge no allegiance, nigga f*** the president's speeches
I'm baptized by America and covered in leeches
The dirty water that bleaches your soul and your facial features
Drownin' you in propaganda that they spit through the speakers
And if you speak about the evil that the government does
The Patriot Act'll track you to the type of your blood
They try to frame you, and say you was tryna sell drugs
And throw a federal indictment on niggaz to show you love
This **** is run by fake Christians, fake politicians
Look at they mansions, then look at the conditions you live in
All they talk about is terrorism on television
They tell you to listen, but they don't really tell you they mission
They funded Al-Qaeda, and now they blame the Muslim religion
Even though Bin Laden, was a CIA tactician
They gave him billions of dollars, and they funded his purpose
Fahrenheit 9/11, that's just scratchin' the surface

[Hook]

[Verse 2 - Immortal Technique]
They say the rebels in Iraq still fight for Saddam
But that's bull****, I'll show you why it's totally wrong
Cuz if another country invaded the hood tonight
It'd be warfare through Harlem, and Washington Heights
I wouldn't be fightin' for Bush or White America's dream
I'd be fightin' for my people's survival and self-esteem
I wouldn't fight for racist churches from the south, my nigga
I'd be fightin' to keep the occupation out, my nigga
You ever clock someone who talk ****, or look at you wrong?
Imagine if they shot at you, and was rapin' your moms
And of course Saddam Hussein had chemical weapons
We sold him that ****, after Ronald Reagan's election
Mercenary contractors fightin' a new era
Corporate military bankin' off the war on terror
They controllin' the ghetto, with the failed attack
Tryna distract the fact that they engineerin' the crack
So I'm strapped like Lee Malvo holdin' a sniper rifle
These bullets'll touch your kids, and I don't mean like Michael
Your body be sent to the morgue, stripped down and recycled
I fire on house niggaz that support you and like you
Cuz innocent people get murdered in the struggle daily
And poor people never get **** and struggle daily
This ain't no alien conspiracy theory, this **** is real
Written on the dollar underneath the Masonic seal

(I don't rap for dead presidents
I'd rather see the president dead
It's never been said but I set precedents)--[Eminem]

[Hook]



What a douche. Assholes like him give all rappers a bad image, not like that had a very good image to begin with. Rap music never used to bother me, but the more of it i lsiten to, the more i realize its about nothing but glorifying drugs, ***, gangs, crime and violence. And these rappers are targeting the youth, and by doing so, brainwashing the future generations.

Just further proof that this country is being lead down the moral sewer by pop culture.

Call me a fascist, but i think a good old fashioned McCarthiest crackdown in hollywood is long overdue.
People like you just give these people more ammo. Do us all justice and have people like you stfu, and people like them will also stfu. But first you stfu.

[Aerosoul]

Mos Def - talking]
Man, you hear this bull**** they be talkin'
Every day, man
It's like these f*** is just like professional liars
YouknowwhatI'msayin? It's wild
Listen

[Hook - Mos Def]
Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga

Bin Laden didn't blow up the projects
It was you, nigga
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]
Tell the truth, nigga
(Bush knocked down the towers)--[Jadakiss]

[Verse 1 - Immortal Technique]
I pledge no allegiance, nigga f*** the president's speeches
I'm baptized by America and covered in leeches
The dirty water that bleaches your soul and your facial features
Drownin' you in propaganda that they spit through the speakers
And if you speak about the evil that the government does
The Patriot Act'll track you to the type of your blood
They try to frame you, and say you was tryna sell drugs
And throw a federal indictment on niggaz to show you love
This **** is run by fake Christians, fake politicians
Look at they mansions, then look at the conditions you live in
All they talk about is terrorism on television
They tell you to listen, but they don't really tell you they mission
They funded Al-Qaeda, and now they blame the Muslim religion
Even though Bin Laden, was a CIA tactician
They gave him billions of dollars, and they funded his purpose
Fahrenheit 9/11, that's just scratchin' the surface

[Hook]

[Verse 2 - Immortal Technique]
They say the rebels in Iraq still fight for Saddam
But that's bull****, I'll show you why it's totally wrong
Cuz if another country invaded the hood tonight
It'd be warfare through Harlem, and Washington Heights
I wouldn't be fightin' for Bush or White America's dream
I'd be fightin' for my people's survival and self-esteem
I wouldn't fight for racist churches from the south, my nigga
I'd be fightin' to keep the occupation out, my nigga
You ever clock someone who talk ****, or look at you wrong?
Imagine if they shot at you, and was rapin' your moms
And of course Saddam Hussein had chemical weapons
We sold him that ****, after Ronald Reagan's election
Mercenary contractors fightin' a new era
Corporate military bankin' off the war on terror
They controllin' the ghetto, with the failed attack
Tryna distract the fact that they engineerin' the crack
So I'm strapped like Lee Malvo holdin' a sniper rifle
These bullets'll touch your kids, and I don't mean like Michael
Your body be sent to the morgue, stripped down and recycled
I fire on house niggaz that support you and like you
Cuz innocent people get murdered in the struggle daily
And poor people never get **** and struggle daily
This ain't no alien conspiracy theory, this **** is real
Written on the dollar underneath the Masonic seal

(I don't rap for dead presidents
I'd rather see the president dead
It's never been said but I set precedents)--[Eminem]

[Hook]



What a douche. Assholes like him give all rappers a bad image, not like that had a very good image to begin with. Rap music never used to bother me, but the more of it i lsiten to, the more i realize its about nothing but glorifying drugs, ***, gangs, crime and violence. And these rappers are targeting the youth, and by doing so, brainwashing the future generations.

Just further proof that this country is being lead down the moral sewer by pop culture.

Call me a fascist, but i think a good old fashioned McCarthiest crackdown in hollywood is long overdue.
People like you just give these people more ammo. Do us all justice and have people like you stfu, and people like them will also stfu. But first you stfu.

Ehh....I agree with usa there.

[American Patriot]

Keep fighting da man, Mos Def. You go girl.

Retard.

[GrimmyRX]

Man, everybody preaches to the uneducated masses. You know what the solution is?

Educate them. Don't crack down on Hollywood, don't crack down on the president.

Educate the apathetic.

[Aerosoul]

Not that easy....

[GrimmyRX]

Never is, lol.

[East]

Some very compelling arguments here. Opinions should not be censored. But what about that bull**** Mos Def said about Bush bringing down the towers? Shouldn't something be done when someone whos voice is heard by the masses sways their opinion with lies? Of course this can and should be applied to politicians as well. Obviously not going to happen, just my two cents.

[Johnny_H02]

Eminem is a no-talent ass clown, fooking lout...he sounds like an early Madonna with a bit of Alvin and the chipmunks.

No talent that is a bold statement, IM not a fan infact the guy annoys me but some of the rhymes he can churn out at a moments notice, are baffling.

[HooyahCQB]

Eminem is just a sheep; a very loud, obnoxious, outspoken sheep. Inside of those small counterfeit muscles and behind his loud, wife-beating, whoring, mouth, he's a p*ssy waiting to get out.


My 2 cents. Take it or leave it.

[Nizark]

Em and other rappers are just preaching to the uneducated masses. .

And how is that any different from what the other politicians do? Bush scared the crap out of the uneducated masses, and it worked

[GI_Joke]

so everybody that listen to rap is part of the uneducated masses??

[sp2c]

I kinda like the video

it doesn't really seem to be lies either, for instance it's a fact that troops get reassigned back to Iraq too much. I've heard a lot worse arguments leading up te de elections.

I just don't like musicians giving their fans advice on how to vote, I mean these kids dress the same, talk the same and hell they even try to walk the same as their Idol ... if they'd voted for Kerry (and I don't know if anyone of his fans is actually old enough to do so) it would not have been because he or she agreed with Kerry (though he/she might) but because he or she agrees with Eminem.

or better, because Eminem told him or her to do so.

that's (and not just Eminems but all these other fools as well) making a mockery of the right to vote for your government which is imo one of the most imported rights we've got

[Shadow]

And thats why I listen to Metal
http://www.twentyinchsoul.net/rider/upload/pics/metal.jpg

[GrimmyRX]

I think there may be a possibility we're overlooking here...

Might be he actually believes what he's saying? and is saying it out of true belief for it?

Most of you are assuming that just because he happens to agree with what is seen as the popular statement (which is funny because I thought Bush WON the election, thus how popular is it really?) that he's being a sheep.

Do you believe that it's only the people who agree with YOU that actually believe truly in what they are saying?

[johnyjee]

osama bin laden keepin' it gangsta woot

[Group9]

You gotta admit something in those lyrics make sense though it's not a very appropriate usage of popular culture.

I'd say you're Eminem's target audience then.