Here is the reason why Eminem refuses to perform one of his old songs which features particularly scathing lyrics about his late mother Debbie Nelson.
Last night (3 December) it was announced the rapper’s mother had passed away at the age of 69 due to complications of lung cancer on Monday, according to TMZ.
A representative for Eminem – real name Marshall Mathers – later confirmed the reports to PEOPLE.
Mathers is yet to issue a statement regarding his mum’s death, however his younger brother Nathan ‘Nate’ Mathers shared a candid reaction on his Instagram story, writing: “Hatred and mixed emotions today.” The 38-year-old is known to have had a difficult relationship with his mother, with Eminem eventually taking custody of his younger half-sibling.
Eminem’s mother Debbie has passed away at the age of 69 from lung cancer (Mark Weiss/Getty Images)
LADbible Group has reached out to a representative of Eminem for comment.
Long-term fans of the rapper will be more than aware of the fact that Eminem had quite a tumultuous relationship with his mother, with the 52-year-old often sharing bitter reflections in regards to his poverty-stricken childhood.
However there is one song which is specifically targeted towards Debbie, which the rapper now appears to regret creating.
Take a listen below, but note that the track contains some very strong language:
Released back in 2002, diss track ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet’ paints a pretty dire picture of Eminem’s home life, including allegations of abuse and drug taking.
For those unaware with the brutal lyrics, he refers to Debbie as a ‘selfish b***h’ and says that he hopes she will ‘burn in hell’. Other lines see Mathers accuse his mother of ‘poppin prescription pills in the kitchen’, him being a ‘victim of Münchausen’s Syndrome’ and saying she will never see his daughter Hailie Jade.
Debbie filed a lawsuit against the rapper accusing him of slander and deformation. She originally sued for $10 million (£7.7m) but eventually settled for $25,000 (£19.4k) in 2001.
However the rapper has since had a major change of heart over the song, later releasing an apology track titled ‘Headlights’ on his 2013 album The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
The music video depicts Eminem’s rise to fame through his mother’s eyes (YouTube/Eminem)
His apology begins: “My mum probably got it the worst.
“The brunt of it, but as stubborn as we are, did I take it too far?
“‘Cleaning Out My Closet’ and all them other songs.
“But regardless, I don’t hate you ‘cause ma.
“You’re still beautiful to me, ‘cause you’re my mum.”
The heartfelt apology continues: “But I’m sorry mama for ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet,’ at the time I was angry.
“Rightfully maybe so, never meant that far to take it though, ‘cause.
“Now I know it’s not your fault and I’m not making jokes.
“That song I no longer pay at shows and I cringe every time it’s on the radio.”
The last time Eminem would perform the track was on 25 August, 2013 at Leeds festival.
Featured Image Credit: Mark Weiss/Getty Images/Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
Topics: Music, Eminem, Parenting
