Eminem Declares Slim Shady Alter Ego Dead in Detroit Newspaper Obituary Ahead of New Album
“His complex and tortured existence has come to a close,” an obituary in Detroit Free Press states ahead of Eminem’s ‘The Death of Slim Shady’ album.
Rest in peace to Eminem’s Slim Shady.
A fake obituary for the artist, 51, and his twisted rap alter ego — who has been central to his music career since 1997 — appeared in the Detroit Free Press, declaring him dead ahead of Eminem’s twelfth studio album, The Death of Slim Shady, expected this summer.
The headline for the obituary reads, “Slim Shady Made Lasting Impressions,” while its subheading notes, “fans will never forget the controversial rapper.”
“A product of Detroit who began his career as a rogue splinter in the underground rap scene of the mid to late 1990s, Shady first made waves in 1999 with the debut of his playfully deranged single ‘My Name Is,’” the piece eulogized, “which — along with its unique video — brought his edgy lyrics to a wider audience.”
The obituary went on to say, “Ultimately, the traits that defined him also marked a path to his sudden and shocking demise. His complex and tortured existence has ended, leaving a legacy as unresolved as his departure.”
“May he find in death the peace that eluded him in life,” it concluded.
This theatrical obituary rollout comes just weeks after Eminem’s new album announcement on April 25. The Detroit native unveiled the album teaser on Instagram right before his 2024 NFL Draft appearance in his hometown. This project marks the 15-time Grammy winner’s first full-length release since 2020’s Music to Be Murdered By, which he dropped as a surprise.
The teaser, part of the fictional Detroit Murder Files, features a true crime reporter announcing the death of “the blond anti-hero” Slim Shady, who “had no shortage of enemies due to his complex and often criticized lyrics.”
Eminem’s longtime friend and collaborator, 50 Cent, makes a cameo to declare Slim Shady, “not a friend, he’s a psychopath.”
“The same rude lyrics and controversial antics may have ultimately led to his demise,” the reporter notes. “Join me as we recreate the events leading to the murder of Slim Shady.”
Towards the end, Eminem appears to say he always knew the downfall of his alter-ego was inevitable. “It was only a matter of time for Slim,” he acknowledges.
Details about The Death of Slim Shady are still sparse. However, Eminem’s mentor, Dr. Dre, shared a few insights on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March. “Eminem is working on his own album, set to release this year,” the producer, who is involved in the project, stated.
“He said it was okay for me to announce it right here,” Dre added. “I’m getting the full album tomorrow for the first time… I haven’t heard everything complete yet, but he’s putting out an album in 2024.”
