Module 5: Eminem

        Eminem is an individual who has been breaking racial stereotypes his entire career. For almost two decades now, he has created such a difference in rap culture. Rap culture being predominantly black, it was unheard of to have such a successful white rapper in the rap game. At the start of his career, Eminem was an underground rapper who was ridiculed by black people and called "rabbit". Black people called him "rabbit" because he was white and all primary public bunny figures were white rabbits such as the Easter Bunny and Peter Cotton Tail. Another stereotype this comment "rabbit" contributes to is that Eminem could be considered a white feminine man because it is a stereotype that white men in the rap game are more feminine.

   

      He has mentioned numerous times in his songs the struggle of being or becoming a rapper as a white man in the industry. For example, in his song "Without Me" he states, 

Though I'm not the first king of controversy

I am the worst thing since Elvis Presley

To do black music so selfishly

And use it to get myself wealthy

Hey, there's a concept that works

Twenty million other white rappers emerge

But no matter how many fish in the sea

It will be so empty without me

These lyrics show how others used to or might still see him as using black music to make money. Similarly, as referenced in the lyrics, Elvis Presley's hit song "Hound Dog" was originally sung by a black woman. Both Elvis and Eminem used black music to further their career. Eminem despite the criticism he received, continued to write and perform music, and above all break the stereotype that only black people are able to be successful rap performers. No matter the criticism he received/receives, he's always been very favorable in his craft and is a bestselling artist.