Eminem Announces Release Date for New Album The Death of Slim Shady

Eminem has officially announced the release date for his highly anticipated new album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). The album, set to drop on Friday, July 12, marks his first major project since 2020’s Music to Be Murdered By and its companion piece, Music to Be Murdered By – Side B (Deluxe Edition). Along with the announcement, a gripping trailer for the album has been released, building excitement among fans worldwide.

New Music Leading Up to the Album

In the weeks leading up to this announcement, Eminem has been teasing fans with fresh music. He recently released the single “Houdini,” and today, he unveiled another track titled “Tobey.” These releases have set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and introspective album.

A Unique Tease: Slim Shady’s Obituary

In a creative and dramatic twist, Eminem teased the upcoming album by publishing an obituary for his infamous alter ego, Slim Shady, in the Detroit Free Press. The obituary read:

“A product of Detroit who began his career there as a rogue splinter in the flourishing underground rap scene of the mid to late 1990’s, Shady first became a household name in 1999 with the debut of his playfully deranged single ‘My Name Is,’ which — along with its uniquely eye-catching video — exposed the young artist and his lyrics to a wider audience. That audience was soon exposed to the extreme darkness of the muse/rapper, as he led millions of fans down a road that glorified a demonstrably nihilistic worldview.”

The eulogy continued to reflect on Slim Shady’s tumultuous existence and lasting impact:

“Ultimately, the very things that seemed to be the tools he used became calling cards that defined an existence that could only come to a sudden and horrific end. His complex and tortured existence has come to a close, and the legacy he leaves behind is no closer to resolution than the manner in which this character departed this world. May he truly find the peace in an afterlife that he could not find on Earth.”

The Legacy of Slim Shady

Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady, has been a defining aspect of his career since the release of Slim Shady EP in December 1997. This persona gained widespread attention with the release of The Slim Shady LP in February 1999, featuring iconic tracks like “My Name Is” and “Just Don’t Give a Fuck.” Slim Shady’s influence on Eminem’s music has been profound, contributing to his unique style and narrative voice.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Slim Shady LP, Eminem released an expanded edition of the album in 2019. His collaboration with Kid Cudi on “The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady” in 2020 further demonstrated the enduring legacy of this alter ego.

Recent Highlights

Eminem’s last album, Music to Be Murdered By, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations with artists like Young M.A, Ed Sheeran, Anderson .Paak, Skylar Grey, and the late Juice WRLD. The deluxe edition brought additional tracks with Dr. Dre, Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Premier, and more.

In recent years, Eminem has made memorable appearances, including a surprise performance of “Lose Yourself” at the Academy Awards, performing “Rock the Bells” with LL Cool J at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and participating in the Super Bowl LVI halftime show. He also collaborated with Snoop Dogg on “From the D 2 the LBC” at the MTV Video Music Awards and performed “Stan” with Ed Sheeran at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Looking Ahead

As the release date for The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) approaches, fans eagerly anticipate what Eminem has in store. The rapper’s ability to continually reinvent himself while staying true to his roots has cemented his place in music history. This new album promises to be another bold chapter in Eminem’s illustrious career.