Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?
Eminem, nee Marshall Mathers, 51, has announced a new album releasing this summer.
He announced it shortly after appearing at the NFL draft.
It will be the rapper’s 12th studio album, called “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace).”
This will be the “Lose Yourself” rapper’s follow-up to his surprise album drop, 2020’s “Music to Be Murdered By,” which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and had the hit single “Godzilla” featuring Juice Wrld, which peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100.
Before that, he dropped the 2018 album “Kamikaze,” with no prior warning.
A trailer for the new album came out on Thursday night.
In the video, which is the style of true crime shows, it tells the story of “Who killed Slim Shady?”
“Through his complex and oft-criticized, tongue-twisting rhymes, the antihero known as Slim Shady has had no shortage of enemies,” he says in the video.
Fellow rapper 50 Cent also appears in the video, saying: “He’s not a friend, he’s a psychopath.”
A reporter then says, “The same rude lyrics and controversial antics may have ultimately led to his demise. Join me as we re-create the events that led to the murder of Slim Shady.”
“I knew it was only a matter of time for Slim,” Eminem then says.
Fans had mixed reactions to the news.
One fan commented on Eminem’s Instagram “We are ready boss,” while another seemed confused by the trailer, saying, “Wtf is happening dude.”
“The GOAT is getting ready for a comeback!!” an excited fan proclaimed on X, formerly Twitter.
“Good Morning! That wasn’t a dream. Eminem is really dropping this summer,” another fan said.
Other fans were more worried, however, reading ominous signs into the album title.
“The death of slim Shady is the name of the album ? If so, it’s probably his last album,” one fan remarked.
Another fan had a similar line of thought, fearing that this means his impending retirement.
“We are witnessing what could be the end of Eminem’s rap career…”
Another fan posted the definition of “Coup de Grace,” which is “a final blow or shot given to a wounded person or animal.”
Below the screen shot of that definition, they wrote, “This could be the final Eminem album. If it is, hopefully it’s got like 30 songs on it.”
Eminem did not specify an exact date for the album release.
