Encore

Eminem’s “Mockingbird”: An Ode To Parenthood And Personal Redemption

by

Eminem, the rap god, is known for his lyrical prowess, intricate storytelling, and raw vulnerability. Among his extensive discography, one song stands out as a heartfelt testament to the love between a parent and a child: “Mockingbird.” Released in 2004 as part of his Encore album, this track not only showcases Eminem’s exceptional storytelling abilities but also provides a glimpse into his complex relationship with his daughter, Hailie Jade Scott.

Read More: Top 25 Best Eminem Songs Of All Time

A Father’s Lament

“Mockingbird” is more than just a song; it’s a deeply emotional and introspective journey into Eminem’s life. The track is a heartfelt letter from a father to his daughter, Hailie, in which Eminem expresses his deep love and concern for her. He raps about the tumultuous events in his life, his troubled relationship with her mother, and the impact of fame on their family.

The first line of the first verse, “Hailie, I know you miss your Mom, and I know you miss your Dad,” reflects the pain of divorce and separation, as well as the longing for a stable family life. Eminem’s lyrics, such as “I can see you’re sad, even when you smile, even when you laugh, I can see it in your eyes, deep inside you want to cry,” convey his keen sense of observation as a parent, picking up on the hidden emotions of his daughter.

A Redemption Story

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Eminem and Hailie Jade Mathers attends the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Eminem’s journey as a father is nothing short of a redemption story. Despite his public persona as a controversial figure, “Mockingbird” unveils a side that combatted the narrative surrounding his name. His genuine love for Hailie shines through, as he promises her that he’ll be there for her and make amends for his past mistakes. It’s a record that exemplifies his determination to overcome personal obstacles and be the father his daughter deserves.

Eminem’s relationship with Hailie has been well-documented throughout his career, but “Mockingbird” demonstrates his commitment to providing her with a stable and loving environment. Moreover, the song serves as a reminder that parenthood is a complex journey, filled with challenges, mistakes, and moments of grace.

Read More: Eminem’s Albums Ranked

Conclusion

In summary, “Mockingbird” by Eminem is not just a hip-hop track; it’s a poignant and powerful ode to the love and devotion a parent has for their child. It provides an intimate look into Eminem’s personal struggles and his unwavering commitment to being a better father. For seasoned hip-hop enthusiasts who remember Eminem’s reign in the early 2000s, “Mockingbird” remains a testament to his evolution as an artist and as a father, showcasing his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level.

The post Eminem’s “Mockingbird”: An Ode To Parenthood And Personal Redemption appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Eminem’s New ‘XXL’ Interview Explains How His Drug Addiction Hurt The Trajectory Of His ‘Encore’ Album

by
Eminem VMAs 2022
Getty Image

Eminem is decades into his historic rap career and showing no signs of slowing down. With such a storied and prominent career, many details still remain unknown to most. The Detroit rapper, in celebration of XXL‘s 25th anniversary, penned a personal story recounting all he has been through and how drug addiction spanning over multiple years affected his 2004 album Encore.

“My drug usage started at the beginning of that first album,” Eminem said, in reference to 1999’s The Slim Shady LP. “I didn’t take anything hard until I got famous. I was experimenting. I hadn’t found a drug of choice. Back then you went on tour and people were just giving you free drugs. I managed it for a little while. And then, it just became, I like this shit too much and I don’t know how to stop.”

He continued: “Encore took a whole f*ckin’ different trajectory because Encore was during my addiction. I was realizing I’m getting addicted to these f*ckin’ pills. I was just coming off The Eminem Show and the 8 Mile soundtrack and I started recording and had about seven or eight songs that were very much in the vein of what I do. But we ended up putting them out as a f*ckin’ bonus disc because the songs leaked. If those hadn’t leaked, Encore would’ve been a much different album.”

The rapper explained how “We As Americans,” “Love You More,” “Bully,” and “Evil Deeds” all leaked, with “We As Americans” originally intended to be the album’s opening song. “If that would’ve been on Encore and the other couple songs that leaked,” he wrote, “to me it would’ve been right there with The Eminem Show as far as its caliber.”

In having to start the recording process all over again, Eminem’s addiction grew and he was soon in a “goofy mood.” Said mood caused a change in the music he was making. “So now, I go make ‘Ass Like That,’ ‘Big Weenie,’ ‘Rain Man,’ all those silly songs, which I’m writing in f*ckin’ seconds at that point in time,” he wrote. “I was just writing high and feeling good about what I’m doing because I got f*ckin’ 20 Vicodin in me and this is fun to do, and I’m having fun, so f*ck it.”

Eminem had a hard time coming to grips with the fact he didn’t do his best after the album was released. Worst of all, for him, was the critical reception. “I released what I had at that point in time, and I feel that put a kind of a mark on my catalog,” he said. “Encore did some decent numbers, but I was never that concerned with numbers. I was more so worried about what people think about the album. Critics and fans were important to me, and they were always at me about that project.”

Check out Eminem’s full story on XXL here.

Kid Cudi Launches His New Live Music App Encore After Securing $9 Million In Funding

by
Kid Cudi during an appearance on 'The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon'
Getty Image / Theo Wargo/NBC

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Kid Cudi launched Encore in October 2020. The mobile app’s vision is to help artists share music, interact with fans, and host live shows. This week, Encore launched the Encore Studio App after getting $9 million in seed funding.

This is the second mobile application under the Encore umbrella, the first being Encore’s Interactive Live Music app for the fans, and now, the Encore Studio: Live Music AR app, which will allow artists to perform for fans by way of augmented reality through mobile devices.

“Music artists are the original creators and they have been forgotten by the creator economy and overrun by memes and algorithms on social media,” Jonathan Gray, CEO of Encore, said in a statement. “Our live AR technology empowers any artist to create personalized content and host experiences for their fans without a production budget or crew and make real cash with 100’s of engaged fans.”

The $9 million dollar funding comes from Battery Ventures, along with 468 Capital, Parade Ventures, Nomade Ventures, Moving Capital, Kayak Ventures, and Gaingels. During its beta stage, artists like Too Short, Kyle, and DC The Don performed shows via Encore. Fans were able to support the artists through microtransactions in the form of a 10-cent “clap.”

“My number one priority has always been inspiring others and providing them the space to tell their own stories in an authentic and meaningful way,” said Cudi in a statement. “We created Encore as a space for artists to share their art, build community, while also being able to pay their rent.”