Abbi Murray
Eminem’s troubling relationship with his mother has certainly become a running theme throughout his music.
The Detroit rapper has used some shockingly scathing insults for his estranged mum over the years, so it comes as no surprise he no longer performs one song in particular.
On his 2002 track ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet’, he called his mum a ‘selfish b*tch’ and hopes she would ‘burn in hell’.
The track goes on to accuse his mum of 'poppin' prescription pills' and vowing she would never see his daughter Hailie.
You can listen here (it contains some strong language):
His words came alongside various other insults for his mum on other tracks.
However, on his 2013 song ‘Headlights’, the rapper offered an apology to his mum Debbie Mathers for his hurtful words.
His apology begins: “My mum probably got it the worst.
“The brunt of it, but as stubborn as we are, did I take it too far?
“’Cleaning Out My Closet’ and all them other songs.
“But regardless, I don’t hate you ‘cause ma.
“You’re still beautiful to me, ‘cause you’re my mum.”
The heartfelt apology continues: “But I’m sorry mama for ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet,’ at the time I was angry.
“Rightfully maybe so, never meant that far to take it though, ‘cause.
“Now I know it’s not your fault and I’m not making jokes.
“That song I no longer pay at shows and I cringe every time it’s on the radio.”
In 1999, Debbie filed a $10 million lawsuit against her son, accusing him of slander and deformation; she settled for $25,000 in 2001.
On ‘Headlights’, Eminem described a number of incidences from their tumultuous past, such as getting kicked out of the house on Christmas Eve, never-ending fighting, and his younger brother Nathan being sent to foster care.
Despite their relationship remaining estranged to this day, his words offered a chance to make amends, as he rapped about hating their ‘dysfunctional relationship’.
He continues: “But ma, I forgive you, so does Nathan yo.
“All you did, all you said, you did your best to raise us both.
“Foster care, that cross you bare, few may be as heavy as yours.
“But I love you Debbie Mathers, oh what a tangled web we have.”
Rounding off his heartfelt apology, Eminem raps: “And I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad.
In the final verse, he grapples with mortality, saying: “I am not afraid to die."