The Monster Tour: Eminem x Rihanna- My Favorite Concert Of All Time

The best concert I have ever been to would have to be, by far, without a single doubt, Eminem and Rihanna on the Monster Tour.

And here are the reasons why:

1. He was actually there– It was literally on my bucket list. I never thought the day would come when I’d see Eminem in person, and I accepted that. I thought maybe I’d just have to spend a lot of money and fly out to wherever he’s living and somehow catch him walking out of his house or something, I don’t know. I remember scrolling through my Instagram last year Biology class where I caught a picture Eminem posted of himself on stage in Australia. With tears in my eyes I showed the picture to my friend sitting next to me and said that I wish he came to the US because it’d be a dream come true to go to a concert of his. I even commented on the picture professing my love and wish. A couple months later that same friend finds me in my dorm, and lets me know the good news: Eminem is coming.
2. Rihanna was barely there- As a huge Rihanna fan myself, it means something when I completely forgot she was also performing. I wonder how hard it must be for her to not have the spotlight. She definitely had to have known we were all there for him. Sorry Rih, but less of you= more time of Em and we were all down for that! Looking back on the set list it said she had 16 songs compared to Eminem’s 24. They knew who we were there for.
3. The set list was on point- I was wary in the beginning that Em was going to focus primarily on his newest album, The Marshall Mathers LP2. Yet they couldn’t have done it better. A few good songs from the new were intermingled with the old, not missing a classic and I was in love.
4. It was a once in a lifetime thing- He doesn’t come around often, and I was lucky enough to have had this opportunity. The last time he went on a huge tour with a ton of venues across the country was in 2000. Then 10 years later he had a few shoes here and there in major cities but I was too young to realize. Now couldn’t have been a more perfect time because I’m just getting used to taking trips on my own and this summer has been the summer of concerts for me. And this concert really ended the summer the right way.
5. And I was right next to my best friend- If I’ve learned one thing throughout my recent years, it’s that you determine how your night goes. You can hype up a night and then as it progresses let every little thing bother you. And then blame it on those trivial moments when you could be blowing them off and not let anything bring you down. There were many nights where the party was atrocious, the weather was crappy, or we were stuck inside studying, but who you’re with really makes a difference. And I was lucky enough to have had been to a great concert music-wise but I was even luckier to have shared it with a great guy who loves Em just as much.
6. And we copped seats closer than the ones we paid for- This speaks for itself: I saved a good $15 by being a badass.
7. You get to travel to new places- When you show up to the concert like: “I could’ve sworn East Rutherford was in New York!” This is for the people who go to concerts gosh-knows-where just because they love the adventure of actually getting there. Whether it’s by car, bus or train, every ride is interesting and carries their own memories.

I knew I was going to be emotional when Eminem walked out on stage, but there’s nothing I could’ve done to brace myself from what I went through. It took me about three entire songs to quiet my hysterical crying down and to regain breathing normally again.  Was my love for him enough to make it easily my favorite concert ever? Probably. But everything else about it helped make it one of the best nights of my life.

Em touchingly dedicated “Not Afraid” to those battling drug addictions and those who knew someone going through it.

Who let Miley Cyrus on that wrecking ball?

Being famous comes with a hefty price, and that is the reason I decided not to do it. Singers are not just responsible for the music we listen to but also for what clothes are trendy, what dance moves are in, what phrases are popular, etc. Do these stars not realize how much we look up to them? I know I am affected greatly by music and I can tell it affects a lot of people around me, too. As a 19 year old, sophomore in college, I am finally opening my eyes and being able to see things more clearly and make my own judgments. I am becoming independent. The fact that I am now forming my own opinions and taking personal stances on issues thrills me. But the fact that I and other college students are still easily swayed by mainstream artists and songs is crazy. Just think about how much more they play a role in the younger generations.

Little boys and girls are walking around their elementary and middle schools saying “f*$% this” and “f*$% that” because society says it’s okay. Well I don’t think it is. Maybe I was different from the rest but the first time I cursed was in high school and it felt really wrong. Girls are persuaded into thinking that they have to show skin and have a ‘perfect body’ in order to be liked by boys. But according to music, that optimum body keeps changing. Skinny used to be hot, now guys are “all about that bass, no treble” meaning skinny is out and thicker is in. “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj is the reason I am now doing squats at the gym. I never even used to worry about my body until lyrics began blatantly saying what guys are into and how girls should look. Lyrics before used to be a little less obvious, but now they are completely demoralizing and objectifying.

Here’s Nicki’s new porn- I mean… music video!

Artists now tend to preach similar messages. This message to live in the NOW and not to worry about the future. This message to live life to the fullest. This message to protect yourself emotionally, put up a guard and whatever you do… don’t catch feelings. And this message to remember: party hard and stop caring about the important things in life!

Some catch phrases of our time: “You do you, I gotta do me”

“TURN UP”

“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT”

“YOLO” (You only live once; yet it’s finally getting old)

“F*$% that b^&*%”

Who censors music on the radio and the videos on YouTube? And why do they not seem to care what our children are listening to? Maybe it’s a parent’s responsibility to be the final say in what our kids are being brainwashed with, but producers should have an awareness of their target audience. Yeah, Miley, I know you want to break free from your Hannah Montana background but think about your fans. It really isn’t all about you. The provocative dancing and eye-sore skimpy outfits are completely ridiculous. She is one of the worst role models of today and I’m not sure why we condone her behavior. We have her teaching us how to twerk (as if she can even do it right) instead of ignoring her actions. In music today, it is less about lyrical content and more about reputation: how they present themselves to the public on and off of stage. Given this change, actors, singers, athletes and others in a limelight view should be conscious of who is watching them. Because it isn’t right to feed our children’s minds with this inappropriate nonsense.

Swinging butt-naked. Seductively licking a sledgehammer. Just why…

These artists know what they are signing up for when they become famous. They must take the good with the bad. Yes, people will love them but people will also hate them. They will be talked about for all the right reasons but also for the wrong ones. With our superior, instantaneous technology there is no such thing as privacy for celebrities. So the way they live their everyday lives must be a reflection of how they wish to come off to the world. Because in addition to the words they sing, their actions also speak for themselves.

Things were better back in the old days

Did you see the light in her eyes, the love in her heart? What happened? You both had so much going for you. She was so innocent. Traveled to the US because of her gift, she had no idea how big she’d actually become.

Island. Caribbean. Caribbean island of Barbados. Hip shaking, body rolling, her music makes you want to dance. Get lost in the beat, can’t help but sing along with her sweet accent guiding the way. Almost like a new discovery, she was so unique. Hitting it off fast, who knows if she really asked for all that. “Pon De Replay” perfect in every way.

Started dating Chris Brown and I thought it couldn’t get better. Loved them both, in different ways. Him for his hip-hop flow. Her for her Caribbean daze. “Unfaithful” is still one of my favorites to this day. I’ll never know why I feel so strongly. It’s all about her cheating, yet I couldn’t help shedding a tear when I heard it live- the words sung slow and deep. I’m thinking maybe it was the piano intro or the way the violin mixes in along with a little tapping on what may be a bongo, with a little shaker forming a fantastic instrumental beat. Like nothing I’ve heard before.  And I adore it.

Do we know why or what happened? Does it even matter? The bruises tell all. I guess the Carribean girl, so beautiful so strong, was knocked down in more ways than one.

Maybe its just the change in times, but girls and guys alike have no filter, no care in the world with the words they stream. From their mouths to our ears. To the ears of little ones. What was once for adults is now considered normal for all.

She who was once up on a pedestal, in my eyes, is now no more. Now she’s changed. Now she sings of sex and drugs. Now she lives for the money. Now her heart has ran cold. Where is the love anymore?

Even with a little change, I was all for that. The accent pretty gone, but I was still okay. “Take A Bow”. Anthem for me, anthem for girls everywhere. Speaking in rhythmic tones it’s okay to leave. To not be afraid. They don’t have control over you. We do have power, more than we know. Piano keeps playing, slow and sure, calm and cool yet courageous and powerful. Strong message, delivered nicely with finality.

Music of the Sun to Loud.
A Girl Like Me to Good Girl Gone Bad…

to Rated R…

to Unapologetic.

“S&m” describes how getting hit is how she likes it. Enjoys it. Wants it. Catchy beat we feel like we are thrown into a club. She makes ‘being bad’ seem so fun. Being a bad ass is one thing but this is a little too much: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me”. No piano. No accent. No hip-hop, cute girl vibe. Those days are long gone as her unique melodic beats have turned dancy, techy, well… cluby.

But what should I expect. She has been wronged. Chris Brown even said “I Can Transform Ya”.

4 Reasons You Should See Usher This November

Haven’t heard his name in a while? Well, don’t let that faze you! Usher is back and hotter than ever. He will be coming to Atlantic City, New Jersey on November 15th, putting on a show you will not want to miss. And here are 4 reasons why:

1. For his album, Confessions

This is, by far, his best album ever. EVER. Containing some of the best hits of the 2000’s, he really sealed the deal with this one. These songs are ageless. “Yeah” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris can get any party started with this upbeat classic. It made you want to dance in 2004 and it still makes you want to ten years later. “Confessions Part II” is another throwback. It’s not that “Confessions” (Part I) wasn’t good, but the second part has more of a memorable, hippy beat. He artistically lathers these sounds with a faster-paced, continuous, not-quite-rap-but-something-like-it, pleasant lyrical gift.  In a special remake of “Burn” included in this album, fans feel for Usher as a relationship of his is sizzling out. You can’t help but not loving this song and find yourself belting out the lyrics as you ponder your life. Last but not least “My Boo” hits a spot in every one of us where we can all relate. This is a perfect song to throw on in the car and drive around town with your significant other (or jamming out by yourself, like I did).

2. He’s a man full of LOVE…

…for his music.

…for his fans.

…for his career.

…for women. Thank goodness someone has desires that are not just perpetrated by lust. What does this mean? HE IS DIFFERENT! He’s a great male artist without being completely vulgar and disgusting. His songs speak to people and truly give them a reason to fight for a relationship, or give them courage to leave and start over fresh. Unlike every other hip-hop/rap song out there, he can make a song ‘cool’ and not completely bash women or use offensive language. Songs guaranteed to make any girl crazy would be “You Got it Bad” and “You Remind Me”. These slow grinding, head-bobbing songs are the key to girls’ hearts everywhere. He sings about how he doesn’t even want to go out with his boys because he’d rather be with his girl. And even when he’s out with his friends, all he can do is think about her. And then in the latter song he sees a girl who reminds him of his ex. And thinking about your ex is something most of us can appreciate too. Usher puts everything into his work whether being a singer, actor or dancer. He did great as he was a judge last year on the Voice. He does great whenever he performs on a television show such as Ellen or Dancing With the Stars. But in concert, he’s not just great- he’s fantastic. The music video to “Numb” shows how much effort and love he puts into every show.

3. His moves are impeccable

A great singer, a great man, and a good dancer?? Can it get much better than that? Usher has always had moves, but the stage illuminates this amazing talent of his.“Caught Up” is just a sliver of everything he has to offer.

This live video from a concert is another great example.

People even try to teach others how to dance like him. Some things may be better off just admiring, however.

4. Because his new songs are actually pretty good

Some of these songs have hit the fan, and some have missed. Some you may have heard before, or some you’ve never heard in your life. But all of his recent songs deserve a listen, because he still has his touch. He has a lot of new tracks on the album Looking For Myself has a touch of twist and contains featured artists such as Juicy J and Nicki Minaj.

“I Don’t Mind” featuring Juicy J he is still a sweetheart, telling a girl that he doesn’t mind if she has to make money by stripping, as long as he’s coming home to him, he doesn’t mind. Unlike a lot of other rappers, he says, “I don’t mind if you dance on a pole, that don’t make you a ho”.

“Good Kisser” starts with a whistle as a beat with him whispering over it ‘kisser, kisser’- great intro and could pass for a remix to the Hunger Games whistle tribute. When the whispering ends, the drums, bass and a little triangle action(?) kick in. In his unique R&B/hip-hop style, he sings in his pitch-perfect voice, hitting the high notes when necessary.

“URSHER BABY” IS BACK

Top 5 Songs That Make Me Feel Like Crap

The beat of a song can make it or break it for me. From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed hip hop and rap because I feel like they have some of the best beats- the ones you can always find me dancing to. Most of the songs I love, I love because of how they sound- not necessarily what they speak. Because when I do actually listen to them, I get upset. Try to put yourself in my shoes, size 7&1/2 WOMENS (meaning I am a WOMAN) and maybe you’ll understand why these songs make me feel like crap.

1. “Wait Till You See My Dick (the whisper song)”- Ying Yang Twins

First of all, how do you even whisper an entire song? This music video starts off with him whispering in a woman’s ear, his gold grills gleaming in the light, and she smiles as if she’s loving every word. In between girl moans, he mentions beating her lady part up as he smacks the air in front of him. Pretty confident, Ying Yang (Ying and/or Yang… do we know which one is which) huh? Why don’t you try sending the nudes for once? We don’t ask for much, and besides, we’ve all been waiting.

2. “Better With The Lights Off”- New Boyz ft. Chris Brown

They start off the song so nice, calling their ‘Miss America’ babe beautiful and unique. But apparently she’s been holding out too long on their needs and they try to speed her up to par. My question is how does one not take this the wrong way?

3. “U.O.E.N.O”- Rocko ft. Rick Ross& Future

Still baffled, Rick Ross jumps on this song singing these unbelievable lyrics:

“Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it, I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it”.

Need I say more? How do they allow this to be produced? Why do people sing along as if rape is okay? Because last time I checked, it wasn’t and it will never be.

4. “Anaconda”- Nicki Minaj

So, it is already bad enough that every other rap song objectifies females, but what’s even worse is when women are at fault, too. Nicki puts herself out there in this song, shaking her butt through the entire video, covering little body, all for her “boy toy”. Which is fine, do your thang girlfriend! But, the issue I have is that she goes out of her way, completely OUT OF HER WAY, to belittle those lacking the bodacious behind she is drooled over for. She raps, “F&$% the skinny bitches in the club”, multiple times all the while looking for her booty poppin’ girls to come together as some powerful, spectacle to the male race. She also solidifies that point, that men prefer her body type as she explains they don’t like boney girls because there’s nothing to grab on to. When will girls realize that it shouldn’t be a competition between each other? If a man makes you feel like you have some opponents, then he doesn’t deserve you. C’mon Nicki, have some respect for your fellow females, after all without us how many people would still listen to your music?

But the all-time, most degrading song to women (that I have heard so far) would be:

5. Make it Nasty”- Tyga

He gloats in the fact that while engaging in this sexual fantasy, he makes a lasting impact on his biddies in multiple ways. Whether its bruising some of her body parts, or going so hard she passes out, he’s making this an unforgettable night. And he keeps busting his stuff everywhere, like Tyga can you not control yourself? I don’t understand when those bodily functions became acceptable to rap about, let alone why people even want to hear about that. He thinks he’s coming off so cool, but when you really break the song down, it sounds like a form of abuse to me. It’s even a little nauseating at most times- altogether so wrong.

Included below are some of my personal favorites that didn’t get the spotlight:

“Pop That”- French Montana ft. Rick Ross, Drake & Lil Wayne

“Candy Shop”- 50 Cent

“Man of the Year”- Schoolboy Q

“Lady Killers”- G-Eazy

“212”- Azealia Banks

“Lollipop”- Lil Wayne

“Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe”- Kendrick Lamar

“Bitches Ain’t Shit”- Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg, Dat Nigga Daz, Kurupt, Jewel

“Smack That”- Akon

“Get Low”- Lil Jon

Will the BANDages make it or BREAK it?

Feel that sharp sensation as the paper slices like a saw scraping through your skin- you’ve done it again. A paper cut. At times like these, your friends may not be as supportive as you would like, but The BandAGES, are here for you. Coming out with their latest album, Healing Your Wounds, these three tall, thin and tanned boys harp on daily life occurrences bands tend to overlook. Yeah, we’ve all heard songs about the heartbreaks and -aches, but what about the stubbed toes and rug burns?

Think about those mornings you roll out of bed- no literally- roll out of bed, while your legs have failed to catch you. And then half-awake, cursing the morning, you bump into the recently placed in-your-way furniture, in addition to the doorframe, before making it out of the bedroom. Head pounding, you just wish someone understood your struggles.

Well, have I got a band for you. I’ve discovered them ever since the first time I tripped on my way to school. I was a freshman in college at Rutgers University and I just happened to be walking on a narrow cement, winding path. I had just taken my beats headphones off of my head and looped them through the side strap of my backpack, so they hung by my side. Well, wouldn’t you know it, not a minute later I tripped on a large, bulky, invisible rock sticking out of the ground. And for the real kicker, I slid forward using my hand and forearm to break my fall, and landed on my right side- same side as my beats. Flustered and embarrassed, I ran to class that I was now late for, to realize later in the day that my new beats snapped in half. Piecing back together my headphones, this band did more than that. They made me feel whole again. The wounds on my arms healed nicely, and I finally got over that sad day.

Starting up the band a year ago, lead vocalist, James Smith, goes by the name of “Ace”. Once a wrapper, he decided to make a bold switch and tear off his old bondage. Starting fresh with a new roll, he gathered two other boys named AIDen and Frank, he has turned heads, hearts, legs and arms everywhere, taking on a soothing country feel. Their guitars and drums have replaced their soundboards and mechanical rhythms.

One of the songs on the track, titled, “That hurt” is about how painful it was to see their song idea be ripped right off of them and placed into Brooks & Dunn’s hands to form the song, “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”. Apparently, their version was too painful to bear, getting into gory details of dirt and blood on their skin from a stumble while they were on a jog. This new track, however, is new for them, while it talks about a different pain. A more emotional pain. They show how hard it was for their hard work to be crushed right in front of their eyes. Taking on a new edge, this may be the new foundation for their past bumps and bruises to blend in just nicely, or this could be a slippery track, just waiting for the band to fall.

Another one of their songs is titled, “Don’t Cry Now”, and is another stray from their norm.  We are thrown into a story of a young boy in the car with his parents. It is unsure of what exactly happened in that car, “maybe it was just in His plan”, but next thing we know they are all in the hospital, the parents hanging on by a thread, while the boy is broken beside their beds. Narrating through the lips of the doctor, this man comforts the boy in an immeasurable way, telling him to wipe his tears and to stay strong. They aren’t gone yet and he has to keep fighting, keep praying, keep on going.

Never wanting to get deep, this band has found some courage in the cracks of their studio. It is known that these country guys are not the toughest. Yet they seem to have what a lot of other artists do not. And that is a sense of realism that is normally overlooked. Starting off with trivial, daily pains, they have expanded into pains we cannot see, but definitely can feel, and even pains we may not want to see. Let’s see if these knew twists and turns are what the bandAGES really need.

G-Eazy: Says it’s been ‘easy’ getting here, but how long is he staying?

As a graduate from Loyola University, he does not have the fan sympathy vote of the same old rapper’s tale of growing up in the slums and making something out of his or herself. He went from having it good, to having it great. But is it really as great as it seems? Is this newly famous rapper, G-Eazy, cut out for this fast paced, ‘round the clock, limelight daze? Yeah this up-comer has some good hits on his new album titled, These Things Happen, but does he have what it takes to remain in the spotlight?

Even he is unsure, as we hear in one track off of the album called, “Almost Famous”, he sings: “And while I made it splash, rappers came and passed, but still I ask myself, how long does famous last?” Will he be able to stay high in the charts, or will he go as fast as he came up? He raps to upbeat pop tracks, making it flow rather well. Easily spitting his lyrics, he sounds like he’s been in this game for a while. He encompasses a more chill, laid-back kind of rap; the nod-your-head type of rap where it makes you feel good. Even better yet, the messages don’t make you want to go out and get in a fight.

In this white-rapper industry, it is difficult to make it big time. The Excellent Adventure Tour of 2013 consisted of Hoodie Allen and G-Eazy, easily boosting up the latter rapper’s reputation. Hoodie Allen’s steady fan base seemed to have taken a liking to this new rapper, not shockingly, while these rappers are quite similar: too similar?

For right now, however, G-Eazy seems to be doing just fine as he states on one of the album’s songs called, “Far Alone” featuring E-40 and Jay Ant. Treading the water, he mentions the parties, girls and drugs that unfailingly accompany him whenever he pleases (or doesn’t please). Getting a little more personal, he brings up his old hometown group that used to sing together called the ‘Bay Boyz’. There we go, here’s a little insight on about his come-up. Explaining how everyone doubted he could do it, he has proved them wrong. Yes, he came up, with the help of Hoodie, but without singing his story, connecting with his listeners and ultimately showing us who he really is, who knows how long he may stay. Because that is what will keep him here. He won’t just be another rapper- he will be known.

In “Opportunity Cost” he starts the song off singing, “Everything costs something bro, winning somewhere, somewhere else you just lost something though”. What could he possibly have lost? He came up from being just a normal guy, to being a name people talk about. He now has all these girls, and all of these parties, yet he’s barely able to see those who mean the most to him. He’s starting to question whether this is really for him or not: “Wonder if this rock star life taking a toll on me like I’m asking to die, going on tour for 6 months, hug moms right after she sigh”. He ensures that this is the lifestyle he has chosen, or maybe it has chosen him, but he is prepared to deal with whatever comes his way. A touching verse at the end comes on as a phone call from his mother, wishing him the best of luck, and letting him know how proud she is of him. That was extremely personal, heartfelt and feel-good that the listeners will go crazy over.

Despite having a chill, indifferent vibe, he also showed a different side to him. In the music video for his song, “I Mean It” featuring Remo, we find out that he also can be pretty funny. Taking on two roles, a newscaster and himself, his stolid facial expression mocks his crude lines. Humor definitely could be the way to go.

Creatively adding phone calls and background TV/radio dialog combined with original beats with a touch of added effect seem effective. Some piano can be heard along with some drums, bass and symbols. Competing to stay in the charts, will this be enough or will his fame be taken as quickly as it was given?

Shady Made Me

I’ll never understand why I wasn’t considered “cool” in middle school- I mean, not like I actually cared or anything. But seriously, I was a little rebel, listening to rap music! Blasting Eminem off of my dinosaur computer using YouTube videos, I felt like I had something over everyone else. He slipped by my parent’s eye, and he was what I grew up on. Looking back, his songs were highly inappropriate, while I was usually sheltered from curse words, sex talk, violence etc. But I guess I didn’t pay attention to the lyrics, or understand them, as well as I felt like I did. Even though I knew and fell in love with him years ago, these songs have a deeper meaning to me every day.

Eminem was the first CD I ever blasted out of my car the first time I drove it. Getting pumped up for school, he reminded me that I’m freaking awesome and that everyone else pretty much does suck. He says it’s okay so say whatever I want. OK, so I can’t really say everything I want, especially not to the degree he does, but he did help me find my voice.

Crystal clear the words just rolled from his mouth. Faster than the average in “Rap God” (which landed him a spot in the Guinness book of World Records), or slow and serious in “Stan”, he can seriously do it all.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/07/eminem-world-record-rap-god_n_5779914.html

It seriously takes a legend, to single handedly smother a stereotype; the stereotype that rap is primarily a black genre because they are the only ones capable of producing this music. Well, quite on the contrary, Eminem was able to rap and not just be okay, but absolutely kill the game. A song off of his new album, The Marshall Mathers LP2, titled, “Rap God” landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records for spitting 1,560 words in a little more than 6 minutes. As one of the best rappers alive, he showed, not just America, but the entire world that anything was possible. I grew up not even thinking about rap as being white or black, or any music genre having a skin type. It was normal to me, as it should be.

Slim Shady, his psychotic alter ego, preaches his mind. And because of this, I feel like he made me find my voice. He gave me the courage to tell it like it is. And that it’s okay, if you’re not okay, or you’re feeling a little crazy, or if your life just kind of sucks. In “Square Dance” coming off of one of his older albums, The Eminem Show, he manages to make light of light lessons. He tells fans to speak their minds up- whether they disagree with the government or anything! He’s just going to keep doing what he loves, singing and dancing, because no one can take that from him. And by asking us to join him in his square dance, he invites us to live our lives like that. Standing up for what we believe in, doing the things we love, and not letting anyone say anything otherwise.

He is always rapping about real things, and in our country today, especially with his audience of teenagers, drugs are one of the biggest problems we face. And compared to other rappers, I highly respect him for admitting he had a drug problem, and telling the world how he overcame it, and that they can do the same. In “Not Afraid” he sings, “Everybody, come take my hand, and we’ll walk this world together, through the storm, whatever weather, cold or warm, just let you know that you’re not alone, holler if you feel like you’ve been down the same road”. He makes everyone feel like they are not alone, and that was the first I’ve ever felt that way. It’ll be alright and look to him, because after everything he’s been through and still going through, he’s doing just fine.

Even now, I think it may be a bit of an issue, but I listen to his albums on a daily basis. And if not daily- it’s definitely weekly. Before I go out to a party, while I am standing on the bus or even as I am walking the streets of Rutgers, New Brunswick, I will blast “Cinderella Man” or “Without Me” from my phone speaker. My friends will roll their eyes, because they just know this re-occurrence is very important to me, yet to my happiness, they get into it, too.

I get very anxious driving my car while it doesn’t have great traction. Em ironically helped me ease my fear, and now I actually get excited when I’m stuck driving in a storm. I pop my Eminem CD in my car and play Stan which is a dark song about a guy named Stan who is obsessed with him. Even more than obsessed, he tries to be just like him and he even wants to be with him. His pregnant wife wouldn’t understand and sadly after Eminem wouldn’t answer any of his letters, he throws his wife in his trunk and accidentally drives off of a bridge into a lake. In the background you hear the patter of the rain and the anger of the storm, making the entire song very dismal and omnipotent. Maybe it is because this song makes me think of my childhood and of home, that it calms my nerves. Maybe I’m just weird, but this song will always make me feel grounded and I love it.

Wow, now that I actually think about it, I don’t think I have gone a week without listening to, thinking of and/or singing an Eminem song- for at least nine years. Nine years ago I started doing the digging, the memorizing, and the obsessing. Nine years ago I became hooked on this artist. Nine years and going strong. So maybe I’m just a little bit crazy; but love makes us do crazy things, so I’ve been told.

Slouching in my seat before biology lecture flying through Instagram, a single picture made me catch my breath. It was Eminem performing on a stage in Sydney, Australia, put on social media by himself. My eyes started welling up with tears as I showed the picture to my friend, Justin, sitting next to me. I went on saying, “If only Eminem came to America, I think my life would be made”. I then finalized my little fantasy by commenting on Eminem’s photo, professing my love for him, asking him to come to the US.

Less than a month later, my wish came true.