Eminem started trending this week when several Gen Z creators on TikTok tried to cancel the Detroit rapper due to controversial lyrics from the past. On Friday, the wordsmith shared the new lyric video for his song “Tone Deaf,” which appeared to address his youth.
“I will not stop, even if my hair turns gray (I am deaf) / because they will not stop until they cancel me,” reads the song’s hook.
Em continues to blame his alter ego, Slim Shady, with jokes for his most riotous pubs, while cementing, due to public pressure will never change his artistry. Fans who grew up on the MC also came to his defense.
“Cancel cultural targets for Eminem … congratulations on that. Pretty sure he tried to cancel him since ‘My Name Is’ was posted on MTV. It’s hilarious, ” wrote one fan, with another adding: ‘Gen Z tryna cancel eminem? For controversial lyrics? Bro his music is so old. He made his music, leaving the man alone. You want to sue him for controversial lyrics, but you should not say anything about anyone else. What about tekashi 69? You have to cancel him. ‘
Young TikTokers has issue taken with several of the artists’ earlier songs, including Rihanna’s collaboration, “Love the Way You Lie,” arguing that it glorifies toxic relationships and domestic violence.