Eminem released a new song on Friday after a social media campaign of Generation Z TikTok users trying to cancel the Grammy and Oscar-winning rapper over some of his controversial lyrics.
The music artist shared part of the track’s lyrics, which apparently address the setback, on Twitter.
“I will not stop, even if my hair turns gray (I am deaf) / because they will not stop before they cancel me,” Eminem wrote along with a preview of the new lyric video for “Tone Deaf.”
The dispute started in February when a user of Gen Z TikTok argued the rapper’s hit “Love The Way You Lie” from 2010 glorifies toxic relationships and domestic violence.
The hip-hop ballad, featuring leading artist Rihanna, describes the dangerous cycle of being trapped in an abusive relationship and the tug-of-war between love and hate that accompanies it. The song appeared after both artists were involved in many public abusive relationships, Rihanna with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown and Eminem with ex-wife Kim Scott.
Fans of Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, defended the rapper on social media and pushed back against members of Gen Z, those born approximately from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s.
In a tweet this week, Meghan McCain, co-presenter of ‘The View’, writes: ‘Eminem will not be canceled. Come to me Z’s. ‘
During his career, Eminem has encountered countless controversies, including professional knowledge, allegations of homophobia in some of his lyrics, and admitting guilt in possession of a concealed weapon and assault in 2001.
The Secret Service conducted at least two separate occasions with him as they investigated “threatening lyrics” against former Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump.
The Detroit rapper apparently speaks to his ability to rise above controversy in ‘Tone Deaf’, while jokingly blaming his alter ego, Slim Shady, for his riotous bursts and promising to never change his artistic choices due to public pressure .
Despite the latest setback on social media, one of Eminem’s most popular songs, “Lose Yourself,” recently surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. The 2002 track was the lead actor of the soundtrack to his semi-autobiographical film “8 Mile”. The song earned him an Oscar for best original song.
