news archives

February 28, 2001 - Dolly Parton was on with Jay Leno and he asked her about Eminem, prompting Dolly to say, "Oh, I never criticize anybody else's work. I kinda thought I might hook up with him next year. I know Elton did this year. We could have, like, Eminem and Double D." Dolly meant her married name, Dolly Dean... Besides, she's much bigger than DD.

February 28, 2001 - Worldpop reports Eminem and U2 hosted a post Brit Award party at Earl's Court Arena. During a stop in the restroom, Eminem and his bodyguards ordered the bathroom cleared before Slim took a leak.

February 28, 2001 - The Sun reports Eminem's rehearsal was so loud that local residents near Earls Court registered a protest with organizers of the awards show.

February 28, 2001 - Several family photos of Eminem appeared in this week's Star. Em is shown holding Hailie in three ofthe photos while Em's new Detroit mansion is shown in the other.

February 28, 2001 - Elton John presented Eminem a Brit Award for Best International Male Artist Monday in London. Em held the award up shouting, "And the winner is Steely Dan, who the f*** is Steely Dan?"

February 28, 2001 - Em's performance at the Brit awards was "a nightmare" according to an organizer because of all of his swearing. Read more.

February 27, 2001 - Worldpop reports director, producer and writer Dale Resteghini have made up after their Da Hip Hop Witch controversy where Em wanted his scenes cut from the movie. Resteghini says Marshall may appear in his next film. Read more.

February 27, 2001 - Eminem's post Grammy interview with MTV's Kurt Loder is up on MTV.com. Check it out here.

February 26, 2001 - A few jokes during SNL's weekend update; "Before the Grammys this week, Madonna defended controversial rapper Eminem, saying that she finds the things President Bush says much more offensive. The President immediately responded, 'Yo, bitch, I'm-a kill you and put you in the trunk of my car.'" Later, more of an Elton joke; "Gay and lesbian groups slammed Elton John's appearance with Eminem at the Grammys this week. In a statement, they said, 'We are shocked that Elton John would agree to perform in that suit! I mean, he looks like contact paper from john waters' kitchen. Hello?'"

February 26, 2001 - Saturday Night Live's Heratio Sanz played Elton while Chris Parnell played Eminem in a reinactment of their Grammy duet, with a decidedly more friendly embrace afterwards.

February 26, 2001 - News of the World's Rav Singh talked to Eminem about the Grammy award controversy where Slim commented, "The gay and lesbian critics just want something to f****** talk about. Kids ain’t trippin’ (upset) about my music. Most come to the shows with their parents anyways and most parents ain’t even trippin’ on my lyrics, and the kids ain’t trippin’. It’s the f****** critics." Check the full interview here.

February 26, 2001 - News of the World reports Eminem and Robbie Williams each have flown in special sets for their Brit award performances costing $300,000 each. An insider revealed, "Both stars have also demanded three-hour rehearsal times on Monday and Eminem has banned everyone from his."

February 25, 2001 - Some of the Eminem jokes by Grammy Host John Stewart Wednesday; "I don't know what this controversy is all about, quite frankly. I met Eminem backstage, and he's really gay. He's the gayest guy you'd ever meet." As well; "After his duet with Elton John, he's agreed to go to the bathroom with George Michael."

February 25, 2001 - Entertainment Weekly's celeb-ulary includes the new word Eminelton, a noun meaning "A bizarre hybrid of celebrity musicians who are painfully conflicted about sexual-identity issues."

February 25, 2001 - Johnny Cash is defending Eminem in the April issue of Spin comparing him to musicians in the past saying, ""The biggest-selling song of the 19th century was a song about a bandit and an outlaw and a killer. It was called 'Ballad of Jesse James.'" Cash also made a comparison to the King, "I watched Elvis go through it — people saying 'You're leading our children to hell.'"

February 25, 2001 - An ebay auction featuring Eminem holding a bong pipe on the cover of the British magazine Dazed & Confused is up for bids. The magazine, item #1412259861, is unbid at $10.00 and ends March 4th.

February 25, 2001 - Moby told Craig Kilborn of CBS's "The Late Late Show" Tuesday night "A friend of mine told me that the rampant rumor in the UK is that Eminem is gay."

February 25, 2001 - The Sun reports comments yesterday on Eminem's reasoning for teaming up with Elton for the Grammys. Slim admits, "If I didn't make a statement with Elton at the Grammys I didn't know what else to do. I wanted to make an impact. I didn't care about Elton's personal life. He understood where I was coming from."

February 25, 2001 - MTV reports the Recording Academy and Interscope Records are making plans to release the live "Stan" as a benefit single, with proceeds going to benefit MusiCares.

February 25, 2001 - Recording Academy president Michael Greene is responding to complaints by Dr. Dre that Eminem was robbed because of "the backlash they were going to get for giving him the award" telling Reuters, "I don't think the content of Eminem's album had anything to do with it, otherwise, he wouldn't have been nominated or won the other Grammys. The voters truly don't care what the critics think or how they're perceived." Read more.

February 24, 2001 - The New York Daily News reports from backstage spies at the Grammys that both Eminem and Elton John had beefed up security in response to threats, with Elton having a couple of of off-duty L.A. SWAT team members.

February 24, 2001 - The New York Post's Liz Smith reports Justin Timberlake said of the Elton Eminem duet "It's just a great publicity stunt" when questioned at the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party.

February 24, 2001 - Those unable to watch the live east coast broadcast of the Grammys may not realize Eminem repeatedly got his explicit lyrics in as network censors mistimed the rapper with their bleeps, editing out words before and after the offending lyrics. Read more.

February 24, 2001 - The Enquirer reports more comments from Eminem's ex-bodyguard Byron Williams who says Eminem "tries to paint himself as a tough guy, but in fact he's a scared little boy. He sleeps with the lights on and is afraid of the dark." Byron also talked about another moment where "I saw him cry for the first time in Boston when he couldn't deal with the pressure of the tour. It was a sad sight."

February 24, 2001 - Despite all the hype over protests at the Grammys, only a dozen or so showed up and one gay Eminem fan, Ben Rogers, came to support Slim saying, "[The protesters] are out of touch. How many of them even own a hip-hop record? I mean, I don't agree with all his lyrics, but I think most of what he's saying is a parody." Read more.

February 24, 2001 - Peoplenews.com reports Elton John has denied reports he and Eminem had a frosty meeting for Grammy rehearsals. A friend of Elton's revealed, "Elton and Eminem got on extremely well, and Eminem even bought Elton a thank-you present for his support. There was no frosty atmosphere backstage at all. Furthermore Elton did not refuse to rehearse in the Valley, rather than the Staples Center."

February 24, 2001 - Jay Leno Thursday night joked about Eminem saying, "How about Eminem? Did you see him do his big number? That was a big thing. Yeah, yeah. You know, he's very controversial because they say he's considered unfriendly towards gays and women. Which I didn't even know he was a Republican. Anybody know that?"

February 23, 2001 - Dr. Dre told Access Hollywood after Eminem got denied Album of the Year, "I'm very disappointed. I think actually to be perfectly honest, I think we were robbed. It was definitely a blow but it was probably something the Grammys had to do because of the backlash they were going to get from giving him the award." Dre also revealed Elton told him "F*** them, the protestors."

February 23, 2001 - Eminem told Kurt Loder after the Grammy Awards, "I heard Elton John. I didn't know he was gay. I didn't know anything about his personal life. I didn't really care he was gay and he had my back. I think it made a statement saying that he understood where I was coming from."

February 23, 2001 - The Sun reports Elton John will again meet up with Eminem at the Brit awards next week where he'll present an award Slim is nominated for.

February 22, 2001 - The New York Daily News quotes Elton John on the duet with Eminem saying, "I don't know why everyone's getting so crazy about this. It's just pop music."

February 22, 2001 - Eminem won for Best Rap Album and performed Stan with Elton John.

February 22, 2001 - Joe Levy, music editor of Rolling Stone, tells the New York Daily News, "Short of bringing back Elvis from the grave, this is about the best thing that could happen for the Grammys. It's making news." But a GLAAD spokeswoman counters, "It's exploitive for ratings. The Grammys have a large role to play in giving Eminem, and now Elton, a platform in front of millions of people to spread irresponsible messages." Read more.

February 22, 2001 - A fantastic and informative interview with Debbie Mathers is on Salon.com, where Em's mother says, "Marshall's not this tough guy, like he puts out there. It's all for show. I think once he did get with Dr. Dre and them ... He has been around a lot of different people and he carries guns, talked a lot of violence and did a lot of drugs and drinking. They say, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' I think Marshall wanted to act like he had been there and done that and the whole thing." Debbie also says Marshall is very protective of his brother Nathan revelaing, "Marshall does preach to him about staying in school: 'Don't do drugs; don't drink. If I ever catch you doing it, or smoking pot, I'm gonna go out and let you finish a joint and then I'm gonna bust ya upside your head.'"

February 22, 2001 - Worldpop reports Eminem will perform with D-12 at the Brit Awards next Monday singing  Sh** On You, but will appease TV execs by performing The Real Slim Shady.

February 22, 2001 - Pat Boone is among the growing list of those commenting on Eminem saying to Launch.com "I don't agree with his lyrics, their content, or tone. I'm totally opposed to violence, racism, and homophobia, but I vigorously feel that we must respect an individual's right to speak his mind, especially when it comes to all forms of art."

February 22, 2001 - Back stage Sheryl Crow referred to the Eminem controversy talking about a future album saying, "The next record is chalked full of hits. Lots of profanity. Lots of gay bashing. And a lot of anti-women statements and i think it's going to be huge."

February 21, 2001 - The Sun reports a Grammy insider commenting on Eminem sitting in front of George Micheal at the awards show saying, "Officially the seating was random. But word is the organisers thought it might be a bit of fun. They'll probably get on like a house on fire."

February 21, 2001 - Entertainment Tonight reports that yesterday, Elton John and Eminem held a private rehearsal away from Staples Center.

February 20, 2001 - Sisqo commented to EXTRA about Eminem's duet with Elton John saying, "As far as the network I think it's a gimic. As far as the two musicians, I think it's probable more about the music than grimic."

February 20, 2001 - Debbie Mathers-Briggs was on Access Hollywood last night to talk about her son and show videos of a younger Marshall getting along with his mom. There also is shots of Em's brother Nathan. Check out a transcript on our message boards. The show also said Debbie hasn't dropped the lawsuit against Em as earlier reported but is working on a settlement.

February 20, 2001 - Access Hollywood reports Eminem will have forth row seats at the Grammy awards sitting directly in front of openly gay singer George Michael.

February 20, 2001 - Dave Grohl joked on TRL Monday that he heard Eminem and Elton John are now dating.

February 20, 2001 - Planethollywood.com reports many are feeling that if Eminem wins a Grammy, it may be the kiss of death for his street reputation. Read more.

February 20, 2001 - The New York Post's Liz Smith challenged Eminem in the spirit of coming together with Elton John to denouncing notes of hate, directed specifically at the gay community and GLAAD, by admirers of his music after one fan sent a note to Scott Seomin at GLAAD saying, "If I ever meet you, I'll stab you in the throat."

February 20, 2001 - Madonna responded to LA Times requests for her comments on Eminem by writing, "What is the big problem about Eminem? Since when is offensive language a reason for being unpopular? I find the language of George W Bush much more offensive. I like the fact that Eminem is brash and angry and politically incorrect. At least he has an opinion. He's stirring things up, he's provoking a discussion, he's making people's blood boil. He's reflecting what's going on in society right now. That is what art is supposed to do."

February 18, 2001 - News of the World reports American television companies have began bidding for rights to Super Em, a character created by Em for his video for Role Model.

February 18, 2001 - Tina Fey on last night's SNL Weekend Update: "Rapper Eminem pled guilty in a Michigan court this week to one charge of carrying a concealed weapon, a felony meaning that the next time Eminem raps about homosexuality, he may be able to reference specific names and experiences."

February 18, 2001 - The Sun reports Dido has dropped out of her duet with Eminem at the upcoming Brit awards because she is upset people think she is only his backing singer.

February 18, 2001 - Eminem is shown here at Macomb County Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on Valentine's day. Em pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and an assault with a dangerous weapon charge was dropped. Mathers will be sentenced on April 10th.

February 18, 2001 - AP music writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody profiles the controversy surrounding Eminem and his upcoming Grammy duet with Elton John. Read more.

February 17, 2001 - Metal-Sludge.com has WOLFPAC's Daddy Long Legs responding to what he thought of Eminem replied, "Good rhymes, funny stuff, not really my cup of tea. Dre is a genius though cause he probably made 95% of the money off of Eminem."

February 17, 2001 - Eminem will be on Access Hollywood Monday where they'll have baby pictures and home video of Marshall, plus an interview with his mother.

February 17, 2001 - Jay Leno joked about Eminem pleaded guilty to gun charges and his April 10th sentence saying, "Bet ya he doesn't want to be treated like a black guy on that day." Jay later faked a wimpy white guy voice to imitate how Em would act in court.

February 16, 2001 - Cracked Magazine is attacking Eminem in their new issue out this week calling him, The Great White Dope. Read more.

February 16, 2001 - Eminem was 2000's biggest earning artist raking in $154 million in U.S. album sales and $22 million in tour revenues.

February 15, 2001 - UK celebrity magazine Star conducted a poll on which celebrity was the idea Valentine snog and Eminem winded up on top of the list for males, beating out Brad Pitt. Read more including comments from Slim on the honor.

February 15, 2001 - UK Popstars band Hearsay gave Eminem props to NME.com. Band member Myleene said of Eminem, "People like the attitude of going out and expressing what's on his mind, whereas we don't have to actually agree with or identify with what he's saying. We don't take it as our mantra and go about repeating what he says - it's just his idea that he's breaking with convention. " Read more.

February 15, 2001 - CDNow reports a "visibly shaking" Eminem pleaded guilty to one felony count of carrying a concealed weapon Wednesday in Macomb County Circuit Court in exchange for prosecutors agreeing to dismiss the assault with a dangerous weapon charge. Read more.

February 14, 2001 - Swedish chainsaw manufacturers Husqvarna are outraged at Eminem's use of their chainsaw during his show. Marketing manager Olga Scott fumes, "Eminem is a worldwide phenomena but we are not excited by the publicity... it is totally irresponsible to have it on stage. You don't start them up without being correctly dressed."

February 14, 2001 - Eminem talked to the BBC about his lyrics saying, "To be honest, I don't think about gay men. I only said that shit to piss people off. They just don't get it." And as for making up with him mother, Em had this to say "I'd probably go back to the day I was born and kill my mother as soon as she had me."

February 14, 2001 - More on the Eminem comments from Megastar, who reports the rapper saying he and Kim are trying to have another child but Eminem admits, "I think I'm firing blanks in that department." Read more.

February 13, 2001 - Elton John is commenting on his duet with Eminem to the Los Angeles Times admitting, "I'm a big fan of his music, and I said I would be delighted to. I know I'm going to get a lot of flak from various people who are going to picket the show... [but] if I thought for one minute that he was [hateful], I wouldn't do it."

February 13, 2001 - Eminem told BBC's Radio One he may take on his first big screen role saying, "There is an offer that came across recently that does sound appealing to me. It is an action movie. That is all I can say. I would be the villain. This is the first offer I have got that actually sounded appealing to me."

February 13, 2001 - Salon.com reports Eminem's grandmother Betty Kresin talking about her grandson saying, "I want to stop this war between us because life's too short -- I want him to hang in there, because everything's going to be OK."

February 13, 2001 - Eminem commented on his lyrics in an MTV interview to be shown February 21 saying, "A lot of my s*** is to do with America and my raps are an explanation of America. Not one thing that I sing about does not happen in America. There's a lot of hype right now but don't take it literally. A lot of it is said to p*** people off."

February 13, 2001 - News of the World reports Christina Aguilera has threatened to pull out of her Grammy performance if Eminem is allowed to appear.

February 13, 2001 - In a shocking in concert admittion during his UK concert set, Eminem told the crowd, "My manager and my attorney have told me not to talk about my court case because it can be used against me. But I can tell you I pistol-whipped that motherf***** right then and there. After I was arrested, the cops put me in this room and interrogated me, shining this bright light in my face. They were asking: ‘Why did you do it? Why did you do it?’ The reason I did it is: I am a criminal." Read more from News of the World.

February 13, 2001 - Bill Maher and Ted Nugent got in an argument during their appearance on Politically Incorrect last month with Maher defending Eminem and giving his music probs while Nugent said, "Only Dr. Dre sucks more than Eminem, so go ahead, Bill... The whole concept that anyone would be entertained by that just kind of falls on deaf ears. It's almost like dancing to 'Wang Dang Sweet Poontang' and giving it some moral context."

February 13, 2001 - MTVasia.com reports Eminem is making a 60 minute video diary from his British tour that show's his "mellow side" with daughter Hailie.

February 12, 2001 - Entertainment Weekly's Valentine to Eminem, "A little sugar, a little spice, you're turning into Vanilla Ice."

February 11, 2001 - The British tabloids are denouncing Eminem as a commercial fraud who's ecstasy and bottle of Bacardi onstage are actually dried chewing gum and colored water. Read more.

February 11, 2001 - The Mirror interviewed Eminem's father Marshall Mathers II who told them he doesn't want his son's money, just his forgiveness. The elder Mather's said, "I'm not interested in his money. I just want to talk to him. I want him to know that I'm here for him if he lets me back into his life." Eminem reacted by saying, "When you see my dad, tell him I slit his throat in this dream I had."

February 11, 2001 - Saturday Night Live joked about Eminem in their Weekend Update last night as Tina Fey said, "It was announced this week that Elton John and Eminem will perform a duet at this month's grammy awards. When asked if he felt conflicted about working with the obviously gay performer, Elton John said, "I don't have a problem with it.'"

February 10, 2001 - Megastar reports the pills that Eminem pops on stage including the Manchester show he's being investigated for are nothing more than anadin, pills used to cure tense, nervous headaches. They also dispute earlier reports of the Beckhams leaving the show early quoting an insider saying, "David and Victoria's only problem was he didn't do enough encores." Read more.

February 10, 2001 - Megastar reports Eminem arrived at the Conrad Hotel in Chelsea Harbour at 6am following his concert at Manchester but didn't give fans an opporunity to see him as he was covered by blankets and escorted by his bodyguards. Read more.

February 10, 2001 - "We view this moment not only as musically significant, but also as an opportunity to help tear down some of the unfortunate walls of division that Eminem's lyrics have built," NARAS president and CEO Michael Greene said in a statement announcing that Eminem and Elton John will indeed perform a duet at the February 21st Grammy awards. Read more.

February 10, 2001 - Worldpop reports Eminem was joined onstage by Dido at a concert in London's Docklands Arena as the two performed Stan. Later Em was booed at London's Ministry of Sound for a small show which at first made him upset until someone explained it was the British way of voicing approval, prompting Eminem to say, "Damn, I'm going to take that back to America. I like that!"

February 10, 2001 - Reuters reports London police have seized tape of Eminem's sold-out conert in Manchester on Thursday to determine if he incited teen fans to take drugs while onstage.

February 10, 2001 - The Sun has a behind the scenes report of Eminem's Manchester show Thursday night. Read more.

February 10, 2001 - The Mirror reports Eminem arrived in the UK by his private jet, though since cameramen had not been ready to picture him exiting, he got back into the plane and exited again.

February 10, 2001 - Peoplenews.com reports David and Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) were 'outraged' over Eminem's act when they attended the show Thursday and walked out after only 15 minutes. A friend of the two revealed, "They were just so disgusted they had to leave. They said they thought it was so terrible Brooklyn would have to grow up in a world where Eminem was a star."

February 10, 2001 - Allstar is reporting that earlier news linking Eminem and Elton John in a Grammy duet of Stan at this point is just talk. Em's spokesperson at Interscope revealed, "The only thing that is confirmed is that he is going to the Grammys."

February 9, 2001 - The New York Daily News' Mitchell Fink delares "It's official" for the pairing of Eminem and Elton John on Grammy night. Fink reports Elton will sing Dido's part in Stan at the event.

February 9, 2001 - Access Hollywood reports tonight that GLAAD has asked Elton John not to perform with Eminem for the Grammy awards.

February 9, 2001 - Eminem will enter the UK via boat to escape protestors according to the Sun. An insider told the British tabloid, "We’ve been talking about arriving on a boat for months and Eminem is really keen to do it. We’re just hoping the weather is good because we don’t want our star arriving seasick."

February 9, 2001 - Debbie Mathers-Briggs is dropping her $9 lawsuit against her son, according to MTV. She tells MTV, "The attorney was supposed to send Marshall a letter warning him to stop being so demeaning. The next thing I knew, my son was hit with a $10 million suit." Debbie also talks about Eminem's medical battle after his beating by a high school bully. Read more.

February 9, 2001 - Music365 reports Mark and Blade will open for Eminem on his UK appearances. The rappers exclaim, "It’s an honour to be on the same stage as the greatest rapper in the world at the moment, it’s a big achievement for us. Hopefully it will break down some more doors for us."

February 8, 2001 - Eminem won an NME Award Tuesday for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Act.

February 8, 2001 - Peoplenews.com reports on Eminem's hotel security demands ahead of his arrival into the UK this week. Em wanted all the locks in his booked suites changed but the hotel refused, saying they have key-cards. Read more.

February 8, 2001 - MTVasia.com reports Eminem's estranged grandmother, Betty Kresin, is standing up for Eminem as she admits, "I love my grandson. I don't like his lyrics but he's not the only one in rap that's got these lyrics." Kreslin explains the source of Em's anger saying, "I think what happened to him was his father left when he was so young and he never knew his father. I think a lot of anger came because he was raised by his mother -- no father image or figure was there."

February 8, 2001 - Reuters columnist Astrid Zweynert profiles Eminem ahead of his arrival in Britain. Read more.

February 7, 2001 - Eminem was featured on Access Hollywood for his appearances on TRL Monday and a European press conference recently.

February 7, 2001 - MTV News reports Eminem will indeed attend the Grammy awards later this month. Em says, It's because everyone doesn't want my ass there, so I'm going to sit my stinking ass down next to *NSYNC and flick pennies at them and [expletive] just stand in everybody's face and say, 'Kiss my ass.'"

February 7, 2001 - Gay gossip columnist Michael Musto attacked Elton John and Eminem in his column this week saying, "Elton's validation of Eminem sells us all down the river, allowing the homophobic rapper to get the last laugh by gloating, 'F***, even the fags like me!' The Grammys certainly like him, and I have a problem with that, too. Eminem is undeniably charismatic and clever, but that only makes his hate messages that much more seductive, and, crazy me, I think the lyrics should be assessed as part of the overall package. If Hitler had put out a really danceable record called 'Death to Jews,' I wouldn't have handed it that many awards, would you?"

February 7, 2001 - MTVasia.com reports Eminem has asked out 18 year old Samantha Mumba on a date next weekend. She's been invited to his show at London's Docklands and a night out afterwards.

February 7, 2001 - Everlast ran into trouble in Detroit last weekend when he bashed Eminem, asking the audience if they had a problem with it. Apparently they did and security threats forced Everlast to cut his set short. Read more.

February 6, 2001 - News of the World reports Westlife singer Bryan McFadden will sneak into the NME Carling Awards dressed as Eminem. Westlife has been banned from the event after organizers labeled the group "a joke."

February 6, 2001 - The New York Post's Liz Smith is telling readers, "Don't believe for a second the rumors going around in L.A. that Madonna might back out of opening the Grammys because of Eminem's possible appearance on the show." Smith says while she hates Em's anti-gay lyrics, she's a big defender of free speech.

February 6, 2001 - Peoplenews.com reports gay rights activist Peter Tatchell says Eminem is promoting violence against homosexuals. He fumed, "His homophobic jibes help make bigotry cool and acceptable. He is deliberately avoiding public engagements in order to deny us the chance to confront him. It is very difficult to do anything at the concerts because the security is so tight."

February 6, 2001 - Megastar reports Eminem's security team has been put on red alert after gay activists have promised demonstrations at Eminem's concert stops and hotel. A spokesman for gay group OutRage! said last night: "We will find a way of getting close to Eminem."

February 6, 2001 - The Sun reports Madonna has turned down an offer to perform at the Brit awards worried that she'll be upstaged by Britney Spears and Eminem.

February 6, 2001 - The Sun reports Eminem's favorite TV show is ITV's children's animated show Hilltop Hospital.

February 4, 2001 - The Sun reports Eminem and Elton John will do a duet together at the Grammy Awards. A source close to Elton told the Sun, "We've been told to keep this a complete secret and their publicists will deny it is true. But this duet is definitely happening and it will blow everyone away. Their management started talking about it a couple of months ago and both Elton and Eminem are really excited about it."

February 4, 2001 - Entertainment Weekly surveyed Grammy voters for an indication of who'd win Album of the Year, and Eminem is considered the front runner. One voter told EW, "People are gonna try to show they're bigger than the controversy and vote Eminem, like, 'I support the First Amendment.'"

February 2, 2001 - The New York Post reports Eminem may do a duet with Elton John at the Grammy awards, though Em's rep shot down the rumor saying, "Eminem hasn't even decided whether to go to the Grammys, much less perform."

February 2, 2001 - TVGuide.com reports students at Sheffield University in London have banned Eminem songs and clothing because of his anti-gay lyrics. Students who wear Eminem clothing will be turned away, and the schools radio station won't play his music. In addition, the school's paper cannot print reviews of Eminem's albums nor his concerts.

February 2, 2001 - After Eminem was encouraged by fans at a show in Hamburg Germany to "pop the pills" he obliged but police in the UK are warning him that he'd better be drug-free when he plays his gigs starting in Manchester next week. If not, a Scotland Yard source told the Sun "If we suspect he is under the influence of narcotics we will search him and if we find a controlled substance on him we will arrest him."

Feburary 1, 2001 - MTVasia.com reports Eminem will come to London next week with a huge 50 person posse, which include 10 specially tranined bodyguards. Among those on guest list for his London's Ministry Of Sound appearance are Angelina Jolie and Outkast.

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