Openly gay Elton John hugs "Rap God" singer Eminem after they performed the song "Stan" at the 43rd annual Grammy Awards. (Photo : Reuters/Gary Hershorn)
Eminem is friends with Elton John, one of the most prominent openly gay celebrities. However, the Detroit rapper has been accused of being homophobic because of his rap lyrics. Here are three Eminem songs that made people think Eminem is homophobic:
1. "Rap God"
When asked about the homophobic slurs in the lyrics of "Rap God" in a 2013 interview with RollingStone, Eminem said, "I don't know how to say this without saying it how I've said it a million times. But that word, those kind of words, when I came up battle-rappin' or whatever, I never really equated those words."
2. "Elevator"
Released on Dec. 15, 2009, "Elevator" was the second promotional single from Eminem's "Relapse: Refill" album. The lyrics became controversial because it mentioned openly gay singers former NSYNC member Lance Bass and "American Idol" alums Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken, which were construed by some as an anti-gay slur.
Neither Eminem nor John commented on the issue about the "Elevator" lyrics. In fact, the two performed "Stan" together at the 2001 Grammy Awards. They even hugged right after the performance.
3. "Roman's Revenge"
Produced by "Empire" season 2 guest star Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj's "Roman's Revenge" featuring Eminem became controversial not only because it was said to a Lil' Kim diss but it is said to have homophobic lyrics.
In an interview with MTV in 2010, Minaj said she and Eminem play a character in the song "Roman's Revenge," she as Roman Zolanski and the Detroit rapper as Slim Shady.
Minaj and Eminem co-wrote "Roman's Revenge" with Kaseem Dean and T. Smith.
Do you think Eminem is homophobic or is he just being artistic? Let us know in the comments section below:
