EMIN3M X Vinyl Art

"X" means more than just putting things together. Multiplying creates more than adding. Em knows how to create something more than just the sum of its parts. "Sing For The Moment" off of The Eminem Show contains elements of Aerosmith's "Dream On" creating a brilliant mashup that makes my toes tingle.

Maybe we can call my Vinyl Art a visual remix or an artistic crossover. Whatever. Just don't use a "+".

Peace.

EMIN3M 02/26/09

Dead Wrong

As I wait for Eminem to put out a new record, I'm learning more about the west coast/east coast world of rap. Some pretty nasty, powerfully real shit. Mostly autobiographical, as most authentic, passionate music is, the words of Biggie, Snoop, Tupac, Dre, Combs, and Mr. Mathers reveal the lives they've lived.

And in a twisted feedback loop, they hyperbolize those lives, and deaths.

Modern poets, however vulgar, they speak the truth of the coastal streets.

Or do they create it? Persistence
spittin' 'gainst resistance.
I don'know, only know existence.
This shit's just
pissed us all off 'cause
we hate to see hate
playin' us against
each other, brother
of another color,
another city. I don't
blame Em for lyin' low.
Life's not even worth the sickest flow.
He had ta blow, for awhile
he'd be in denial if he didn't go.
Rappers are artists too, yo.
- vinylart '08

You may not like it, but, yes it is art, not for the faint of heart. No, seriously, this is heavy. What the warning labels are for. But it is their truth. Power to those who have the guts to share it.

Peace.

Available - Notorious B.I.G. 10/20/08

Like Toy Soldiers (For PeaceOneDay.org)

Peace and Eminem? Odd pairing, on the surface.

I've discussed them both before, but this time, the context is the international Day of Peace, September 21st. I'm posting today because it falls on a Sunday and I don't usually post on the weekend.

I'd thought I might do something related to Peter Gabriel, but his connection with world peace is well known and acknowledged. Eminem's connection perhaps is only in my head, but I think it's valid.

As I said in that previous post, understanding takes the power away from fear. Both fear and lack of understanding are the primary causes of the escalation of conflict. I don't mean to say that conflict would disappear if we just loved one another. Eminem knows that isn't realistic either.

If you do listen and seek to understand others, put yourself in their shoes as it were, tolerance can be reached and solutions determined. Understanding puts everybody on the same side in opposition to the problem rather than 2 sides of people developing with positions further and further disparate and entrenched.

Eminem reaches out with raw emotion for understanding, telling his story as personally and openly as he can. Think about the reaction of many in the public to this expression and its effect on him. Imagine you had just produced for all the world to hear your innermost fears in the only way you'd been taught only to have them twisted and warped for political agendas attacking you and your art.

Yes, artists are supposed to have thick skins, but not of lead, man. Listen to his lyrics. Cringe at them. Realize they are HIS TRUTH.

The passionate expression of people's truth needs to be cherished. If it were, whole peoples wouldn't take up arms in defense of their beliefs.

What I can do for peace? Yes, love, but also stay true to me and communicate that truth, and passionately seek to encourage and defend others who do the same. Indeed, Eminem and his work connect closely with...

Peace. Make it more than one day.

Eminem 09/19/08

Why Eminem Should Be Respected

I wanted to see if you'd picked up on something. Peace. I've been signing that quite a bit recently. You might not have noticed because it is a word thrown about too freely I think. I don't have it as a "sig" anywhere. I type it each time. Each time, hitting that period after typing the word makes me think, makes me feel. I feel different emotions depending on when I type it, but I type it each time deliberately to stay connected to Life. Peace period. That's all that should need be said. Quietly, simply, with gut-wrenching true feeling. Do you almost cry when you say peace? The huge weight associated with it, does it come to mind when you flash the peace sign? I hope so. Like "love", "peace" should have meaning behind it when it's said, I think. It should stir in you the desire to act, to do.

Eminem's multi-faceted message in his music communicates his anger and frustration with the state of affairs both in his life and in the world. He seeks peace. Venting, he makes it ok to feel and express dark emotions. He conveys how conflict itself ends up winning when the two sides involved battle each other instead of uniting against the problem underlying. I respect his creativity, his way with words, and yes, what I see as his message. I know his productions, his words, are controversial, pointed to as inciting and insightful. Good. Discussion brings issues into the open and can lead to tolerance and understanding if people are open. People usually have walls up for protection, though. I wish people would be open. Pain exists, but it can be used towards understanding instead of hate. Hate means you care about the other side, means you can love too. You try listening for where the hate is coming from, and you can break downs walls with trust, compassion, and openness. And what you put out always comes back around too.

I thought I'd share with you what I think, but I certainly won't take it personally if you disagree. Disagreement can lead to wider understanding. Understanding can lead to...

peace.

Eminem 02/01/08