Eminem, otherwise known as Slim Shady, has always been an exceptional live performer. From his MTV Music Awards show in 2000 to his electrifying Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction performance last year, the Detroit emcee (real name Marshall Mathers) consistently delivers thrilling sets. However, his setlist has now permanently changed, as there is one track that he now refuses to perform live. It’s hard to imagine the ‘Without Me’ rapper ever holding back or censoring himself, but strangely that is what he has done in this case.
Since he first emerged on the scene in 1999, Mathers’ family issues have played out in front of the world, and it’s safe to say, at times, the dysfunctionality has been highly toxic. Although the musician’s tense and angst-filled music is good listening, it has been indicative of Em’s poisonous childhood. Eminem’s problematic relationship with his mother was somewhat of a spectacle in the early-2000s. Still, by permanently removing his 2002 track ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet’ from his setlist, he is attempting to salvage what’s left of their bond.
In the song, he labels his mother a “selfish b*tch” and proudly declares he hopes she “burn in hell”. Mathers also mocks her previous addiction, with lyrics concerning his mother, ‘poppin’ prescription pills.’ This is not the only song in which the Detroit native scolds his mum, Debbie.
In ‘Without You’ he screams, “F*ck you Debie!” However, in his 2013 song ‘Headlights’, the rapper apologised to his mother for ‘Cleanin Out My Closet’, and declared he would no longer play it at shows rapping, “I’m sorry mama for ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet,’ at the time I was angry /Rightfully maybe so, never meant that far to take it though / Now I know it’s not your fault, and I’m not making jokes /That song I no longer play at shows, and I cringe every time it’s on the radio.”
Following this track which was featured on The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Mathers has refused to play ‘Cleanin Out My Closet’ live and, to this day, even when prompted by fans, he will not rap even a snippet of the song. You can hear the explicit track in the video below.
