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CNN Live Today
Interview with Alex Pappademas
Aired May 13, 2002 - 14:42 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: With every new release by rap artist Eminem, he has been greeted with controversy. In the past, critics have called his lyrics racist, misogynist, homophobic. And with another record due out soon, in fact, the first week of June, "The Eminem show" releasing the fourth, his critics are lining up once again.
Let's talk more about it with Alex Pappademas. He's our guest from New York, from "Spin" magazine. Alex, how are you? Good afternoon.
ALEX PAPPADEMAS, "SPIN" MAGAZINE: I'm fine, Bill. How are you.
HEMMER: I guess, if nothing else, Eminem has what he wants, because we're talking about his record. What's incendiary on this one, Alex?
PAPPADEMAS: Well, I mean, I think what's going to attract a lot of attention, he's taken some shots at Lynne Cheney, which is sort of unusual. She dissed him in front of the Commerce Committee in front of the Senate back in September of 2000. And he's firing back.
HEMMER: What is he saying?
PAPPADEMAS: Well, she called him despicable and horrible. And he's just taking some pot-shots at her. I think pretty much there aren't any I could repeat on national television.
HEMMER: OK. Well, it is cable. But we also do want to respect some things, too.
Some of the videotape we're watching right here, reference to Osama bin Laden. What is that all about, Alex?
PAPPADEMAS: Well, I mean, you have to keep stepping it up in order to shock people. And I that's -- you know, there was probably a time when Eminem was the most hated man in America. And there's now a new most hated man in the world. I think he's got to identify with that to some extent.
HEMMER: How seriously are people taking him and his music and his message?
PAPPADEMAS: I don't know. I think the kids who are buying this record, I don't think they're taking it that seriously. I think it's, you know, the shock, and it's fun and everything. But I don't think it's -- I don't think anyone is really looking to him for guidance on how to live their life.
HEMMER: Let's hope not, huh? Compare this latest album to the last one that was -- it got a lot of attention and a lot of acclaim, frankly. How would you rate it?
PAPPADEMAS: Well, I think the last one deserved all of the acclaim that it received. I think it was a really amazing record. It was the kind of thing that no one's every really heard before.
With this one, it's almost like he's become -- you know, it's like when Lenny Bruce would just get up and read the transcripts of his obscenity trial onstage. It's just, he's obsessed with his own press and his own media. He's one of the most talented rappers in the business. And I think this is...
HEMMER: You're saying he's going in the wrong direction?
PAPPADEMAS: Well, I'm saying he's focused almost exclusively on his perception by the media and the way that he's been attacked in the press. And there's a bit of a persecution complex going on.
HEMMER: Would you say that he enjoys that attention?
PAPPADEMAS: Oh, I'm sure he enjoys that attention.
HEMMER: I understand he has some comments about Tipper Gore, too. Where does she fit into this latest album?
PAPPADEMAS: Well, that's kind of strange. I mean, she's -- I think -- she went after Twisted Sister in the '80s, and I think she's become this sort of figure that represents attacks on popular music by political figures. But I don't know -- I can't remember the last time that she actually got into that fray.
HEMMER: The last album, Alex, as you well know, a lot of references to homophobia. Is that addressed in this album?
PAPPADEMAS: Not that I could hear on the first few listens. It's not as heavy. I mean, really, there's a lot that's just very personal. And he's going after his critics in the media and talking about the difference between entertainment and reality, things of that nature. I think he's cooled off on that a little bit. Maybe it was getting in the way of other messages he wanted to put forward.
HEMMER: Bottom line, Alex, has he moved the ball any from last time?
PAPPADEMAS: Commercially, I'm sure he will. I think creatively, I think he could have stretched a little more this time.
HEMMER: Alex Pappademas, "Spin" magazine. Thank you, sir.
PAPPADEMAS: Thank you. HEMMER: Appreciate you coming in.
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