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An Open Letter to Eminem From A Detroiter




Thanks, Marshall. It was 3-13-2003 that I attended a private party celebrating the release of 8 Mile on DVD. As the only journalist present who was actually in the film, I soon went from interviewer to interviewee. I remember that night like it was yesterday, Hollywood came to Detroit, again, and we felt invincible. That was a way you had. As a multi-platinum artist, cultural icon, and die-hard Detroiter, you have frequently contributed to the city of Detroit. And we thank you for it.


When I saw your recent Super Bowl commercial, I felt a swell of pride. As a Detroit expatriate now living in Atlanta, I almost dragged out my suitcase and started to pack to move home. But then, I realized, if an Eminem movie couldn’t change Detroit, an Eminem commercial won’t either. And that’s ok.


You have always been that way. You kicked down doors of opportunity, and once inside, you opened windows too. You brought your big Jay-Z/Eminem shows to Detroit, you end every tour in Detroit, you shot a movie in Detroit. You support a city that supported you; in fact, it shaped you, made you. So, it is befitting for you to show that love in return.


Then I saw your “Open Letter to Detroit.”


My first thought when I saw the video was a bland, “Hmm. That’s nice.” I couldn’t help but wonder, what is this about? Where is it coming from so suddenly? The “Great Recession” isn’t new to Detroit. There hasn’t been a major catastrophe and in fact, the city is in an upswing.


The Stevie Wonder lyric, “Where were you when I needed you…” began to play in my head.


I had to ask around, is there something wrong with me because I am not really feeling this? Is it just because I don’t live in Detroit anymore? I’ve only been gone two years. Or is it because I have been in and around Detroit hip-hop for over a decade, I knew and loved Dilla, I knew and loved Proof, I knew and loved Baatin. I can’t help but remember asking your management about helping get a mural on the side of St. Andrews, a legendary venue that you once tried to buy, and being rejected. I can’t help to remember Obie Trice’s failed time at Shady, outshined by 50. I can’t help but think of all of the Detroit artists who needed your support and never got it, or at least didn’t get enough of it. I can’t help but have my south of 8 Mile mentality that says that most white people don’t do anything without getting paid for it in some way.


But, I do remember sitting in that church during Proof’s funeral and watching you sob uncontrollable tears and thinking that you just lost your best friend. We all just lost Detroit’s best friend.


It’s taken you five years to get healthy. To heal your heart, mind, body, and spirit and return to the spotlight, and dominate all over again. It is that heart that I admire. It’s that Marshall that I have love for like a friend.


I encourage you Marshall, to not just make songs, 9 million dollar commercials, or write love letters. I encourage you to spend money in and on Detroit. I encourage The Marshall Mathers Foundation to support arts programs in Detroit public schools. I encourage you to buy beats from local producers, do a mixtape supporting local artists, pay off J. Dilla’s medical bills, put some kids through college, support the Detroit Entertainment Commission, and get that mural done, let your legacy be not just your music, but your service to the city we all love so much. Because, it’s still us versus the free world.


I was always taught that love is a verb. It is an action. I thank you, Marshall, for the great memories and inspiration. I appreciate what you are doing now and I look forward to seeing you do even more. Detroit, What?!



Biba Adams is a Detroit native, a graduate of Marygrove College, she is a Sr. Contributing Writer to Allhiphop.com. Ms. Adams currently resides in Atlanta, GA where she is a Business Communications Instructor for Year Up, Inc, a non-profit organization serving talented urban youth; she is also working on a memoir about her hometown. Chanzo ni mtandao wa allhiphop.com

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