Madonna, Elton Back Eminem

Madonna has come to Eminem's defense in a letter to the Los Angeles Times that ran on Sunday. "What is the big deal about Eminem?" the singer wrote in response to the protests over his Album of the Year Grammy nomination for his The Marshall Mathers LP, whose controversial lyrics have drawn the ire of women's and gay rights groups. "Since when is offensive language a reason for being unpopular? I find the language of George W. much more offensive."

"He's stirring things up, he's provoking a discussion, he's making people's blood boil," she added. "He's reflecting what's going on in society right now. That it what art is supposed to do. And after all he's just a boy." She signed the letter, "Mrs. Ritchie."

Madonna isn't the only artist who has come to Eminem's defense. The Los Angeles Times also nabbed eleven other former Grammy winners for their opinions on the controversy, and Elton John, who is openly gay, not only has given his support for the rapper, but consented to duet with him, over protests from the gay community. "As a gay artist, I'm asked by a lot of people, 'But what about the content of Eminem's music?' I think there is far more humor on the album than people think. It appeals to my English black sense of humor," John told the paper, adding, "When I put the album on the first time, I was in hysterics from laughing. We live in an age of political correctness where you can't say this or that. I honestly don't think people will go out and start beating and killing people because of this album."

Stevie Wonder, who is scheduled to present the Album of the Year Award, told the paper he believes Eminem is "a valid artist." "'Stan' is a great song," he said. "Rap to me is modern blues . . . a statement of how and where people are at."

JAAN UHELSZKI
(February 21, 2001)