"The Real Slim Shady" is a song by Eminem, released in 2000 as the lead single from his third studio album, "The Marshall Mathers LP." The song was performed live at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan in 2001, which is the specific version referred to in the title. The song serves as Eminem's satirical response to public criticism and media scrutiny. It begins with Eminem asking for attention and questioning the existence of the real Slim Shady. He sarcastically comments on the shocked reactions of people who have never seen a white person before, comparing it to a scene from the sitcom "Martin" where Pam and Tommy have an altercation. Eminem then mocks the censorship and controversy surrounding his music by jokingly claiming that his idol, Dr. Dre, is locked in his basement and that feminist women love him. He addresses his critics and expresses his frustration with society's double standards and hypocrisy when it comes to explicit content in entertainment. The chorus emphasizes Eminem's identity as the real Slim Shady and calls for him to stand up, urging others to stop imitating him. He disses other artists like Will Smith and criticizes the Grammy Awards, implying that he is not concerned about their validation. Eminem continues to challenge societal norms and expectations, discussing explicit topics such as sex, gender, and violence. He highlights the influence of the media and the exposure of children to mature content, suggesting that they are already aware of such matters. The song also addresses Eminem's uniqueness as an artist and his willingness to speak his mind without censorship. He believes he is superior to other rappers and asserts that there are millions like him who emulate his style but cannot match his authenticity. Ultimately, the song is a commentary on Eminem's controversial reputation as an artist who pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms, while also criticizing the media and listeners who both criticize and consume his music.
