Eminem finally dropped his 9th studio album Revival, his first since 2013, on Friday (December 15th) and, hate it or love it, it's certainly a more finely-tuned emotional performance than we've seen from the rapper in some time. Though there are some radio-ready singles, including the Joat Jett-infused "Remind Me," many of the tracks take a stab at treading into more personal territory lyrically. One song in particular, "Castle," is already being talked about for its seeming attempt to make up for past wrongs with his daughter, Hailie.
It's no secret that Eminem, back in the 1990's and early-2000's, mentioned his daughter in his lyrics frequently, often tying her into stories he'd weave about the difficulties that he had with her mother Kim and the emotional turmoil that it caused both him and everyone around him. There are passages like the refrain, which examine those wounds with remorse that Eminem has very seldom showcased in his music:
"I built this castle
Now we are trapped on the throne
I’m sorry we’re alone
I wrote my chapter
You’ll turn the page when I’m gone
I hope you’ll sing along
This is your song
I just want you to know that I ain’t scared
Whatever it takes to raise you, I’m prepared."
Hailie, now 22 years of age, hasn't commented publicly on the track, but there's no mistaking the olive branch that her 45-year-old father is trying to extend to her via his lyrics. The youngster's turbulent upbringing has been well-documented over the years, so there's no word on whether or not she'll be receptive to Slim Shady's words in this instance, but there's a tenderness to these prose that makes Revival that much more real.
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