Some of you guys are a bit confused. In his book, Eminem stated that after the Marshall Mathers LP was finished, Interscope (Shady Records is his imprint, Aftermath is Dre's) wanted something upbeat, catchy and humorous. Originally they were going to have 'The Way I Am' as the first single, but Eminem requested the weekend to write a new song, which became 'The Real Slim Shady'. So yes, he does have artistic freedom, but there guided supervision.
I read somewhere that I'm Back was to be the first single and Criminal to be the second single but than Paul Rosenbert made him do Real Slim Shady and The Way I Am.
I guess what I meant to say was COMPLETE control over everything. Lyrics, Singles, Pressing the Singles, the works. Meh.
I guess what I meant to say was COMPLETE control over everything. Lyrics, Singles, Pressing the Singles, the works. Meh. [/b][/quote] I wish he'd lobby to release the singles on CD. I usually buy the promos or download rips of the vinyl.
I read somewhere that I'm Back was to be the first single and Criminal to be the second single but than Paul Rosenbert made him do Real Slim Shady and The Way I Am. [/b][/quote] on vh1 he said that he needed a first single and the record lable wanted something lighter. not funnyer, but lighter so he went home and recorded the way I am, that was the opposite of what he had to record so he didn't know what to do & Proof said: "Just do that sarcastic s**t you do" and that's when he recorded the real slim shady and discoverd the formula (I have that documentary taped and I'm watching it right now)