In a recent interview with The New York Times, Eminem announced his support for gay marriage, stating ‘I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want.’ For long-time fans of ‘Em, this newfound tolerance may come as a surprise. After all, this is the same guy who rapped ‘Whether you’re a fag or a lez, Or the homosex, hermaph or a trans-vest/Pants or dress – hate fags? The answer’s yes.’ Along with his newfound tolerance for gays comes sobriety, honesty about his feelings, and re-building of damaged relationships. After years of battling his demons through song, Eminem has finally matured, and Recovery is a testment to that. Em is just one of many emcees we’ve seen mature over the course of their careers. Here’s a look at some of the others.
NEXT PAGE: FROM LICENSE TO ILL TO HIP-HOP ELDERS…
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Artist: Beastie Boys
How They’ve Matured: When the Beastie Boys first hit the scene, they were three wild guys from Brooklyn. They rapped about partying, getting drunk – they were punk-rock rappers. They were also fairly homophobic (their classic debut album License to Ill was orginally going to be called Don’t Be A Faggot). Now, they’re elder statesmen of hip-hop, and have become more known for their political activist. Member Ad-Rock apologized for their past lyrics in an open letter to Time Out New York, stating ‘time has healed our stupidity.’
NEXT PAGE: JAY-Z’S GROWN MAN MOVES…
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Artist: Jay-Z
How He Has Matured: Jay was all about ‘money, cash, hoes’ when he first hit the scene. As is common with old age, he’s mellowed out now. While he’s still all about his money, Jay now raps about grown man things. Songs like ’30 Something,’ ‘Lost One,’ ‘Young Forever’ and ‘Beach Chair’ show a more mature Jay, speaking about a broader range of subjects than hustling and hoes. When asked about this maturity, Hov says he’s just keeping it real. ‘If I’m 35 years old and I’m talking like I’m 15 – the kids at 15, they change slang every week. They know that’s not being authentic. I live in Teaneck, New Jersey somewhere, I’m not on the streets.’
NEXT PAGE: FROM ‘MURDA MASE’ TO PASTOR BETHA…
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Artist: Mase
How He Has Matured: When Murda Mase first hit the scene, he was the coolest, smoothest ladies man and hustler. After a few years in the rap game, Mase found his true calling in God and left the industry to become a pastor and inspirational speaker.
NEXT PAGE: CHECK OUT COMMON’s TRANSFORMATION…
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Artist: Common
How He Matured: Though Common has always been a ‘conscious’ rapper, he has definitely matured a lot since he burst on the scene with Can I Borrow A Dollar? and Resurrection. He’s moved from gritty emcee to movie star, and PETA activist.
