Eminem's "Mockingbird" Critique

A True Lullaby Marshall Bruce Mathers III, more known as Eminem and alter ego Slim Shady, has transformed the rap game significantly if not entirely. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 82nd on its list of The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The same magazine declared him The King of Hip Hop. Although he is known for his explicit and controversial hits such as "Kim" and "3a.m.", he does show his soft side occasionally in each album. Of all Eminem classics, "Mockingbird" is definitely an emotional masterpiece proving his legendary lyrical storytelling ability backed up by a clever beat that appeal to millions. The lyrics are a personal, undisguised account of his early relationship with his wife and daughters. The purpose is clear within the first 30 seconds of the song. "Hailie, I know you miss your mom, and I know you miss your dad. When I'm gone I'm tryin' to give you the life that I never had." Within the first few lines he directly states his daughter's name and is speaking as if she was reading a letter from himself. This gives the listener a position of relation to Eminem to understand his feelings towards his daughter. The Mathers family lived in a dangerous ghetto neighborhood on 8 Mile in Detroit. "All the things growing up as daddy that he had to see. Daddy don't want you to see but you see just as much as he did." The “things” he is referring to are witnessing her mother popping pills in the kitchen, getting robbed multiple times and experiencing several drive-by's. His long relationship with ex-wife Kim was also brought into the story, however it was to show that even though they are apart they still love her as if they were together. "I know mommy's not here right now and we don't know why. We feel how we feel inside. It may seem a little crazy, pretty baby. But I promise mama's gon' be alright." Hailie was 8 years old when this song was released, which is quite young for a girl who has witnessed such hardships. Eminem stated in his interview with