Eminem performed overseas at the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (December 7) in support of his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).
During his show at Yas Etihad Arena, the Diamonds Selling presenter appeared to acknowledge the recent death of his mother Debbie Nelson – albeit subtly. While performing “Without Me” from his 2002 fourth studio album, The Eminem Show, Eminem cut out the part where he yelled “F### you, Debbie!” And let the 40,000 people present handle it.
The show is Emme’s first public appearance since Nelson lost her battle with lung cancer earlier this month. Some feared he would cancel the show, but fans were convinced he would make an appearance through various social media posts.
Nelson died on December 2 in St. Joseph, Missouri, at the age of 69. Hatred and mixed emotions,” although he didn’t say elaborate. Eminem’s relationship with Nelson has been strained over the years.
Early in his career, he accused her of abuse and neglect in songs like “Cleaning Out My Wardrobe” and “My Mama.” He repeatedly suggested that Nelson had a substance abuse problem, specifically prescription drugs, and that her addiction had led to instability in their family. In “My Mom”, he mentioned that he had been exposed to drugs such as V##### when he was young.
In 1999, Nelson sued him for defamation after the release of “My Name Is,” which included lines like: “I just found out my mom did more drugs than me/I told her I was gonna be a famous rapper when I grew up /Record the drug addiction and name it after her.
Nelson sought $10 million in damages, but the lawsuit was settled in 2001 for $25,000, with Nelson reportedly receiving only $1,600 after attorney fees. Eminem continued to disdain Nelson, later rapping “f### you Debbie” on the aforementioned “Without Me.”
But now, in light of her death, perhaps this line will forever be part of the past.
