"Beautiful" is from Eminen's Relapse album which has to do with his battles with depression and drug addiction. But ironically he can see how the cut relates to a city that he loves. As a Detroiter, many of the sites that he walks through in the video I too have walked through. In fact, the once glorious Beaux-Arts train station and the Packard Motor Car Company plant designed by one of my favorite architects, Albert Kahn, are prominently featured in video. Both remain favorite structures of mine, even amid ruins.
Before the final tear down of the original Tiger Stadium a friend and I went and took pictures of what remained. "Tiger Stadium is being torn down, and the train station is supposed to be demolished too," Eminem said. "This video is one of the last times anybody outside of Detroit is going to see them...('Beautiful') is a reminder to keep your head up, and to see who you really are despite what you may be going through. Now that I've gotten through the toughest part, I see how the song relates to Detroit, and it feels even more powerful."
8 comments:
Ah, this is a very very powerful song! And, yes, connecting this to the current situation at Detroit takes its intensity to a whole new level. Thanks for sharing this!
Yes, indeed Ajey! The interesting thing about beauty is that it often has another side, if only the path it takes for its arrival or the very arrival itself. When you think of how fragile life is or living can be, even the mere body itself--think of something as simply and precarious as breath, it can be daunting for many. But the beauty is in spite of its precarious possibilities and struggles, Life is Beautiful; the title here is one of my favorite movies--ever.
Wow, Judith, this really hits home. I was a Tiger fan at the age of 9 and idolized Al Kaline - before I fell in love with my own BoSox. (Of course this was before your time.) And I loved the Motown sound - especially Marvin Gaye - and the Funk Brothers' backup on all their records.
Em has REALLY matured as an artist.
Yes, John, memories indeed! I have always liked Eminem (Kid Rock too!) and think that he is a highly gifted lyricist and rapper. His beats are great! He is also a very authentic actor. "8 Mile" was super; he displayed many emotions effortlessly. He has evolved as an artist indeed. I was with him and others, a friend is a promoter ringside at a fight, and he was kind and embraceable. There was no hint of arrogance at all.
I LOVED 8 Mile! The guy is definitely a natural (much like the guy I just blogged about on my site - the late, great Brian Jones). I think Em can be a success at anything he takes on.
I LOVED 8 Mile too! I also believe as you that Eminem "can be a success at anything he takes on." Great talent! He's so very authentic.
I enjoyed this post because eminem is one of my favorite artists. Relapse, wasnt my favorite album, but it still has a few good songs on it with my favorite being beautiful.
The message behind it is so great. I have learned so much in the past few years from my experiences in my family. What others would call a tragedy, my family has accepted as a deep learning experience that has helped me to mature. What I have learned is so simple and exactly as you put it. "Life is Beautiful." Live in the moment and enjoy every second.
Ryan - What a beautiful comment. You and Ajey, another gifted and thoughtful young man, make me so happy. You bless me with your wisdom and honesty. Thank you.
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