Eminem has issued a statement addressing the widespread condemnation his new album, Music to Be Murdered By, has received.
The rapper faced backlash after the surprise album dropped last week featuring a track which referenced the 2017 Manchester Arena bomb attack in which 22 people were killed at an Ariana Grande concert.
It was a move that many on social media denounced as "disgusting", but one that Eminem has now defended as being "designed to shock".
Watch as Eminem talks about his daughter, Hailie, in an unearthed interview:In the track, entitled Unaccommodating, the 47-year-old raps: "But I'm contemplating yelling 'Bombs away' on the game/Like I'm outside of an Ariana Grande concert waiting."
Now, Eminem has posted a blood-splattered letter to Instagram, where he explains his thought process behind the controversial new LP.
The post reads:
"Dear Gentle Listener: in today's wonderful world murder has become so commonplace that we are a society obsessed and fascinated by it.
"I thought why not make a sport of it, and murder over beats. So before you jump the gun, please allow me to explain. This album was not made for the squeamish. If you are easily offended or unnerved at the screams of bloody murder, this may not be the collection for you. Certain selections have been designed to shock the conscience, which may cause positive action. Unfortunately, darkness has truly fallen upon us.
"So you see, murder in this instance isn't always literal, nor pleasant. These bars are only meant for the sharpest knives in the drawer. For the victims of this album, may you rest peacefully. For the rest of you, please listen more closely next time. Goodnight!
"With deepest sympathy, Eminem."
In the track Unaccommodating, Eminem also touches on his highly publicised, ongoing feud with fellow musician, Machine Gun Kelly. "When they ask me is the war finished with MGK? Of course it is / I cleansed him of his mortal sins / I'm God, I'm the Lord, forgives even the devil worshippers," he raps.
