Returning rap megastar Eminem has secured a transatlantic number one after sweeping to the top of Billboard charts with new album ‘Relapse’.
After years of standing apart from one another, British and American audiences seem to be coming closer together. It is no longer unusual to watch a group score a massive hit in both regions, with British bands in particular benefiting from this new found familiarity with a series of huge success stories.
Eminem hardly needs introducing. One of the decades biggest stars, the rapper has not released any new material since 2004’s ‘Encore’. Since then, the hip hop icon has battled depression, at one point entering rehab to quit a drug addiction.
The death of close friend Proof hit him hard, with the rapper retreating to write his autobiography ‘The Way I Am’. Eminem returned to the studio last year, though, and sessions with Dr Dre proved to be so successful the rapper may well release another album before the year is out.
‘Relapse’ is one of the year’s most talked about records. Lead singer ‘We Made You’ took aim at celebrity culture, with Eminem mocking the likes of Jessica Simpson and Amy Winehouse. Backed by a typically hilarious video, the single was a massive success flying into the Top Ten on both sides of the Atlantic.
Parent album ‘Relapse’ was a massive success on its release last week. The album flew into the British charts at number one, displacing returning punk megastars Green Day. One of the year’s biggest sellers so far, the album has been greeted with warm acclaim by critics and fans.
Over in the United States, the reaction has been just as euphoric. ‘Relapse’ sold 608,000 copies in its first week, becoming Eminem’s fifth album to debut at the top of the charts.
Green Day suffered again at the hands of the rap icon, with their album ’21st Century Breakdown’ slipping down to number two. However the punks can take solace from their astonishing sales figures, with the album shipping a hefty 166,000 copies in just the second week it has been available.
Green Day are set to return to the UK soon for a full scale tour. The band are warming up for the arena shows with a number of secret gigs across America. In a recent interview the group revealed they are planning for play epic shows in Britain, with singer Billie Joe Armstrong stating that he wanted to outdo Bruce Springsteen – famed for his lengthy performances.
Eminem’s new album ‘Relapse’ is available now.
