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Chart-topping rapper Eminem has defended his use of homophobic lyrics, and the use of the word 'faggot' in particular, claiming he has no problems with gay people.
Eminem's career has been packed full of huge hit singles - and massively controversial incidents, mostly surrounding the offensive language he uses in his tracks. Now, on the eve of the release of his long-awaited new album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, the rapper claims it all stems from his time engaged in rap battles with fellow performers.
"I don't know how to say this without saying it how I've said it a million times. But that word, those kind of words, when I came up battle-rappin' or whatever, I never really equated those words..." he says in a new interview with Rolling Stone magazine, in which he is asked directly about his use of the word 'faggot'.
"It was more like calling someone a bitch or a punk or asshole. So that word was just thrown around so freely back then. It goes back to that battle, back and forth in my head, of wanting to feel free to say what I want to say, and then [worrying about] what may or may not affect people.
Recent homophobic accusations came after the release of Eminem's new track 'Rap God'. Listen to the song below.
"And, not saying it's wrong or it's right, but at this point in my career - man, I say so much shit that's tongue-in-cheek. I poke fun at other people, myself. But the real me sitting here right now talking to you has no issues with gay, straight, transgender, at all."
Below: Eminem's new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 - what the critics say
