A transformation so startling that music critics from New York to London are still blinking their eyes. They’re wondering how it could be true. Bad boy rapper Eminem has been anointed a poet. And he’s not just any poet, but quite possibly, ‘the poet of his generation.’

THAT SWEEPING PRAISE isn’t the work of some cunning spin-doctor. It is the judgment of one of the world’s most renowned poets. Nobel Prize winner Seamus Haney asked if there were any contemporary artists capable of inspiring a new interest in poetry.
Mr. Seamus Haney said there’s a guy Eminem. He’s created a sense of what is possible. He has sent a voltage around a generation. He has done this not just through his subversive attitude, but also his verbal energy.
Those comments have stunned critics, the world over. Including Mr. Haney’s own son, a Dublin based music journalist who insists that his Nobel Prize winning dad is not trying to be trendy. “Rolling Stone” contributing editor, Toure talked about this with Alex Witt on ‘Countdown’ Wednesday.

ALEX WITT: How do you think Mr. Haney’s comments are going to affect Eminem’s reputation?
TOURE: Not a bit. The thing is that Eminem is one of the most famous recording artists in the world. And, unfortunately, Seamus Haney is unknown to most Americans, outside of universities and colleges.

WITT: Do you think it might though bring him some legitimacy from his critics?
TOURE: It’s so hard to say that Seamus Haney is going to be able to give legitimacy to Eminem because Seamus Haney is so unknown. And that’s totally wrong and he should be more famous. But he’s not. Most American have never heard of him. So I mean to have a Nobelist give Eminem props is wonderful. And I’m happy to see it. It’s so righteous and just.
Eminem is one of the most interesting and complex rhythmic lyrical technicians. And it’s amazing to hear him work, and see the way his mind works. You know, a modern Lenny Bruce, a modern Richard Pryor, and the way he is messing with the audience.
He’s a poet in terms of the way he uses words.
But is Seamus’ blurb going to change his career? I don’t know. Ten million people have bought Eminem albums last year. Do you think that it’s will make a difference?

WITT: Would you describe yourself as a fan?
TOURE: I’m a music journalist. So I mean, I’m not a fan in the same sense that another person might be. But, I am extraordinarily excited about Eminem’s music because of the skill and the brilliance and just the amount of energy-mental energy that he puts into it every time.

WITT: But Eminem — he’s certainly been criticized for writing these songs that bash women and homosexuals like with lines that say I’ll stab you in the head whether you’re a fag or less. I mean is this kind of praise validate that kind of violence?
TOURE: I don’t think that Seamus Haney or anyone would want to validate misogamy and homophobia. And those of us who are following Eminem’s career certainly would hope that he would leave those things aside, but what you see in Eminem is the new Madonna. The person who realized that if I create an out-group, a group of people who hate me and want to ban me, then the group of people who love me will be that much more fervent and intense with their love. And that much more loyal.
And for a recording artist, that sort of loyal band is he so critical. Few people have played with that sort of hate love thing like Madonna did in the beginning of her career.

Look man if there is any rap "poet" he we would be Canibus. Did you ever hear Poet Laureatte 2. Shit man, Canibus has better and more complex lyrics then any rapper except maybe Jedi Mind Tricks.

what is this an Eminem/Obie advertisment??

I was never really into poetry anyway..

This is pathetic. Eminem is no poet, and he's no musician, either.

Stop the world. I'm ready to get off.

He's definitely not representing many people here in Australia, Downsyde would be our poets (they're the closest comparison).

What is poetry? it's a way for you to express yourself, no? Granted Eminem doesn't do that in every song of his, but in songs like "I Am" and even "Cleaning out my closet", he does. He uses his music to express, release, and vent about things going on in his life....it's a free country that's his right and his choice. I wouldn't go as far as saying he is the greatest poet of our generation, however, he has talent, so stop dissing, i'd like to see one of you write like that.

They're not really even a comparison. Downsyde have good lyrics, especially compared to Eminem's crap he spits out.

Ha, too true!

What I meant though is that Downsyde probably best represent the young Australian people, in rap anyway, better then anyone else, with songs like Kingswood country etc

Hmmmmmmmmmm......
I can see your point, you don't have to like him, but I've seen you around Rev, I know you DONT like rap music so why would you be an authority as to what makes a good "poet" or MC? I personally don't own any Beatles, (I know you love these guys) and I could say alot of their $hit is weak, but instead I sit back and respect them for re-inventing melody. They were good at what they did, so can't you just say that even though you don't like Eminem, that he's at least good at what he does? If not, who's better? What do you know about hip-hop, or as you'd say, rap music? Pathetic? Hardly.....
Yeah, believe it or not, it's not like the old days. Hip-hop music IS POETRY for millions and millions of kids that are growing up on hip-hop. "Rap" music has outsold all other forms of music for the last 15 years combined. It's is a legitimate form of music that isn't respected by older white guys, but it takes talent to do it well. Especially for a white guy. You don't have to like him, but you can't deny his skills.....