Eminem’s new album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),” released on Friday, is already stirring up controversy with its provocative lyrics. Among the various topics and celebrity references, one song, in particular, has caught significant attention. The track “Fuel,” the ninth song on the album, includes a reference to the tragic “Rust” shooting incident involving Alec Baldwin and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
In “Fuel,” Eminem raps, “Fuck around and get popped like Halyna Hutchins / Like I’m Alec Baldwin, what I mean is buckin’ you down, coup de grâce then.” This line alludes to the unfortunate event on the set of the film “Rust,” where Baldwin accidentally shot Hutchins with a prop gun that contained live ammunition. The incident also injured director Joel Souza, who survived his wounds. Hutchins, who was 42 at the time of her death, left behind her husband Matthew and their son Andros, as well as her family in Ukraine.
The release of Eminem’s album coincides with the third day of Baldwin’s manslaughter trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. His attorney, Alex Spiro, argued during the opening statements that Baldwin had no knowledge that the gun was loaded with a live bullet. Spiro emphasized, “On a movie set, you’re allowed to pull the trigger. Even if he intentionally pulled the trigger… that doesn’t make him guilty of homicide.”
Spiro further elaborated, “He did not know, or have any reason to know, that the gun was loaded with a live bullet. That’s the key. That live bullet is the key. That is the lethal element.”
Eminem’s album, his twelfth studio record, is described as a “conceptual album.” The rapper warned fans that listening to the songs out of order might lead to confusion. The album also features references to other celebrities, including Tobey Maguire, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The “Rust” shooting incident has been a significant topic in the media since it occurred on October 21, 2021. Baldwin, who was holding the prop gun during a rehearsal, has consistently maintained that he did not pull the trigger. The armorer on the set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March and is serving an 18-month prison sentence for her role in the shooting.
Prosecutors in Baldwin’s trial have accused the actor of “reckless” behavior on set. However, Baldwin’s defense team has argued that the incident was an “unspeakable tragedy” and that Baldwin committed no crime. The trial is set to resume on Monday, with Baldwin facing up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
Eminem’s reference to the “Rust” shooting in his song “Fuel” has sparked a range of reactions. Some fans appreciate the rapper’s boldness in addressing current events, while others find the reference to be in poor taste given the tragic nature of the incident. Eminem is known for his controversial lyrics and has a history of referencing pop culture events in his music. Over the years, he has targeted various celebrities, including Paul “Pee-Wee” Herman, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Vanilla Ice, and Christina Aguilera.
In addition to the “Rust” shooting, Eminem’s new album also includes references to other high-profile figures. He mentions Sean “Diddy” Combs, who has been accused of sexual assault in multiple lawsuits, which Combs has denied. The album also takes aim at conservative commentator Candace Owens, with Eminem rapping, “I ain’t gon’ throw the fact b—- forgot she was Black back at her, laugh at her like them crackers she’s backin’ after her back is turned.” Owens responded to the lyrics, stating, “I was honored when Dave Chapelle made fun of me, because Chapelle is in his prime. Grandpa Shady is just depressing to me. Eminem should retire or evolve.”
Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, has had a prolific career since his debut in 1996. He has released 12 studio albums and won 15 Grammy Awards. Despite the controversy surrounding his latest album, Eminem continues to be a significant figure in the music industry, known for his sharp lyrics and willingness to tackle sensitive topics.
As Baldwin’s trial continues and the public grapples with the implications of the “Rust” shooting, Eminem’s “Fuel” serves as a stark reminder of the incident’s impact on both the entertainment industry and the lives of those involved. Whether the song will have any influence on public opinion or the outcome of the trial remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly added another layer of complexity to an already high-profile case.
Source: Variety, People, Entertainment Weekly
