Legendary rapper Eminem mourns the loss of Slim Shady: Obituary reveals tragic demise

The Real Slim Shady can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, because he’s dead — at least, according to the Detroit Free Press. The newspaper recently published an obituary for Eminem’s infamous alter ego, Slim Shady, declaring:

" His complex and tortured existence has come to a close, and the legacy he leaves behind is no closer to resolution than the manner in which this character departed this world."

The obituary coincides with Eminem’s announcement of his forthcoming 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), set for release this summer. The rapper teased the album on social media, featuring a crime reporter sharing the news. Slim Shady, who burst onto the scene with 1997’s Slim Shady EP and resurfaced on 1999’s The Slim Shady LP, often rapped about media controversies and fellow celebrities.

"A product of Detroit who began his career there as a rogue splinter in the flourishing underground rap scene of the mid to late 1990s, Shady first became a household name in 1999 with the debut of his playfully deranged single ‘My Name Is,’ which — along with its uniquely eye-catching video — exposed the young artist and his lyrics to a wider audience,” the obituary reads. Ultimately, the very things that seemed to be the tools he used became calling cards that defined an existence that could only come to a sudden and horrific end."

"The Detroit Free Press continues, May he truly find the peace in an afterlife that he could not find on Earth."

In treating Slim Shady as though he was his own individual person — and not a twisted offshoot of Eminem’s own mind — the elaborate theatrics surrounding The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) are reaching for a Mandela effect-level of remembrance for the alter ego. In an initial news report teaser, rapper 50 Cent made a cameo, remembering Slim Shady less than fondly:

" He’s not a friend, he’s a psychopath. The reporter added, “The same rude lyrics and controversial antics may have ultimately led to his demise. Join me as we [re-create] the events that led to the murder of Slim Shady.” Eminem himself saw it coming, telling the reporter, “I knew it was only a matter of time for Slim."

Ahead of the album’s release, the Detroit Free Press’s obituary has declared Slim Shady dead, leaving fans to reflect on the legacy of this enigmatic character. Whether it’s a true farewell or merely another twist in the ongoing saga, one thing is certain: Slim Shady will never be forgotten.