Elton John Helps Eminem Kick Drug Habit
Ever since their historical performance at the 2001 Grammy awards, rapper Eminem and singer Elton John have remained close friends. In fact, the Detroit native sought Elton's guidance to help him through a drug addiction.
"I talk to Elton [John] a lot. We became friends, and I talk to him about things, career-wise," Em said in a recent interview. "He had a substance abuse problem in the past. So when I first wanted to get sober, I called him and spoke to him about it, because he's somebody who's in the business and can identify and relate to the lifestyle and how hectic things can be. He understands the pressure and any other reasons that you [want to] come up with for doing drugs."
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Em went on to say that both he and John have lived similar lives despite being brought up in two different countries. "I reached out to him and told him, 'Look, I'm going through a problem and I need your advice." Em and John's performance made headlines eight years ago, after gay rights organizations bashed the rapper for homophobic and controversial lyrics. Em not only performed with John, who is openly gay, but the two joined hands as the performance commenced. He later chronicled the experience in his book 'The Way I Am' stating that he was not homophobic and believes that "what people do in their bedrooms is their own business."
During his hiatus Em coped with the murder of his childhood friend, rapper Proof and eventually let his drug addiction spiral out of control. After overdosing on unidentified pills given to him by an acquaintance, the 36-year-old checked himself into rehab for the second time and has been on the road to sobriety ever since.
Now planted firmly back in the public eye, Em is readying the release of his 'Relapse' album, which includes the re-emergence of his diabolical alter-ego, Slim Shady.
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