Eminem, who is gearing up for the theatrical
release of his debut movie, "8 Mile," turns 30 tomorrow (October
17). Em, who stars opposite Kim Basinger in the new movie, recently popped up
at Michigan State University following a screening of the movie.
As the credits were rolling playing the last
song, "Lose Yourself," the screen rose and Eminem and D-12 performed
the song live for the amazed 1700 theater patrons. Eminem went on to perform
a 45 minute set for the enthusiastic crowd.
"8 Mile," which has been very well
received by critics, hits theaters in North America November 8. The movie has
even impressed Samuel L. Jackson, who vowed he would never act with a rapper.
Jackson said he was impressed by what he saw, but added "When he decides
to do his next movie, if they want him to be a cop, a college student or college
professor, a lawyer or whatever, then we’ll decide whether he’s an actor or
not."
The soundtrack to the movie, which hits record
stores October 29, features a who’s who of rap artists, including 50 Cent, Nas,
Jay-Z, Rakim, Xzibit, Young Zee and Obie Trice.
"The ‘8 Mile’ soundtrack was different because
it forced me to step into Rabbit, the character I play in the film, and write
from his point of view," Eminem said in a statement released to AllHipHop.com.
"It was a challenge. Also, the project afforded
me the opportunity to not only make an album with a wish list of some of my
favorite artists, but to showcase what we have coming on Shady Records."
