Fifteen-time Grammy Award-winning rapper Eminem released a new surprise album Thursday night, “Music to Be Murdered By”. The release complements his 11th studio album with 16 new songs, including a tilted track “Zeus,” in which the rapper apologizes to Rihanna for his controversial lyrics about Chris Brown that leaked in 2019.
The new lyrics read, “But I, as long as I promise to be honest / And apologize wholeheartedly, Rihanna,” he raps. “For that song that got out, I’m sorry, Ri / It wasn’t meant to cause you grief. Anyway, it was wrong of me.”
In 2019, a previously unreleased Eminem verse leaked, in which the Detroit rapper said, “Of course I choose Chris Brown / I would beat ab **** too.” Eminem was referring to the crime that Chris Brown pleaded guilty to after the altercation between then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. Brown was sentenced to five years probation and community service.
Eminem’s words stood out to fans as Rihanna and Eminem have collaborated on many projects over the years, reaching the # 1 spot on the Billboard singles chart in 2010 for their song “Love the Way You Lie”. The two were also tour mates after completing their Monster tour in 2014.
Eminem addresses several other issues in his album, ranging from the coronavirus pandemic to the Black Lives Matter movement. The lyricist also cites former NFL star quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick, as well as convicted sex offenders Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby and accused sex offender R. Kelly.