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Eminem's Bum Rap

DW staff (nda)April 7, 2004

U.S. rapper Eminem made an appearance on German television on Tuesday and gave millions of viewers the chance to see a whole new side of him as he laid himself bare. He even attempted some rud(e)imentary German.

https://p.dw.com/p/4szT
His more acceptable sideImage: dpa

It was asking for trouble: Take one American rapper with a penchant for scandal and offensive language and add one German television show which actively encourages such behavior as a form of entertainment. The result? German viewers being treated to the sight of U.S. star Eminem dropping his trousers and cursing, much to the delight of TV Total presenter Stefan Raab.

It all started so innocently, well, as innocently as it could possibly be when it comes to an appearance from the controversial rapper as his crew D12. After performing their latest single on the ProSieben entertainment show, Eminem turned his back to the cameras and nonchalantly dropped his baggy jeans, exposing his behind to an audience of millions. Sensing the chance to grab a slice of scandal for itself, TV Total producers lingered on the rapper's backside for a good few seconds before it was safely encased once more in denim.

Not content with one example of Mr. Mathers' mooning skills, presenter Raab then asked young Marshall back to repeat the feat. Happy to oblige, Eminem returned once more and repeated the airing of his nether regions for the German public. This time however, obviously aware that a bit of a flash is nowhere near his usual standard of shocking behavior, the rapper accompanied his second performance with a tirade of abuse in the German tongue.

Reveling in the freedom that German television had afforded him in comparison to the restraint of TV in his home country, the American star later commented, "We love your country!"