“The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace),” Eminem’s 12th studio album and first of all-new material in four years, is set to come out July 12. (Photo courtesy of Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records)
“The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace),” Eminem’s 12th studio album and first of all-new material in four years, is set to come out July 12.

(Photo courtesy of Shady/Aftermath/InterscopeRecords)

Slim Shady may be on the verge of leaving the mortal coil, but Eminem is very much alive and well.

It’s been a busy 12 months for the iconic Detroit rapper (aka Marshall Mathers III), starting with guest appearances last summer with Ed Sheeran at Ford Field and 50 Cent at Pine Knob Music Theatre. He was a presence back at Ford Field for the Detroit Lions run this season, appeared at the NFL Draft in April and at the Michigan Central opening concert last month.

All of that leads up to the Friday, July 12, release of “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace),” Eminem’s 12th studio album and first of all-new material in four years. As the title indicates, he’s “killing” off the character he created 25 years ago with “The Slim Shady LP,” a five-times platinum set that began his run of more than 220 million records sold worldwide, 15 Grammy Awards, 25 Guinness world records and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Eminem’s teased the album with singles and videos for “Houdini” and “Tobey,” the former sampling Steve Miller’s “Abracadabra” and the latter featuring Big Sean and BabyTron. More surprises and collaborations await fans upon the album’s release, though longtime collaborators Dr. Dre, Jeff Bass and Luis Resto are known to be involved in the project.

Slim Shady’s demise may prove to be exaggerated once we get the full album, but he’s certainly in his creator’s violent crosshairs.
Eminem performed at the Michigan Central opening concert in June. (Photo courtesy of Mike Ferdinande)Eminem performed at the Michigan Central opening concert in June. (Photo courtesy of Mike Ferdinande)