Whatever You Say I Am

The Life and Times of Eminem

By: Anthony Bozza

Narrated by: Josh Hamilton

does eminem matter?

On assignment for his first cover story for Rolling Stone, the very first national cover story on Eminem, Anthony Bozza met a young blond kid, a rapper who would soon take the country by storm. But back in 1999, Eminem was just beginning to make waves among suburban white teenagers as his first single, “My Name Is,” went into heavy rotation on MTV.

Who could have predicted that in a mere two years, Eminem would become the most reviled and controversial hip-hop figure ever? Or that twelve months after that, Eminem would sit firmly at the pinnacle of American celebrity, a Grammy winner many times over and the recipient of an Oscar.

did eminem change or did america finally figure him out?

Whatever You Say I Am attempts to answer this question and many more. Since their first meeting, Bozza has been given a level of access to Eminem that no other journalist has enjoyed. In Whatever You Say I Am, original, never-before-published text from Bozza’s interviews with Eminem are combined with the insight of numerous hip-hop figures, music critics, journalists, and members of the Eminem camp to look behind the mask of this enigmatic celebrity. With an eye toward Eminem’s place in American popular culture, Bozza creates a thoughtful portrait of one of the most successful artists of our time. This is so much more than a biography of a thoroughly well-documented life. It is a close-up look at a conflicted figure who has somehow spoken to the heart of America.©2003 Anthony Bozza; (P)2003 Random House, Inc., Random House Audio, A Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“While most scribes, with eyes closed, have long been pushing pens in hot pursuit of international rap phenom Eminem, Anthony Bozza has wisely devoted his time to exploring the trials and tribulations of Detroit native Marshall Mathers III. And he who understands Mathers understands the fabric of American society—beautiful stitches, stains, rips, and all.”—Sacha Jenkins, former Vibe magazine music editor, writer at large for Spin magazine, and coauthor of Ego Trip’s Big Book of Racism! and Ego Trip’s Book of Rap Lists

“Anthony Bozza was granted an access to Eminem that no journalist is likely to see again soon—and so Whatever You Say I Am offers the most intimate glimpses yet of the most towering, complicated figure of our culture.”
—Alan Light, former editor in chief of Vibe and Spin magazines, and editor of The Vibe History of Hip-Hop.

Good Book

Wish Eminem would write his own book to be honest, but not a back listen if you are interested in Eminem.

Hip hop achieved and then some

Despite buts and what if’s Eminem has achieved great things There’s more to learn however covers a lot of ups/downs leading to appreciating and understanding the man and performing he does

Meh

i expected more, but the book fell short in my opinion. Don't waste your money

Must Read for Em fans

I love Eminem so this was so fascinating. Eminem in the modern era is so private, but when this book was written, the author actually got to hang with him multiple times in varied locations and interview him. It's majorly interesting.

Very well done Mr. Bozza :)

Eminem is my go-to-artist to get focused, productive, hyped up, etc., his lyrics & perspective motivate me to go faster, better, harder - smarter. FACK & Criminal: hands down best songs in this universe!

Although he’s my favorite artist, I didn’t anticipate enjoying this book. I don’t need a peak behind the curtain of Eminem’s personal life, I love his art - period. I wouldn’t seek out the personal life of the guy who designed my favorite city park or museum… it’s fucking art… they’re artists… like WTF, I’ve never understood the need.

My assumptions were incorrect. Bozza’s viewpoint is one from a deep respect for Eminem; he makes you ‘feel’ the trenches endured, the unwavering artist GRIT, and the integrity of pure devotion driven by love & loyalty to family.

Well done Mr. Bozza! Your book provided…no, it affirmed the beauty & joy that I feel with Em’s lyrics & music. Xoxo