February 21, 2001 – Former Grammy award winners were recently asked their views on Eminem. Here are a few responses.

Madonna, who said she found George W. Bush's words more offensive than Eminem's, wrote, "What is the big deal about Eminem? Since when is offensive language a reason for being unpopular? I like the fact that Eminem is brash and angry and politically incorrect. At least he has an opinion. He's stirring things up. He's provoking a discussion. He's making people's blood boil. He's reflecting what's going on in society right now. That is what art is supposed to do."

Elton John said, "As a gay artist, I'm asked by a lot of people, 'But what about the content of Eminem's music?' I think there is far more humor on the album than people think. It appeals to my English black sense of humor. We live in an age of political correctness where you can't say this or that. I honestly don't think people will go out and start beating and killing people because of this album."

Stevie Wonder, who remembers when R&B was controversial, wrote, "Rap to me is a modern blues -- a statement of how and where people are at. I think art is a reflection of our society, and people don't like to confront the realities in society. We dance forever around the issues, and [embrace] songs about unity and love. But until we really confront the truth, we are going to have a Tupac or Eminem or Biggie Smalls to remind us about it -- and thank God. They force people to look at realities in society. That doesn't mean their reflection is my reflection."

And Randy Newman: "I don't know from his work that he genuinely hates women or genuinely hates his mother, but I know that he's funny. I can't imagine people sit around the studio going, 'You really made a serious statement about women, Em.' He's the best comic sort of writer or storyteller that has come around in memory."

More Eminem:

• February 2001 - Interview with Eminem
• February 19, 2001 - Teens on Eminem
• February 17, 2001 - Pat Boone on Eminem
• January 31, 2001 - Eminem's Violent Hate Lyrics Energize Diverse Opposition; GLAAD to Rally at Grammys
• January 3, 2001 - GLAAD, Eminem and the Grammy Nominations
• August 23, 2000 - Eminem's Wife Sues Him for $10 Million
• August 23, 2000 - Eminem Wins Two Awards at Source Hip-Hop Awards
• August 17, 2000 - Eminem Files for Divorce
• June 29, 2000 - Eminem Speaks Out
• April 17, 2000 - Eminem, Kid Rock, Stevie Wonder, and CeCe Winans Among the Winners at the 2000 Detroit Music Awards
• April 14, 2000 - Eminem and Dr. Dre Take Three Awards Each at the Annual Online Hip-Hop Awards in New York City