In 2000 (or Two triple Zero), I went to the Up in Smoke Tour when it came to college town of Columbus, Ohio. It was a veritable who's who of rap (mostly West Coast gangsta in nature):  D12, a reunited NWA (Ren, Cube, and Dre), Snoop Dizzle, Xzibit, Nate Dogg (RIP), Westside Connection, etc.  And one young Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem. The Marshall Mathers LP had just come out. In those days he was more known for rap battle skills (on display at the end of 8 Mile).  But in the years since, Eminem has honed an amazing live skill.  The Jubebox honors a living legend--a man who with his most recent album has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest of all time. And easily the best live rapper around now.

A blanket warning of bleeps, curses, naughtiness, and invectives to come.

First up, his famous pairing with Elton John--which occurred as Elton John defended Eminem from charges of homophobia in his early albums.  They perform Stan.

       

Next up: Eminem was recently on the Jimmy Fallon show, backed up awesomely by the Roots.  This is killa s#@!.

Third, the real Slim Shady's entrance at the MTV Awards from years back--a signal of his flare for the dramatic. (RIP Proof)

At the Grammys in 2010, there was this--the speed and clarity of his delivery is almost unhuman (with Drake and Lil' Wayne).

Encore: Jigga Man and Eminem drop this slickness

If you've never seen Em freestyle, check this (and also this):