When AI Gets Slim Shady Totally Wrong: A Hilarious Misfire

Marshall “Eminem” Mathers has never been one to shy away from pushing boundaries, whether through his raw lyrics or his provocative personas. However, his latest stunt, aimed at heralding his comeback, has left fans and critics scratching their heads. In a bizarre twist, Eminem has used AI-generated imagery to resurrect his infamous Slim Shady persona from the early 2000s for a staged interview-cum-intervention with his current self. If you’re hoping for a seamless trip down memory lane, brace yourself—because this video, as Triumph the Insult Comic Dog might say, looks like absolute dogshit.

In a blue velvet-curtained room that could be a nod to David Lynch’s eccentric style, we find the current-day Eminem, complete with a brown beard, sitting next to an empty chair. Just a few seconds in, this chair is filled with a hologram of his de-aged former self, Slim Shady. “Guess who’s back,” the AI-generated Shady quips, attempting to channel the mocking tone that made the 2002 hit “Without Me” unforgettable. The effect, however, falls short of its mark, more akin to a low-budget sci-fi flick than a polished piece of digital artistry.

The video is part of a cover story package surrounding Eminem’s new album, aptly titled “The Death of Slim Shady.” As the conversation unfolds, the de-aged Slim Shady launches into a tirade filled with heavy-handed critiques and a needless transphobic joke, aiming to eviscerate his older counterpart. “You’re not fuckin’ Taylor Swift,” the AI Shady chides. “You had one era that mattered: mine.” This exchange, meant to highlight Eminem’s infamous inner turmoil and the evolution of his multiple personas, falls flat, overshadowed by the glaringly poor quality of the AI effects.

The uncanny nature of the interaction is not lost on viewers. Many noted that the interaction between the avatar and the present-day Eminem felt like a pissing contest, made even more awkward by the low-quality de-aging job. This technological misstep wasn’t lost in Translation, but rather highlighted in YouTube comments, where one user perfectly encapsulated the absurdity of the stunt: “Bro got so bored, he started beefing [with] his alter ego.” If that doesn’t describe the current state of Eminem’s comeback, it’s hard to say what does.

The AI effects were handled by Metaphysic AI, the same firm responsible for the upcoming film “Here,” which digitally de-ages Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in similarly disconcerting fashion. While some applauded the attempt, arguing it showcased Eminem’s willingness to innovate, others couldn’t get past the shoddy execution. It’s a stark reminder that not all technological advancements translate seamlessly to art, particularly when dealing with the deeply personal and psychologically complex nature of Marshall Mathers’ multiple personas.

Whether this AI spectacle will help or hinder Eminem’s comeback remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Marshall Mathers is still willing to stir the pot, even if it means having a face-off with a poorly rendered version of his younger self. In the end, Eminem’s latest venture is a curious blend of audacity and awkwardness, much like the man himself.