Eminem, the iconic rapper known for his complex lyricism and intense emotions, has always been open about his personal struggles. One of the most misunderstood chapters of his career revolves around his 2009 album, Relapse. Many fans have speculated that the artist harbors negative feelings toward the album, given its raw and dark content, especially since it was created during a time when Eminem was battling addiction and working through his recovery. However, in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Eminem set the record straight, revealing that he doesn’t hate Relapse despite its criticisms.

While the rapper acknowledges that Relapse might not be his finest work, he recognizes its significance in his journey. “I don’t hate the record,” Eminem explained. “I want to rap and be able to always try to do my best lyrically, but at the same time find the right balance between that and making the right songs.” This insight into his mindset during the creation of the album shows a balance of artistic self-awareness and personal growth.

At the time of recording Relapse, Eminem was focused on getting sober and reestablishing stability in his life. Sobriety was a major priority for him, and he credits it with helping him organize his thoughts and regain clarity. “Getting sober was quite a ride because I could finally get my thoughts in order and figure things out,” Eminem shared. For the artist, it wasn’t about perfection; it was about progress. “I don’t know if that record was particularly my best work as far as songs,” he admitted. “Writing songs that felt like something, that brought some kind of emotion.”

Despite his self-reflection, Eminem is not blind to the fact that there were standout moments on Relapse. Some songs from the album, such as “My Mom” and “Must Be The Ganja,” resonated with him, and he credits their creation to the early stages of his recovery. “Some of the songs were cool,” he said, referring to these tracks. Eminem was still working through his recovery when he wrote them, but by the time the album was near completion, he had gained enough clarity to evaluate his music with a critical eye.

Relapse remains a polarizing album among fans, but for Eminem, it’s an essential part of his artistic evolution. Far from being a period he wishes to forget, it marks an important chapter of his life and career. While he may not view it as his best, Relapse is a testament to his resilience, his struggle with addiction, and his eventual recovery. For Eminem, it was about finding his balance and regaining his place in the music world — and that’s a journey worth celebrating.