Retro Video of the Week: "My Name Is" by Eminem

Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Eminem's major-label debut album, The Slim Shady LP.  For most of us humans, it was our introduction to Eminem and his alter ego, Slim Shady.  He was an intriguing figure, mixing dark humor, social commentary, and your classic misogyny into his lyrics.  The album was co-produced by Dr. Dre, who also co-wrote the three singles that were released from the album:  "My Name Is," "Guilty Conscience" (which also featured Dre), and "Role Model."

The album peaked at #2 on the Billboard album chart and #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop album chart, as well as reaching the Top 10 on the album charts in Canada and the UK.  It was certified platinum in the U.S. six weeks after it was released, and it has since gone 5x platinum in the U.S.  Furthermore, it won the Grammy for Best Rap Album and it has landed on various "greatest albums" lists over the years.

"My Name Is" was the first single released from the album.  It's a half-autobiographical and half-weird pop culture references, both funny and self-deprecating.  The song became Eminem's first Top 40 hit in the U.S., going to #36 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was also a big hit abroad, hitting the Top 10 on six international pop charts.  It also earned a Grammy (for Best Rap Solo Performance), and like the album, it has found its way onto various "best songs" list.  Q Magazine even put it as the #6 song of all-time, which is probably a bit of a stretch.

The video was an instant classic, with Eminem playing various characters, including a teacher, Bill Clinton, Marilyn Manson, and Johnny Carson.  There is a cameo by Dr. Dre as, well, a doctor, but the best cameo is from 7' 7" NBA center Gheorghe Mureșan as a ventriloquist.  I'll note that the video on You Tube has some altered lyrics to make the song more advertiser-friendly.