In 2000, Eminem found himself smack in the middle of a national political battle. His album The Marshall Mathers LP drew fierce criticism for its violent, misogynistic, and homophobic lyrics—so much so that U.S. Senator Lynne Cheney cited it during a Senate hearing. She referred to Eminem’s words about murdering and raping his own mother, and even linked his work to broader cultural violence.
It wasn’t just talk. Canada considered banning him outright. Meanwhile, fans saw it as proof of Eminem’s power to spark debate—and outrage—with nothing but words and beats.
One track that fueled the fire? “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.” In it, Eminem brutalizes the trauma of his youth, accusing his mother of neglect and drug abuse. Reddit fans still talk about it:
> “Cleanin’ Out My Closet was Eminem venting about his childhood trauma … he went back and annihilated her lyrically and visually for the whole world to see.”
> — meteorness123, r/Eminem
To this day, “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” remains one of his most emotionally raw and controversial songs.
The Senate showdown made Eminem more than just a rapper—it made him a symbol of cultural conflict. Fans defended him, labeling the hearing as censorship masked as concern. And through it all, Eminem leaned into the spotlight, relentless with his provocative storytelling.