Eminem dropped a major surprise for fans in his latest music video, and it’s not just about new music. In July, the rap icon released his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), and in early October, he followed up with a new music video for the song “Temporary,” featuring longtime collaborator Skylar Grey. The song, a touching tribute to his daughter Hailie, is filled with nostalgic audio and video clips showing her growing up.
But it’s the final moments of the video that truly caught fans off guard—and might make you feel a little old.
Near the end of the video, a poignant clip shows Hailie sitting next to her father on the steps of a back porch. She hands him a customized Detroit Lions jersey, and as the camera zooms in, the jersey is revealed to say “GRANDPA” on the back.
That’s right—Eminem, the rapper who once dominated the charts as the controversial Slim Shady, is about to become a grandfather.
The revelation sent shockwaves through fans, marking a new chapter in the life of the 50-year-old artist who, for many, still feels like the young, rebellious figure who burst onto the scene in the late ’90s. The contrast is striking: Eminem, who once rapped about burning down houses with a can of gasoline in hand, is now embracing his role as a grandfather.
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This unexpected announcement coincides with another piece of news that feels like a sign of changing times—Dr. Dre, Eminem’s longtime mentor, is reportedly preparing for the 2028 Olympics. For fans of the duo who grew up with the gritty, rebellious tone of The Slim Shady LP, it’s a surreal shift to see these two cultural icons stepping into new phases of their lives.
The rebellious Slim Shady persona, once known for stirring controversy, seems a distant memory, replaced by a more reflective, grounded Marshall Mathers.
Yet, amidst this heartfelt moment, there’s an amusing cultural nod: the Detroit Lions. Once a struggling team, the Lions are now good enough to be part of celebratory announcements.
In 1999, when The Slim Shady LP debuted, the Lions had just finished a dismal 5-11 season and hadn’t won a playoff game since 1991. Back then, customizable jerseys were hardly a popular item, and the thought of Eminem using one to announce his grandfather status might have seemed as improbable as the Lions making a playoff run. But here we are—times have changed.
What makes the moment even more touching is that Eminem has always been vocal about his deep love for Hailie. Over the years, she has been a central theme in his music, from his early hits like “Hailie’s Song” to the more recent “Temporary,” where he reflects on their evolving relationship. Now, with Hailie presenting him with a “GRANDPA” jersey, it feels like a full-circle moment for the rapper and his fans alike.
As Eminem steps into this new chapter of life, it’s a reminder of how much time has passed since his Slim Shady days—and how much he’s grown. Though the rebellious energy of his early career remains iconic, Eminem’s evolution into fatherhood, and now grandparenthood, shows a softer side of the man behind the persona.
While it’s unlikely we’ll see him and Dr. Dre back in their The Slim Shady LP roles anytime soon, it’s clear that both have continued to shape their legacies in ways no one could have predicted. And for Eminem, that legacy now includes the title of “Grandpa.”
