Cleanin' Out My Closet

"Cleanin' Out My Closet" is a song by American rapper Eminem from his album The Eminem Show (2002). "Cleanin' Out My Closet" was the second single released off the album following "Without Me". Unlike the preceding single which was as his humorous Slim Shady persona, "Cleanin' Out My Closet" was a serious song inspired by the events of Eminem's childhood and relationships. It depicts Eminem venting his anger towards his mother, Debbie Mathers, for the way she raised him. In the chorus, Eminem sarcastically apologizes to his mother for hurting her and making her cry, but takes it back by showing the world what his mother, according to him, was like.

"Cleanin' Out My Closet"
Single by Eminem
from the album The Eminem Show
Released2002
Recorded2001
Genre
Length4:57
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Eminem singles chronology
"Without Me"
(2002)		 "Cleanin' Out My Closet"
(2002)		 "Lose Yourself"
(2002)
Music video
"Cleanin' Out My Closet" on YouTube

It became the second top-ten single from the album, reaching number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and one of the highest-charting singles of his career. It was certified Platinum in Australia. "Cleanin' Out My Closet" was also used in the initial theatrical trailer to Eminem's film 8 Mile, released in November 2002, but was not included on the film's soundtrack.

Background

"Cleanin' Out My Closet" was the second song Eminem wrote for the album.[1] The instrumental for "Cleanin' Out My Closet" was created by Eminem during the making of D12's debut studio album, Devil's Night. According to group member Kuniva, Bizarre was on the song first, but was talking "crazy" on the record and was encouraged to tone it down. Despite receiving the approval of Dr. Dre, Bizarre decided to pass on the record, and Eminem picked it up from there: "The whole group was like 'Yo, you can't say this shit. It's too much.' So, he got a call from Dr. Dre. And Dre was like 'Say that shit, man. You gotta say it.' [...] He ultimately gave into the group and was like 'You know what? Fuck it, man.'"[2]

Composition

"Cleanin' Out My Closet" is a hip hop and rap rock song written and produced by Eminem and Jeff Bass, the latter of whom provided the guitars, bass, and keyboards. The song's drum programming was handled by DJ Head.[3] At the beginning of the song, after the music begins to play, Eminem asks "Where's my snare? I have no snare in my headphones." Eminem explained that this actually happened; the recording engineer had muted the snare drums in his headphones during the recording of the song. During the editing process, Eminem chose to leave it in.[4]

In the song's first verse, Eminem criticizes his mother. The second verse then moves on to how his father abandoned him and his mother did drugs. At the start of the third verse, Eminem states that his comments regarding his mother are not made for the sake of public attention.

Critical reception

Allmusic highlighted this song.[5] David Browne was lukewarm: "The unhealed scars of his childhood are pored over in Cleanin' Out My Closet: In the chorus, he apologizes for making his mama cry, but in the verses, he lashes out at her (you selfish bitch) and vows to be a better dad than his own absentee father (I wonder if he even kissed me goodbye). The song is both fragile and furious, and the syncopated music-box arrangement matches it in tension."[6] J-23 was positive: "Cleanin' Out My Closet" features the album's most personal rhymes as he lets us know just how he feels about his parents. His third verse, dealing with his mother, is truly something to behold."[7] NME also praised the single: "Cleanin' Out My Closet", a stunning outpouring of grief-stricken anger against his mother."[8] RapReviews agreed: "The jokes don't last very long though, because Eminem's next song "Cleanin' Out My Closet" is a direct attack on his mother for not really being one."[9] Rolling Stone praised the song's production: "Cleanin' Out My Closet" feature electric-guitar rhythms fraternizing with hip-hop-sensible drum patterns" and he noted that his (Eminem's) relationship with his estranged mother creates "Cleanin' Out My Closet," possibly the record's most powerful moment."[10]

Personnel

All personnel taken from Tidal[3]

Remixes and mashups

Two remixes of the song feature as European bonus tracks on the Straight from the Lab mixtape later released as a compilation: a Drum and bass remix (which was produced by DJ Green Lantern) and a remix combining the song with "God is a Girl" by Groove Coverage entitled "(God Is) Cleanin' Out My Closet."

In the mashup video "Atomic Closet" (a fusion of Eminem's original "Cleaning Out My Closet" and Blondie's "Atomic"), Blondie's hit was heavily sampled as the background song, with Eminem rapping throughout. The video was directed by Dr. Dre and Philip Atwell.

The B side "Stimulate" appears on the deluxe edition bonus disc of the soundtrack Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture 8 Mile, and also appears on Straight from the Lab.

The song was mashed up with "Hotel California" by The Eagles, which appears on DJ Vlad and Roc Raida's mashup mixtape, Rock Phenomenon.

Jon Connor's 2012 mixtape The People's Rapper LP included a remix of the song, as well as other Eminem remixes.

Cover versions

In October 2012, New York City hip hop artist Angel Haze released a reworked version of "Cleanin' Out My Closet" using their own lyrics, in which they graphically recount their experience with child sexual abuse.[11]

Apology song
Main article: Headlights (Eminem song)

Eminem's 2013 album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, featured a song titled "Headlights" which serves as an apology to Eminem's mother for things he said about her in his songs, "Cleanin’ Out My Closet" being the only song mentioned by name. The music video, directed by Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee, shows Eminem's rise to fame through his mother's eyes. In the song, Eminem says he no longer plays "Cleanin’ Out my Closet" at shows and says he cringes every time he hears it on the radio.[12]

Awards and nominations
See also: List of awards and nominations received by Eminem
Year Ceremony Award Result
2003[13] MuchMusic Video Awards Best international video - artist Nominated

Track listing
Digital download[14]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cleanin' Out My Closet"
4:57
2."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (instrumental)
  • Mathers
  • Bass
  • Eminem
  • Bass
4:57
3."Stimulate"MathersEminem5:06
Total length:15:00
UK CD single[15]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cleanin' Out My Closet"
4:57
2."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (instrumental)
  • Mathers
  • Bass
  • Eminem
  • Bass
4:57
3."Stimulate"MathersEminem5:06
4."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (video)
  • Mathers
  • Bass
  • Eminem
  • Bass
4:57
Total length:19:57
UK Cassette
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cleanin' Out My Closet"
4:57
2."Stimulate"MathersEminem5:06
Total length:10:03
UK DVD[16]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (video - version 2)
4:57
2."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (making of the video)  3:00
Total length:8:57
German CD single[17]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (video - version 2)
4:57
2."Stimulate"MathersEminem5:06
Total length:10:03
German CD single[15]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cleanin' Out My Closet"
4:57
2."Stimulate"MathersEminem5:06
3."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (instrumental)
  • Mathers
  • Bass
  • Eminem
  • Bass
4:57
4."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (video - version 1)
  • Mathers
  • Bass
  • Eminem
  • Bass
4:57
Total length:19:57
Maxi #1 International Version[18]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (album version) (explicit)
4:57
2."Stimulate" (non album version)MathersEminem5:03
3."Cleanin' Out My Closet" (instrumental)
  • Mathers
  • Bass
  • Eminem
  • Bass
4:57
Total length:15:00

Charts

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[63] Platinum 70,000‡
Belgium (BEA)[64] Gold 25,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[65] Gold 45,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[66] Gold 5,000*
Sweden (GLF)[67] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[68] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[69] 2× Platinum 2,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References
  1. Bozza, Anthony (2002-07-04). "Eminem: The Rolling Stone Interview". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  2. Harling, Danielle (October 30, 2015). "Eminem's "Cleanin' Out My Closet" Originally a D12 Song, According to Kuniva". HipHopDX. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  3. "Credits / The Eminem Show / Eminem". listen.tidal.com. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  4. "Eminem Actually Didn't Have Snare In His Headphones". The Source. March 18, 2016.
  5. "The Eminem Show - Eminem - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  6. Browne, David (June 7, 2002). "Music Review: The Eminem Show, by Eminem". Entertainment Weekly.
  7. J-23. "Eminem - The Eminem Show (Advanced Copy)". Hiphopdx.com. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  8. "Eminem : The Eminem Show". NME. 12 September 2005. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  9. "RapReviews.com Feature for May 28, 2002 - Eminem's "The Eminem Show"". Rapreviews.com. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  10. Ex, Kris (June 6, 2002). "The Eminem Show". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
  11. Makarechi, Kia (October 23, 2012). "Angel Haze's 'Cleaning Out My Closet' Recounts Sexual Abuse & Eventual Triumph". Huffington Post. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  12. "Eminem Apologizes to His Mother on 'Headlights'". Rap-up.com. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  13. "2003 MuchMusic Video Awards Winners". Billboard.com. 30 June 2003. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  14. "iTunes - Music - Cleanin' Out My Closet - EP by Eminem". Itunes.apple.com. 2002-10-15. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  15. "Cleaning Out My Closet 1: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  16. "Cleaning Out My Closet [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk: Eminem: Music". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  17. "Cleaning Out My Closet (US Import): Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  18. Maxi #1 International Version on Music Unlimited
  19. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  20. "Issue 681" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  21. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  22. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  23. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  24. "Oficiální česká hitparáda - 41/2002" (in Czech). IFPI CR. Archived from the original on 17 October 2002. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  25. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Tracklisten.
  26. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. October 26, 2002. p. 9. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  27. "Eminem: Cleanin' Out My Closet" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  28. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet" (in French). Les classement single.
  29. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 2019-02-25.
  30. IFPI Greece Top 50 Singles Charts
  31. "Archívum - Slágerlisták - MAHASZ - Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége" (in German). Mahasz.hu. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
  32. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  33. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Top Digital Download.
  34. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 42, 2002" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  35. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  36. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Top 40 Singles.
  37. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". VG-lista.
  38. "Arhiva romanian top 100". Archived from the original on 2003-05-29. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  39. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 17, 2019.
  40. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved 2017-05-06.
  41. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Singles Top 100.
  42. "Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Swiss Singles Chart.
  43. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  44. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  45. "Eminem Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  46. "Eminem Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  47. "Eminem Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  48. "Eminem Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  49. "Eminem Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  50. "2002 Australian Singles Chart". aria. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  51. "2002 Austrian Singles Chart" (in German). Austriancharts. Archived from the original on 12 March 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  52. "2002 Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  53. "2002 Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart" (in French). Ultratop. Archived from the original on 17 April 2008. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  54. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2002 p.14" (PDF). Music & Media. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  55. "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  56. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2002". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  57. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2002". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  58. "Årslista Singlar – År 2002" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  59. "2002 Swiss Singles Chart" (in German). Swisscharts. Archived from the original on 13 January 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  60. "2002 UK Singles Chart" (PDF). ChartsPlus. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  61. "Top 100 Songs of 2002 - Billboard Year End Charts". Bobborst.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
  62. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2002". Billboard. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  63. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2018 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. February 3, 2018. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  64. "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2002". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  65. "Danish single certifications – Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closest". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved August 27, 2020. Scroll through the page-list below until year 2020 to obtain certification.
  66. "New Zealand single certifications – Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  67. "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2002" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  68. "British single certifications – Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  69. "American single certifications – Eminem – Cleanin' Out My Closet". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.