Signed on Aftermath Records, 'When I'm Gone' is taken from his latest album, Curtain Call - The Hits.
Another self-angry track as the rapper fights the conflict of being a father, husband and one of the highest profile rappers in Hip Hop history. Taking the tone down, he raps with self-loathing, if not bitterness about those family values he has been severely lacking due to his phenomenal musical success.
'When I'm Gone' is from shifting points of view, in parts taking on the voice of his daughter Hayley. Hayley - his inspiration - has led him to dedicate this and 'Mockingbird' to her, also on Curtain Call. He raps as Hayley, using her voice is his conscious that is inescapable. He raps about her pleading with him not to leave her, but tours must be played and of course Daddy has to go. 'When I'm Gone' hears Eminem wanting to let her know that he's always there for her, but this is exactly where the conflict lies.
The video for 'When I'm Gone' is on heavy rotation on MTV and it sees Eminem taking up a pew at a counselling meeting where he begins his rap advocating a gospel-like Kayne West edge in an 8-mile esq biographical style 4 minute music video.
'When I'm Gone' has hit written all over it; it's so simple when you're Slim Shady. This single goes back to Marshall Mathers' hard-bitten life view. Even when you're on top of the world, as Eminem is, you're still missing out on something closer to home.
