Eminem has left the building: Grading the music at the MTV Movie Awards

It probably wasn’t the comeback Eminem wanted. His appearance at the MTV Movie Awards this year will be a hard one to top. Unfortunately, it had nothing to do with his music.

Two hours of live product placement, the MTV Movie Awards don’t come back with much in the way of live music. There were two performances tonight – Eminem and Kings of Leon. For Eminem, this represented his first major appearance since the release of his No. 1 album, “Relapse.”

He brought an award-show staple – a medley of recent singles “We Made You” and “Crack a Bottle.” But Eminem’s best performance came a few minutes later in the stands, when Sacha Baron Cohen’s flamboyantly gay character Bruno descended from the rafters in angel wings and landed, butt-first, in Eminem’s face.

Punches were thrown, curse words were lip-read and Eminem stormed out with a scowl. Credit MTV for having a little fun with the often humorless rapper, who's long been a source of controversy for what many have deemed homophobic lyrics. In fact, the episode gave MTV what many of its recent award galas have lacked – a moment that felt a little daring.

Was it staged? Most likely. Eminem is a master pitchmen, and he’s used his homophobic tag to move records before (see the Grammys’ 2001 performance with Elton John). But if it was planned, Emimen should have stuck around and had more fun with the moment. After all, storming out was the obvious move, and what we’d expect from Em (as is much of “Relapse”). 

But if the moment was a surprise to Eminem, score one for Cohen, who showed that the rapper, who hadn’t released an album of new material since 2004’s “Encore,” hasn’t grown up in the slightest.

As for grading the music:

Eminem, “Crack a Bottle,” “We Made You.” Award shows continue to saddle artists with medleys, despite it being nearly impossible to look good while performing one. Tonight was no different, with Eminem sporting a cap and spitting rhymes into the floor while the lyrics scrolled behind him. We got a little bit of “Relapse’s” first two singles, but nothing that we haven’t heard before. But you know things are bad when the scripted jokes at an MTV gala are more relevant than the lyrics in your songs – you didn’t see host Andy Samberg tossing out jabs at Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashian. Despite the presence of a small brass section, it was a relatively bare-bones performance, and a showcase for Eminem’s dexterity, not his songs. Worse, Eminem was even shown up by the host, whose musical spoof with Will Ferrell – a cute song about action heroes not looking back at the explosions they set off – was more tuneful and clever. D

Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody." Not quite sure why the Southern rockers were here, as "Use Somebody" has been in official release for months, and by all accounts it isn't appearing on any upcoming scores (tell us if we're wrong). Furthermore, this song is a tepid representation of the rock band. It's the Kings of Leon at their most tame, and is an extended solo away from being a throwaway power ballad. As it is, and as it was tonight, it's a relatively forgettable rock 'n' roll downer, with a glistening, Coldplay-like backdrop that the tune isn't worthy of. If MTV wanted a hammy song, they should have gone all the way and let Miley Cyrus perform "The Climb."  C-

-- Todd Martens

Photo: Bruno after dropping on Eminem. Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Comments

[Los]

that was just not right, you just don't do that to anyone.I mean the dude put his ass on his face, I don't care how mature someone is that deserves a beating. It wasn't like a joke that em raps about, it physically happened and I think the guy should be put on blast and beat on.
"hasn't grown up", that was very mature for em to just walk away and even if he did hit him, that actually is a good way of leaving before you do something really stupid. em prob knew he was going to do somethin that he will regret so he walked away and kicked him a lil but, damn...............if it was em 4 years ago him and his guards would have beaten dude till the show wouldn't be funny anymore.
good move em but beat him up on the outside

[Democrats 4 Ever]

Thank You so much Sasha Baron Cohen!! You are my hero!! I love you!! Someone finally put that arrogant piece of trash Eminem in his rightful place, you are my hero Sasha Baron Cohen!! I LOVE YOU!! laughing out loud!!

[jen]

This is so typical! Wow MTV is really desperate, I thought MTV stood for music television so many artists speek on how music has been taken away from our children. We can definetly put MTV in that bracket. This was the most pathetic award show I have ever seen. The unfortunate thing is that there were actually kids on there, that children look up to. This has nothing to do with Eminem nor Brainless Bruno. MTV should look up moral in the dictionary. Oh and the true definition of the word MUSIC. I will pray for u.

[JC]

If Eminem wasn't informed it isn't "funny" like this article childishly says, it's sexual assault. I'm all for gay rights, gay marriage, etc, but regardless of orientation, you can't commit unwanted sexual acts on someone else.

[Eric]

MTV lost their edge ages ago when they failed to realize that stupidity isn't really cool at all...Where are the new bands with something significant to say...? Where are the up and coming musicians with sophisticated writing and performances..? Where are the intelligent cool people..? Not on MTV....It's devolved into a channel made up of retard drop outs with base level jokes and endless mind numbing reality shows that only an 11 year old would find somewhat amusing...and only if that 11 year old had no other options for entertainment

[Matt]

Eminem can dish it out Butt he obviously can't take it. He's been ridiculing people for years and had it coming.

[caleb]

you don't disrespect an artist who just sold over 600,000 copies of his new album in one week. a hint of jealousy on the part of MTV? i think so.

[mommE]

I will agree with alot of people here when i say that this year shows was vulgar and disappointing. Andy was a good host but they went overboard with the nasty and obscene comments all night and yes i felt like Em should have won the WTF award for that whole situation. what the hell was that and i hope his boys were really kicking saha's butt! MTV is losing there fans by the minute they don't ever show any music anymore its basiclly turned into another network but just for teenyboppers. (shaking head) I want my MTV........ back! LOL

[andrew]

At having tolerated Eminem base his somewhat stale career on the misfortunes of others (an aside: his latest track 'you made me'? How ironic that without all these deadbeat celebrities for material, he wouldn't have a career. They made HIM) its finally good to see something come back at him. If its staged, then you fans have to realise he AGREED TO DO IT. If its not then it shows he can give it but not take it. Poor little boy.

[Joel]

It's okay, Marshall, Sascha isn't really gay. Your manhood is safe.

Eminem is such a hypocrite he wants the world to "get a sense of humor" and laugh at his rape "jokes" and gay bashing. But he can't handle it when the joke is turned on him. This is a little easier to understand, but remember at a previous MTV Awards show he acted like a complete you-know-what to a DOG PUPPET! And then when the media called him on it for being ridiculous, he put the puppet in a music video as some kind of apology. I guess Bruno will get a cameo in a Relapse II video?

[Dashingprince]

Emeinems career is based on insulting others, he got what he deserved.

I like Eminem and Sascha they both make a living doing the same thing, poking fun at rich, vain or prejudiced people.

[Me]

I just saw tis show 'cause I was thinking that the dude from SNL would be funny but it was so boring and trashy. I think doing that to Eminem was awful, having some men stuff on your face, NOT FUNNY AT all! That guy Bruno/Borat whoever his name is... I can believe people give him attention!

[palmer]

Yeah, I would have rather watched two hours of Terrence & Phillip farting. Just absolutely stupid, juvenile, and trashy.

[ERayMundo]

Bro, Eminem, from the Suburbs? Not even close. Second the guy has already been in trouble with the law for his violent tendencies, as well as just being discharged from rehab for a pill addiction. Yeah, you're right. Eminem has had it real nice.

[Michelle]

Did non of you people realize he was a little too legible to not be mic'd? If he had a mic in the audience, he was in on it. Don't you children need parental permission before being on the internet?

[Cam]

that joke was beyond wrong, what guy of any age wants some dude's balls in his face, thats redic, i would have flipped out just as bad as eminem and most guys would. and what the hell was up with miley cyrus and the IM ON A BOAT shout out, that joke is mad dumb. i didn't think the awards were to bad over all

[Queenie7]

This goes out to the comment from tjohnson, hummm how much money have you made making Music???? Zero " THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT"

As you call Eminem as white rapper, that's right he is and is the best!!!!!!!

But more important next time you post lets call him the First #1 White rapper to sell more music than the Beatles, so please next time do your homework. so I ask again how many CD's have you sold??? Zero " THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT"

I love listening to Eminem's Music, he speaks the truth which is no doubt something that you apparently are not familiar with.

It was easy to tell by Eminem reaction that he was was not part of the MTV IDIOTS Prank. As far as the poster named Mr. tjohnson he was probably jealous that it was not him sitting there with a mans ASS in his face. Go listen to the Clay Aiken who must be your Hero LOL

Go Eminem your true fans are proud of you, keep up writing your Music and know that we are behind you...

[okok]

Its was kinda funny but not hilarious...
IF YOU ARE ASKING YOURSELF IF IT WAS STAGED... OF COURSE
For starters Jim Carey in the Audience, Jim Carey's acceptance speach... Its all scripted.. every single detail...EVEN BRUNO GOING DOWN ON EMINEM..

THE QUESTION ISSSS.. DID Eminem know about this? But i think its safe to say yes... He reacted slower than my grandma on drugs. Bruno was lowered slowly and Eminem's reaction and bodyguards was all SLOW.

The awards were OK.. I laughed with Stiller's award presentation and Carey's. Samberg had some good stuff to add to it, but I dont think we'll be seeing him in heavier award shows..Too much Twilght, and oh my God what was the matter with Kristen Stewart, is she "normally" like this?? She was either high...or I am hoping that I never see her again in a movie other than Twilight...

I've got a question for the performance other that WHAT WAS THEIR RELEVANCE...Since no one seems to know.. BUT WAS IT ALL LIP-SYNC???

[man1985]

This was posted on another website: "Once again Cohen as exposed the hypocracy of our celebrity obsessed culture in the funniest way possible. Briliant!"

Actually once again MTV has exploited the idiocy of MTV viewers and exposed how many suckers there are in this country. There are so many morons in this nation that it scares the crap outta me. I thought "reality" TV was bad, but now people are actually believing this OBVIOUS hoax.

Come on! It was as staged as an episode of "The Hills"

[AMhere4U]

The 'ATTACK' on Emminem at the MTV Award show was just that. It was an attack. It was not staged at all, except for the few select who were actually in on it.

The reason for the stupid and senseless attack? Because there are people out there in the industry who want to exploit Emminem's opinion on gays. He is not Homophobic. Because there is no such thing as a Homophobic. What there ARE, is alot of American citizens who KNOW that homosexuality is WRONG, based on Biblical TRUTHS! The moral corruption in the industry has reached the point of FOULNESS and FILTH. I don't watch it, and neither do an awful lot of Americans. Of course, you will never hear the truth about that either, with the mainstream liberal media!

I live in Peoria, Illinois; and our motto here has always been: What plays in Peoria...plays in America.

Well, living RIGHT plays in Peoria. We know and recognize right from wrong - morals from sin.

One more comment - if people in the 'industry' are so much against placing labels on people, then WHY do they label everyone who doesn't support or believe in the homosexual lifestyle as Homophobics?!

[nancyalis]

THANK GOD FOR TIVO ! The MTV Movie Awards had to be the worst POS TV programming I have seen in YEARS ! I was able to skip through it quick enough so as not to lose whatever food was in my stomach. This should have been on Nickelodeon, if it HAD to aired at all !! Who cares about these pathetic kids anyway ? Maybe their parents, I hope. And I could have spared that flying guy's hairy ass as well. It's JUST PLAIN disgusting, and the lack of talent was OVERWHELMING.

[openmusicdoors]

Eminem's creation and music ideas are distinct and extraordinary and also likely among all music lovers.