This semester I have chosen to focus on the artist Marshall Mathers, otherwise known as Eminem. His life story thus far and success against all odds is an underlying source of inspiration for me and millions of other fans. One of the reasons I picked Eminem is due to my fascination with his wordplay and rhetorical artistry.  The instruments and words in his tracks go hand in hand, creating a musical piece that happens to be profane and poetic at the same time. I am also fond of how Eminem is able to use the controversy surrounding his music as the driving force behind his work.  His bold attacks on political figures and popular media icons always leave me awestruck at his sheer confidence and fearlessness.   Throughout this course, I hope to learn more about the development of Eminem's lyrical skills and how his background shaped him into the "King of Hip-Hop."