I don't think he understands Al wouldn't be making fun of his video. but rather having fun with his video. There's a huge difference there.
Dave
There is a huge difference, Dave. But I don't blame him for making it, after all, Al's fans make the same mistake:
Part of me respects Eminem's choice, but thinking back to all the other people he's made fun of himself, I think it's only right that he let Al make fun of him.
Sorry, Luxor. Not trying to single you out, it's just that you put it so well that I had to pick your post.
I think that's why Em didn't allow it. He didn't want his "legacy" messed with. He didn't understand that Al wasn't trying to pick on him.
I think he also doesn't understand how Al's treatment helps cement an artist's "legacy" in our collective consciousness. I have said it before, but here's how it works. Al's videos (especially the ones that closely mimic the originals) actually make you think of the original. So the original virtually gets double air time. And if it makes people who are not in your core audience want to go out an buy your music so much the better.
Really the only thing in this whole mess that surprises me is that Mr. Mathers gave permission for the song in the first place. And the only thing that really angers me is that he let Al waste time and money instead of being very clear in the beginning about what his permission did or did not cover.
I wonder, though, if he had told Al 'yes, you can do the song, but I won't agree to a video' if Al would have done the song at all? Or would he have moved on to a friendlier target?
I think letters to Em are fine, but please, remember who you are representing here We don't want to embarrass Al.