Eminem hated one song written about his mum so much he no longer performs it at shows

Eminem’s mum Debbie passed away this week from cancer

Here is why Eminem refuses to perform one of his old songs. It features particularly scathing lyrics about his late mother Debbie Nelson.

Last night (3 December), TMZ announced that the rapper’s mother had passed away. She was 69 years old. She died due to complications of lung cancer on Monday.

A representative for Eminem – real name Marshall Mathers – later confirmed the reports to PEOPLE.

Mathers has yet to issue a statement regarding his mum’s death. However, his younger brother Nathan ‘Nate’ Mathers shared a candid reaction on his Instagram story. He wrote, “Hatred and mixed emotions today.” The 38-year-old often had a difficult relationship with his mother. Eventually, Eminem took custody of his younger half-sibling.

LADbible Group has reached out to a representative of Eminem for comment.

Long-term fans of the rapper know Eminem had quite a tumultuous relationship with his mother. The 52-year-old often shares bitter reflections concerning his poverty-stricken childhood.

However there is one song which is specifically targeted towards Debbie, which the rapper now appears to regret creating.

Take a listen below, but note that the track contains some very strong language:

Released back in 2002, diss track ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet’ presents a grim portrayal of Eminem’s home life. It includes allegations of abuse and drug taking.

For those unaware with the brutal lyrics, he refers to Debbie as a ‘selfish b***h’ and says that he hopes she will ‘burn in hell’. In other lines, Mathers accuses his mother of ‘poppin prescription pills in the kitchen’. He describes himself as a ‘victim of Münchausen’s Syndrome’. He also says she will never see his daughter Hailie Jade.

Debbie filed a lawsuit against the rapper accusing him of slander and deformation. She originally sued for $10 million (£7.7m) but eventually settled for $25,000 (£19.4k) in 2001.

The rapper has had a major change of heart over the song. He later released an apology track titled ‘Headlights’ on his 2013 album The Marshall Mathers LP 2.

The music video depicts Eminem’s rise to fame through his mother’s eyes (YouTube/Eminem)

His apology begins: “My mum probably got it the worst.

“The brunt of it, but as stubborn as we are, did I take it too far?

“‘Cleaning Out My Closet’ and all them other songs.

“But regardless, I don’t hate you ‘cause ma.

“You’re still beautiful to me, ‘cause you’re my mum.”

The heartfelt apology continues: “But I’m sorry mama for ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet,’ at the time I was angry.

“Rightfully maybe so, never meant that far to take it though, ‘cause.

“Now I know it’s not your fault and I’m not making jokes.

“That song I no longer pay at shows and I cringe every time it’s on the radio.”

The last time Eminem would perform the track was on 25 August, 2013 at Leeds festival.