The Grammy Nominations were announced earlier this week. Like most Grammy years there were few surprises, what did surprise most was the man who came away with the most nominations.

That's right, Eminem.  Slim Shady himself has his name in most catagories, except for maybe Country.  As we've seen that doesn't necessarily mean he will win them all, not with the likes of Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift out there.  The fact he was able to come out of the hole he was in, and pull himself together to make such an incredible album, and put his name back up there with the nominees speaks volumes about the "The Real Slim Shady"! 

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Eminem recalls being in the bathroom, blacking out then waking up in the hospital, missing Christmas and scaring his daughters.  After that he said he relapsed a number of times before saying enough is enough and taking his life and career seriously again.

With Nominations in catagories such as Album, Record and Song of there year as well as Male Pop Artist And Rapper Of the year, Eminem has cemented his Recovery.  He's made an album that in his words "He can finally be proud of."  His last album Relapse was filled with clever rhymes but had no direction and mostly talked about death, killing and raping.  Which have been staples of Eminem's rhymes but there was something darker in the songs, almost ominous.  As if he hadn't fully come out of his funk or depression.

In Recovery you can feel how happy he is as he explains to us where he has been the past few years , and apologizes for his lack of production.  With the hit song "Love the way you lie" featuring the melodic sounds of Rihanna, he takes on the crucial subject of Domestic Violence which he himself has admitted to being involved in.                                         

Eminem's honesty has always been a huge part of what has made him such a polvarizing   figure in pop culture today.  He's not afraid to point out his mistakes or shortcomings, which is endearing and refreshing.  Whether it's heartfelt songs like "I'm Not Afraid", or "Your Never Over" where he talks about the loss of Proof and what he's meant to him, or comedic ones such as "White Trash Party (W.T.P.)", the Grammys he has been nominated for is well deserved.

Other then guest verses here, and there on 50 Cent's album, and an average verse on T.I.'s 3rd album (T.I. Vs. T.I.P.). The last 3 years have been a nightmare for the self proclaimed Renegade.  His addictions and demons seemed to takeover, and if that wasn't bad enough the death of his best friend Deshaun Holton (Proof of D12) brought him close to death.

Eminem's first performance at the Grammys was a conterversial one with Gay Rights groups. Outside he performed his critically acclaimed single "Stan" with Pop Legend Elton John.  He made a triumphent return last year with an energy filled performance with artist Lil' Wayne, Drake and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker.

The Re-emergence of Eminem comes at a time where hip hop is in desperate need of his contribution.  His collaborations with artist such as Lil' Wayne, T.I. and even Dr. Dre for his upcoming Detox album is exactly what this genre needed. 
His historic concerts with Jay Z was said to be 2 of the greatest hip hop shows of all time.  Hip hop and music in general needs Slim Shady, and from what is said in interviews and his own music he needs it too.  It's good to have him back!