Eminem Turns 30, Prepares Movie And Album

Eminem, who is gearing up for the theatrical release of his debut movie, "8 Mile," turns 30 tomorrow (October 17). Em, who stars opposite Kim Basinger in the new movie, recently popped up at Michigan State University following a screening of the movie. As the credits were rolling playing the last song, "Lose Yourself," the […]

Eminem, who is gearing up for the theatrical

release of his debut movie, "8 Mile," turns 30 tomorrow (October

17). Em, who stars opposite Kim Basinger in the new movie, recently popped up

at Michigan State University following a screening of the movie.

As the credits were rolling playing the last

song, "Lose Yourself," the screen rose and Eminem and D-12 performed

the song live for the amazed 1700 theater patrons. Eminem went on to perform

a 45 minute set for the enthusiastic crowd.

"8 Mile," which has been very well

received by critics, hits theaters in North America November 8. The movie has

even impressed Samuel L. Jackson, who vowed he would never act with a rapper.

Jackson said he was impressed by what he saw, but added "When he decides

to do his next movie, if they want him to be a cop, a college student or college

professor, a lawyer or whatever, then we’ll decide whether he’s an actor or

not."

The soundtrack to the movie, which hits record

stores October 29, features a who’s who of rap artists, including 50 Cent, Nas,

Jay-Z, Rakim, Xzibit, Young Zee and Obie Trice.

"The ‘8 Mile’ soundtrack was different because

it forced me to step into Rabbit, the character I play in the film, and write

from his point of view," Eminem said in a statement released to AllHipHop.com.

"It was a challenge. Also, the project afforded

me the opportunity to not only make an album with a wish list of some of my

favorite artists, but to showcase what we have coming on Shady Records."