Eminem plans two 'Relapses' for 2009

Adam Graham / Detroit News Pop Music Writer

Get ready for a double dose of Slim Shady.

The long-dormant Eminem has not one but two albums slated for release in 2009, his record company announced today. The highly anticipated "Relapse" will be released May 19, and a second album of all new material, "Relapse 2," will be released in the second half of the year.

"A lot of people were expecting 'Relapse' to drop last year, (and) I was one of them," the Detroit rapper said in a statement. "Then (Dr.) Dre and I went back in the studio for a few days, and that turned into six months. We were on such a roll; we would up with a ton of new music produced by Dre. Putting out 'Relapse 2' will let everyone get out all of the best stuff."

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"Relapse" marks Eminem's first album of all-new material since 2004's "Encore." A second disc of all new tunes had been rumored in recent weeks, with some speculating "Relapse" would be released as a double CD.

The new album's first single and its accompanying video will both be released April 7, according to the release. "Crack a Bottle," a song featuring Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, was released last month, and shot to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, marking Em's first No. 1 hit since "Lose Yourself." "Crack a Bottle" will be included as an album track on "Relapse," but is not, as was assumed, the album's first official single.

The news of Eminem's return to record stores comes as a verdict is expected in a Los Angeles courtroom over digital royalty rights as concerned with Eminem's music. FBT Productions and Em2M, Eminem's former publishing companies, are suing Universal Music Group for $1.3 million in damages, alleging they are owed royalties from downloaded sales of Em's music. The case could turn out to be a game-changer with regards to royalties and downloaded music, according to those familiar with the case.

You can reach Adam Graham at (313) 222-2284 or agraham@detnews.com.