Eminem’s hotly debated duet with Elton John at this week’s Grammys is turning up on radio stations across the country, and the Recording Academy and Interscope Records are making plans to release the live “Stan” as a benefit single, an academy spokesperson said Friday (February 23). A portion of the proceeds will benefit MusiCares, established by the academy in 1989 to offer emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs to musicians.
However, Eminem’s Interscope spokesperson said there were “no plans [for a commercial release] on this end.”
The academy serviced the rendition to radio stations via satellite, and the tune has found its way onto Napster. Among the stations that are playing the song are hip-hop’s Power 106 (KPWR-FM) in Los Angeles and KMEL-FM in San Francisco.
Under a hail of controversy for perceived homophobia and misogyny in his lyrics, Eminem ended the performance by embracing John, and then raised his middle fingers to the crowd.
“If I didn’t make a statement with Elton John tonight, I don’t know what else to do,” Eminem told MTV News’ Kurt Loder following the ceremony.
Eminem swept all of the hip-hop Grammy categories, including Best Rap Album for The Marshall Mathers LP, but lost the Album of the Year award to Steely Dan’s Two Against Nature.
The academy spokesperson said she did not know whether sales from the live “Stan” will benefit any charities or organizations other than MusiCares.
