It was reported by TMZ today that Eminem was rushed to and treated at a Detroit area hospital over the holidays. Early reports indicate that Em was treated for a heart condition and severe pneumonia symptoms. It was also revealed by the hospital source that his weight has also ballooned to almost 200 pounds! It's certainly been a rough few years for Mr. Mathers who suffered through the loss of his close friend Proof, a divorce with his on again off again wife Kim, and also dealt with an addiction with prescription drugs. It's also been reported that Em's been quite depressed as result and hasn't released any new music nor made many public appearances since his divorce and the death of Proof. However, there's good news in that he has since been released from the hospital, and is now recovering at home.

As far as music goes, although there were rumors that his last album "Encore" would be his final one, it has been widely reported that he has been hard at work crafting a new album tentatively titled "King Mathers". People from Shady Records including Obie Trice have made comments suggesting that Em is back on the "Slim Shady" tip and that the new material is some of his best in years. I sure hope Eminem is alright and will begin to take a little better care of himself both mentally and physically. I used to be a pretty big fan when I was younger and although he's gotten a little lazy lyrically over the years, we all know how incredible he can be. Hopefully the new album will be a throwback to his first two albums and re-establish himself as one of hip-hop's most potent emcees. Anyway...I'll bring you more info about both Em's health and "King Mathers" as soon as I hear it.

Click here to listen to last week's interview Eminem did with Shade45's Cipha Sounds talking about Eminem's production work on the new show "Behind The Boards".