Eminem asserts that he is not homophobic despite using a gay slur on the track "Rap God," off his new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, which is out today. 

Addressing the lyrical controversy with Rolling Stone magazine, the Detroit MC said using the word "f----t" doesn't dictate his feelings towards the LGBTQ community. "I don't know how to say this without saying it how I've said it a million times," he started. "But that word, those kind of words, when I came up battle-rappin' or whatever, I never really equated those words... It was more like calling someone a b---- or a punk or a--hole."

Em went on to admit that he wrestles with self-censorship. "It goes back to that battle, back and forth in my head, of wanting to feel free to say what I want to say, and then [worrying about] what may or may not affect people. And, not saying it's wrong or it's right, but at this point in my career — man, I say so much s--- that's tongue in cheek. I poke fun at other people, myself. But the real me sitting here right now talking to you has no issues with gay, straight, transgender, at all. I'm glad we live in a time where it's really starting to feel like people can live their lives and express themselves. And I don't know how else to say this, I still look at myself the same way that I did when I was battling and broke.

"I been doing this for 14 years now," he pointed out. "I think people know my personal stance on things and the personas that I create in my music. And if someone doesn't understand that by now, I don't think there's anything I can do to change their mind about it."

"Rap God" isn't the first time Em's wordplay has earned backlash from the gay community, but he has long maintained an anti-gay stance. In 2001, he attempted to quiet down the fodder by performing with openly gay musician Elton John, and has since thrown his support behind same-sex marriage.    

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photo: Joseph Okpako/Redferns via Getty Images)