Eminem is ready for a Revival, and days after releasing his Beyoncé-featured single “Walk On Water” on streaming services, he has given the song its live debut at the MTV European Music Awards on Sunday (Nov. 12).
A newly-bearded, hoodie-wearing Eminem began the performance in a small club, gripping the microphone as he rapped his somber, vulnerable verses while frequent collaborator Skylar Grey played piano and sang Beyonce’s chorus. Em then left that setting, walking out to finish performing the song live in front of the award show’s studio audience, with him and Grey joined by a group of violinists.
About 30 minutes later, Eminem would accept the award for Best Hip-Hop, despite having a fairly uneventful year up until Friday’s release of “Walk On Water.” “I’m not really sure how I got this, because I haven’t had an album in a few years,” Eminem said. “I’ve got one coming, though.”
As a continued student of hip-hop, while accepting the award from Prophets of Rage, Eminem took out time to thank group members Chuck D and B-Real for their contributions to the culture. “These guys are my heroes,” Eminem said.
Eminem didn’t announce an official release date for Revival yet, but he’ll have another performance on Saturday, Nov. 18 as a guest with Chance the Rapper on Saturday Night Live. Hopefully, we’ll receive more information on the album by then.