Eminem Announces Candidacy at Shady National Convention

When Eminem began urging his fans to vote in the video for his song "Mosh" many were left wondering: Where's the punchline?

This is no joke and the new politically–conscientious Slim Shady took his new role one step further on Thursday at the first Shady National Convention. The concert/convention was held for "delegates," fans who won tickets through their local radio station. The convention also marked the launch of Eminem's new Sirius Satellite Radio station ShadE 45 on which the event was broadcast live.

Shady arrived for his red carpet entrance in a low rider, accompanied by label–mates, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, and a host of body guards. After posing for pictures and addressing the press, the entourage moved inside where hundreds of fans held signs in a mock political national convention.

Celebrities such as Donald Trump, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, and Eminem's "running mate" Special Ed, from Comedy Central's Crank Yankers, were on hand to speak on Shady's behalf. After giving a short speech himself, Eminem took to the stage for a full performance starting with the new single "Mosh." The set included a mixture of his old material and tracks from his new album, Encore, which hits shelves on November 16.