Videographer James Larese, the mastermind behind some of Eminem’s iconic music videos, recently shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on his 16-year journey working with Marshall and the Shady camp.
James has offered fans a rare glimpse into his world. Known for his work on visuals like “Crack a Bottle”, “Darkness”, and “From the D 2 the LBC,” Larese is a steady figure in the Shady Records universe.
The list of his work for Eminem consists of:
2009 “Crack a Bottle” (Released in 2022), “3 am” (Credited as Syndrome)
2011 “Fast Lane” (Bad Meets Evil)
2013 “Berzerk”, “Survival” (as Syndrome)
2014 “Guts Over Fear” (as Syndrome)
2015 “Detroit vs. Everybody”
2014 “Shady CXVPHER”
2018 “Framed”, “Fall”, “Lucky You”, “Caterpillar” (Royce 5’9 feat. Eminem, King Green)
2019 “Rainy Days” (Boogie feat. Eminem), “Homicide” (Logic feat. Eminem)
2020 “Darkness”
2021 “Higher”
2022 “From the D 2 the LBC”
Very recently, James Larese added a new entry to this list. He directed “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” trailer and a heavily AI-altered shot of “Eminem vs Slim Shady Face Off” for Complex.
In an extended Instagram post, the director shared the challenges and rewards of a career dedicated to visual storytelling. He emphasised the importance of building strong relationships within the industry, highlighting the camaraderie and support he has experienced within the Shady camp.
Larese’s journey with Eminem began in 2008, a pivotal period in Em’s career as he started on a new chapter following sobriety. Their collaboration on videos like “Crack a Bottle” and “3 am” marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership.
Over the past 16 years, Larese has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of brands and collaborators, but none have been as fulfilling as his work with Eminem and the Complex team.
It is an inspiring message to everybody who is thinking about making their name in the creative industry. Yes, they do need dedication and passion to succeed there, but what message also gives them is hope.
This career isn’t easy. You get told NO way more than YES no matter what level you at. It’s important you recognize what really matters if this is what you decide to dedicate your life to. For me, it’s the people you meet. The relationships and bonds that are formed when you deep in the trenches. That’s how diamonds are made right- the more pressure the more beautiful the result.
The first time I worked with Em and the Shady camp was in 2008. Marshall was recently sober and starting a new chapter in life and his career. The album was Relapse and I was fortunate enough to direct videos for “Crack a Bottle” and “3am.”
It was on the set of 3am when things locked in and I really got to meet Marshall the human and understand how tight the Shady camp are. They really are a family and run the tightest, bar raising ship I’ve ever witnessed in this crazy music game… or any part of entertainment for that matter.
Fast forward to 2024 and we still going strong having just finished working on this short film interview piece for Em in colab with the good folk at COMPLEX.
Over the past 16 years of working with Marshall Mathers, I’ve come in contact with many collaborations with brands, advertisers and products but none have been as special as working with Complex. If you are of my generation and entrenched in the culture like myself then you know the part Complex has played in the fabric of my DNA. This has simply been a dream project.
I want to thank @n_c_b and @damnginab for the unconditional support and trust on this. You both are the truth. Your commitment and level of creative excellence is inspiring. I welcome any opportunity to jump back in with you guys. Anytime. Anywhere.
Thank you to @rosenberg @eminem and my Shady family for the continued support and bringing me on over the years for these crazy adventures. Making art with you has truly been the highlight of my career.
So much love to @kkangsta the triple OG who works tirelessly to make sure perfection is achieved.
Thank you @metaphysic.ai for the crash course lesson in AI. Simply wow.
Never give up or give in too early kids. I love my job. 👊🏼💯🎥❤️
