Eminem: 'I Think I've Calmed Down'

Eminem's album Recovery is out Monday, and he tells Deborah Solomon of the New York Times that his volatile Slim Shady alter ego is less visible. "I felt like I was starting to run it into the ground," he says. Click here for the full interview. Highlights:

• Gay marriage: "I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want. ... It's the new tolerant me!"

• Money: "I save a lot of money by not buying drugs anymore. I invest. I always try to be smart. I try to treat all the money I’m making like it’s the last time I’m going to make it."
• Lyrics about "bitches" and "ho's": "Anything I’ve ever said, I certainly was feeling at the time. But I think I’ve calmed down a bit. My overall look on things is a lot more mature than it used to be."

(More Eminem stories.)