No need to sign him up for Celebrity Rehab 3! He’s handling those drug problems on his own. After a four-year hiatus it was questionable if the best-selling hip hop artist of all time could still kick it, but with loads of promotional buzz leading up to the new Relapse, Eminem has proven himself once again. Leading us down a path of addiction and abuse flashbacks, the Marshall Mathers we’ve known for over a decade is as provocative as ever on the new disc.

The wacky video for debut single “We Made You” mocks celebrity and its power. Did you ever think you’d see Em as Bret? Combine that with his extremely dark clip for “3AM,” and its obvious Slim Shady hasn’t lost his flair for controversy! It pays off. He recently set the charts on with the highest debut record sales of the year so far.

Also returning from some time off is Rob Thomas, whose new solo album, Cradlesong, hits stores on June 30th! Even after taking a break, both of these guys are working to confirm they still got it, moving into the spotlight without breaking a sweat.

Our “Leading Men” playlist features Rob’s “Her Diamonds” (with a cameo from Alicia Silverstone!) alongside Em’s more scandalous vids. Check it out right now. David Cook, Kanye West and other dashing gents will also be found there! – Lacey Seidman

If a band can overwhelm you with a first flourish of sound, there’s a good chance that you’ll be impressed forever. SAFETYSUIT likes to make a big splash. That’s why they blast their way through “Someone Like You” to kickoff their disc, Life Left To Go. They’re asking questions all over this album: how much emotion can one relationship handle? What do you do if you believe the end is near? Isn’t holding on better than letting go? Singer Doug Brown, guitarist Dave Garofalo, bassist Jeremy Henshaw, and drummer Tate Cunningham love their music to punch the air – fierce yet graceful, their songs have a way of soaring. They know about catchy refrains, too. Fans of Rob Thomas and U2, the southern boys (Nashville via Tulsa, y’all) bend their influences to come up with something unique. The are one of our latest You Oughta Know bands. We spoke with golfing fiend Brown about a variety of subjects.

ODDLY, YOU GUYS ARE A ROCK BAND ON THE MOTOWN LABEL. GOT A FAVORITE R&B SINGER?

It’s weird, right? R&B isn’t my main focus, but I like Ray Charles. Unless of course we’re going to go straight to Brian McKnight, and then I’m going to go with “Back At One.” If you say you don’t have a favorite Brian McKnight, you’re a liar.

YOU LIVE IN NASHVILLE. EVER BUMP INTO A COUNTRY STAR IN THE GROCERY STORE?

Well, I saw Faith Hill downtown at a Mexican restaurant – you don’t expect to her when you’re reaching for a taco.

IS THERE ONE ICONIC ARTIST THAT YOU GUYS CAN’T AGREE ON?

Great question – ha! He’ll kill me for saying it, but Tate our drummer appreciates every single Sting song ever. But if you actually listen to every Sting song ever, you’ll find that some are not worth appreciating. He’s got lots of great ones, but some you have to say “that just might be one of his weaker songs.”

AND THE ARTISTS YOU DO AGREE ON?

That will reveal the depth of what we’re into. I’d say U2, Springsteen, Coldplay – we all know they’re great. Though lately [there’s some differences about] “Outlaw Pete” on Springsteen’s new album. I think it’s brilliant. The story is awesome, and the fact that he calls him Pete is great. Not everyone agrees. One of our promo guys is a massive Springsteen fan, and we go “Hey “Outlaw Pete,” awesome, right?” And he says “Ehhh…” But turn it on, and I guarantee you’ll fall for it.

DID YOU TWEET BEFORE YOU WENT TO BED LAST NIGHT?

I did it yesterday, when I was playing golf with Jeremy. It said “Playing golf with great friends…and Jeremy.” He actually got the update while we were on the course.

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