Eminem Surprises E3 Crowd With Guests Travis Barker, Rihanna

Eminem performed an electrifying set at Activision’s E3 party on Monday night, demolishing any thoughs of if he is truly back to rapping . Eminem was the healiner of the show that featured Usher, Will.I.Am, N.E.R.D., Jane’s Addiction, Chris Cornell, David Guetta, Deadmau5 and DJ Z-Trip.

Eminem started his show with his first guest of the night,Travis Barker jumping behind the drums for an acrobatic drum solo . Em joined him moments later (flanked by D12’s Denaun Porter), taking the stage just before midnight. The D12 member was dressed in all black and had a platinum cross hanging from his neck .

With Em, Barker, Porter and a live band all onstage, the crowd was up on its feet right from the get-go . The six-song set began with “Won’t Back Down,” off of Recovery, Eminem said the album will be out June 21 , a day earlier than originally planned. The energy level was so high in the stadium that you could feel the floor shack .

Eminem followed with a couple of his recent features — one from B.o.B’s “Airplanes (Part II)” and the other from Drake’s “Forever.” As Drake’s chorus blared, Eminem marched down the stage’s catwalk, chanting “Bounce, bounce, bounce.” He was clearly on his game, bobbing and weaving while he delivered his verses. Barker drumming technique made it feel like more of a rock show than rap show .

After three songs, Eminem addressed his adoring crowd, shouting, “Los Angeles! What the f— is up? Make some motherf—ing noise!” As if he had to ask, Staples Center erupted in ovation.

Em then dedicated his next song , “Not Afraid,” to all of the fans that have stuck by his side over the years . His live band was joined by a full orchestra on both sides of the stage. If that wasn’t enough, later in the song, Eminem was joined by an entire gospel choir that numbered in the dozens.

Then Eminem sprung his next surprise. “Before I get into this next song,” he said, “I wanna bring out a very special guest.” After a few moments, Barbadian beauty Rihanna appeared onstage with a bright crop of candy-apple-red hair. The duo got right into “Love the Way You Lie” — another new song off the upcoming Recovery. Em and Ri had great chemistry onstage, taking turns sauntering down the catwalk and passing glances at each other throughout the performance.

As the song ended, the show seemed to be over. Eminem thanked the crowd and exited the stage. His band stayed on, however, and slowly started playing the opening notes of “Lose Yourself.” As the song built, Eminem stormed back onto the stage and the crowd (as if they could get any louder) exploded. As he ripped through the song , Porter served as the hype-man, and excitement continued to build until the end, when a shower of gold confetti rained down on the audience .