He's alive!

The seemingly retired rapper has been MIA for a few years now.

But, no worries - reports are that Slim Shady is about to begin working on his first new album since 2004!

A protege of Slim Shady's, Bishop Lamont, says Eminem is excited to be working on the project.

He's apparently "got a lot to get off his chest."

Lamont also said that Eminem was "emotionally devastated" following the killing of his friend and rapper Proof back in 2006.

He is now channeling his feelings into his music.

Lamont says, "He went through what he had to go through, and now he's been able to take all the pain and stress and put it out in his music."

So what happened between 2004-2006?

Why didn't do he produce anything during that time? Or 2007????

No news yet on when the new album will be released.

We can wait. We can definitely wait.

[Image via WENN.]

Read more at: http://perezhilton.com/2008-07-18-dont-call-it-a-comeback-cuz-it-wont-likely-happen.