Eminem sets Kimmel dates; Relapse album files leaked online

Two big pieces of Eminem news: A version of the rapper’s new album, “Relapse,” apparently has leaked to the Web, and Em has set three dates with late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel — including one in metro Detroit.

Files labeled “Relapse” were appearing today on Web-based sharing sites. The Free Press cannot confirm that the downloads are identical to the official release, which is set to hit stores on May 19. Reps from his label declined to comment on the Web leaks.

During an interview with Eminem's Sirius satellite station Shade 45 on April 23, Eminem said he and his producer, Dr. Dre, were the only two with copies of the album to avoid the inevitable Internet leak. In 2004, fears of Internet piracy led the label to push up the release of his previous album “Encore” by a few days.

With “Relapse” scheduled for release on May 19, reps from “Jimmy Kimmel Live” announced Em will perform three times on the ABC talk show.

Shady is set to perform May 15, with additional appearances slated on the release date of “Relapse” on May 19 and then on May 22.

According to the release, the May 22 performance will feature two live songs from Detroit.

There has been a lot of chatter about a secret Eminem performance in metro Detroit since a contest was announced on Eminem.com at the end of April. The language for the CD-release event on the Web site said: “Hey you! Enter now for your chance to see Eminem in his hometown of Detroit, MI on 5/18!”

Since then, the “Mojo in the Morning” show on WKQI-FM (95.5) has been offering tickets to see the show, but no date or venue has been announced.