Eminem's childhood home catches fire

Eminem's childhood home -- the one that was pictured on his breakout debut The Marshall Mathers LP and new album MMLP2 -- was badly damaged by a fire last night, according to TMZ.

The home, which was purchased by Em's famous 'mama' back in 1987 for just under $20K, sustained damage to the second floor after a fire started at around 6:20 p.m. Thursday night.

The house has changed hands several times since Eminem and his mother left it, and is currently owned by a bank after failing to sell at auction. Eminem used the house to send a poignant message about where he came from on his debut and recently, how far distanced he is from those days on MMLP2's deluxe edition cover art. 

As for the album itself, it got generally good reviews from critics but, much like the original, has drawn the ire of the LGBT community for use of anti-gay slurs. Out singer-songwriter Sia who collaborated with Em on the album, recently donated the proceeds from her contribution to a charity that benefits homeless LGBT youths.

Eminem has gone on record saying that he is by no means a bigot, using the "that's just how we talked" defense. 

Have you heard MMLP2 yet? What's your take on Eminem's ongoing controversial lyrics?