Widespread bootlegging advances Eminem’s latest

Published 9:00 pm Friday, November 5, 2004

Citing Internet piracy and bootlegging as well as “rabid demand,” Interscope Records announced Thursday that Eminem’s new album, “Encore,” will be released Friday instead of Nov. 16.

The move echoes the label’s action on Eminem’s 2002 album “The Eminem Show,” which was moved up a week to undercut extensive piracy on the Internet and the streets. Many tracks from “Encore” are circulating on the Internet.

The album, which will come in a standard version and a collector’s edition with special packaging, is among the most anticipated releases of the year. “The Eminem Show” won two Grammys this year and sold 19 million copies worldwide, bringing the controversial rapper’s total to 50 million.