Rapper seeks escape from Eminem's shadow

DETROIT, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Rapper Obie Trice hopes his new album will show the world he's more than just a protege of fellow Detroiter Eminem.

"He's done a lot for me," says Trice, who's just released his second album, "Second Round's on Me," on Eminem's Shady Records label. "He opened a lot of doors for me and I greatly appreciate him for the music he brought me. I'm also a fan.

"But I don't like to be called his protege because way before I even met Eminem I've been developing myself as an artist. He opened a door for me and gave me the key and let me walk in."

Eminem is still an active participant on "Second Round's..." He executive produced the album, produced eight of the tracks and performs on one, "There They Go."

Other guests on the album include 50 Cent, Akon, Nate Dogg and Trey Songz.