Eminem Defends Coloring "Recovery" Pink, "I Felt Like She Would Smash This Record" [Audio]

Grammy-winning rapper Eminem has defended his decision to feature pop artists, Pink and Rihanna, on his upcoming Recovery album.

Em also shed light on the production and upcoming "Not Afraid" music video.

Producers on Recovery include... Just Blaze, DJ Khalil, Mr. Porter, Jim Jonsin, Alex Da Kid, Boi-1da and Dr. Dre. The metaphorical video for "Not Afraid" debuts Saturday. "The overall concept is basically just being in a dark place and trying to get to the light." Rihanna - "It's one of those tracks that I felt like only she could pull it off." Pink - "I laid my parts first and kinda heard her on the record. I felt like she would smash this record, so I gave her a call and she was with it, so we did it." Lil Wayne - "I've always respected what Wayne does. Wayne to me is definitely one of the greatest in the game right now."

A tracklisting for Recovery was recently released online.

1. Cold Wind Blows 2. Talkin' 2 Myself Feat. Kobe 3. On Fire 4. Won't Back Down Ft. Pink 5. W.T.P. 6. Going Through Changes 7. Not Afraid 8. Seduction 9. No Love Ft. Lil Wayne 10. Space Bound 11. Cinderella Man 12. 25 to Life 13. So Bad 14. Almost Famous 15. Love the Way You Lie Ft. Rihanna 16. You're Never Over

Last month, Em also treated fans to the unveiling of his album's two artwork covers.

Just ripped these from Em's site. I'm sure higher resolutions will come soon. Hit the jump for the second one. If I had to guess, I would say the first image represents everyone watching him, and the second is supposed to show "the long road to Recovery" for him. Just personal thoughts. Any other ideas?

Em is currently preparing to unleash his next music video "Not Afraid" this weekend.

"For those 'patiently waiting', the NOT AFRAID video will premier Saturday 6/5. Details later...#recovery"

Recovery is scheduled to drop Tuesday, June 22nd.

Check out a portion of Eminem's interview down below: