Eminem, pictured during his 2022 Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performance, will open the MTV Video Music Awards. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Sept. 9 (UPI) — Eminem will perform new songs when he opens the MTV Music Video Awards show Wednesday.

The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), which dropped in July, is the first new album from the 51-year-old rapper since 2020.

He described his latest project as “conceptual,” and said the 19 songs were meant to be listened in a specific order for the meaning to shine through.

Tracks include “Tobey” with Big Sean and BabyTron and “Somebody Save Me” with Jelly Roll.

50 Cent is joined by Eminem during an unveiling ceremony honoring him with the 2,686th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020 in Los Angeles. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

In addition to the opening performance, Eminem is up for eight awards, which include acknowledgment in a brand-new category — VMAs Most Iconic Performance.

Megan Thee Stallion, pictured on the red carpet at the “Mean Girls” premiere on January 8, 2024 in New York City, is hosting the MTV VMAs. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

He will face off with Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Madonna. A group performance from Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott and Madonna is also in the running.

The 15-time Grammy award winner last kicked off the VMAs in 2010.

Katy Perry, seen at the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City on June 28, 2024, will perform a medley of her hits at the VMAs and receive the Video Vanguard award. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

The VMAs will be hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, and Katy Perry is the show’s Video Vanguard Award winner.

The show premieres Sept. 11.