Not everyone is uspet over Eminem's Grammy award nomination for Album of the Year.

Rocker Sheryl Crow, herself nominated for two Grammys, said, "I liked the Eminem record. I think it's a great-sounding record, and whether you like the content or not, it's a well-made record, and it's interesting-sounding and very infectious."

R&B singer Toni Braxton, up for two prizes as well, is also a fan of the rapper. "For me, I'm an artist, and [this issue makes me] think, `freedom of speech'; you've got to be able to do and sing what you want," she said. "That gives us choices in life, that's very important. His lyrics don't personally offend me, but I can understand why some people might be offended … but then, just don't listen."

The nomination has revived protests from The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, who issued a statement Tuesday in anticipation of Eminem's success with Grammy nominations. The group said his music is inseparable from its content, which they says advocates "violence against lesbians and gay men" and sends "explicit messages that endorse hatred."

The announcement drew attention to lyrics from the song "Criminal" on The Marshall Mathers LP: "My words are like a dagger with a jagged edge/ That'll stab you in the head/ Whether you're a fag or lez/ Or the homosex, hermaph, or a trans-a-vest/ Pants or dress - hate fags? The answer's `yes.'"

Eminem, who received the nod for his latest release, "The Marshall Mathers LP," is nominated for the Album of the Year prize at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards.