THE United States presidential bodyguard said today it was examining lyrics by rap star Eminem to see whether he had threatened George Bush.

The Secret Service confirmed it was probing lyrics by the controversial artist, who says in a song: "I'd rather see the president dead.''

The words to the song, We As Americans, are available on the internet and have not been released by the award-winning rap artist.

Eminem says in the song: "F money, I don't rap for dead presidents. I'd rather see the president dead.''

The Secret Service, charged with protecting the president, said it was looking into the song's lyrics.

A spokesman said: "We are aware of the lyric and are in the process of determining what action, if any, will be taken.''

A spokesman for Oscar and Grammy award winner Eminem told CNN the song was not ready for release.

"This was an unfinished song, either lost or stolen,'' he said.

"There was no determination where, when, how or if it was going to be used.''

Eminem, from Detroit, came under fire recently after a tape was uncovered in which he condemned black women.

The star said the words were "foolishness'', and the result of a split with a black girlfriend.

Meanwhile, his track, Lose Yourself, has been nominated for song and record of the year at the 46th annual Grammy Awards, which will be presented in Los Angeles in February.