Yelawolf 'Doing Well' Despite Spleen Injury

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By Rob Markman, with reporting by Nadeska Alexis

Friday night’s Shady 2.0 showcase at SXSW is sure to be a good time, but don’t expect Yelawolf to join the party. The Gadsden, Alabama, MC was hospitalized March 2 with an injury to his spleen after a stage-diving accident in Madison, Wisconsin.

"I have [spoken] to him, I spoke to him, I called him and checked on him. I think he stage-dove or something like that," Royce da 5'9" told MTV News of Yela's status when we caught up with the MC in Austin, Texas. "I don't know if people know this because Yelawolf is such a mild-mannered, laidback kinda guy, but he gets real rowdy onstage and he doesn't mind putting his physical health in danger as well as the fans', which makes for a greater show."

No doubt, Yela has earned a reputation as an energetic performer, mixing both rap and punk-rock elements into his stage show. Unfortunately, after the Wisconsin show, doctors recommended he cancel a number of dates, including a concert at Saint Andrew's Hall in label boss Eminem's native Detroit and, of course, tonight's SXSW showcase.

Not that the Shady 2.0 show will be without highlights. 50 Cent is set to perform his 2003 classic debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin', in its entirety and Slaughterhouse will take the stage in what is expected to be a lyrical free-for-all. Big K.R.I.T., Schoolboy Q, Action Bronson and XXL freshman Don Trip are also scheduled to hit the stage.

As far as Catfish Billy, Royce expects his buddy to make a full recovery. "He's well, he's doing well," he said, "He just had to cancel a couple of shows just so he could get right."

SXSW is under way in Austin, Texas, and MTV News has you covered with all of the action. From the Woodies on March 15 to behind-the-scenes scoop on festival showcases from Lil Wayne, T.I., 50 Cent and many more, stick with us for unprecedented access!

[url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/03/16/yelawolf-doing-well-despite-spleen-injury/]View the full article[/url]