Eminem, in the past, was one of my preferred rappers. keep in mind when he slayed Jay-Z on Renegade–spitting much better than Hova on Jay’s own album? keep in mind his traditional appearance on the MTV video Awards? Does he still have it?
Eminem’s albums as well as singles considering that The Eminem show have felt luke warm as well as uninspired–the type of music that must have come earlier in his career, not later. however it’s hard for a rapper to age. Hip hop is about immediacy. Hunger. Youth. Jay-Z as well as Eminem, both, in their albums released this year mention popular artists. Jay namechecks Basquiat while Marshall Mathers talks about Picasso. Both of these artists have aged, as well as gotten rich. Very, extremely rich. They’ve likewise altered the rap game, permanently as well as for the better, as a result of their catalogs. as well as for both of them, their age shows. On tunes like “Berzerk” as well as “Bad Guy,” Em seems to be trying as well difficult to recapture exactly how shocking he utilized to be, as well as as a result he just seems desperate. as well as at times he seems to be telling us what a rebel he is, as well as as a listener that only makes me think: “Why does he requirement to remind us?” Show, don’t tell, Shady.
But the album does have its moments. On “Rap God” as well as “Legacy” Eminem gets back to the type of honest, self-revelation that made him so dazzling in the very first place–discussing his own condition as an older, wiser, powerful rap mogul. as well as the moments that shine, we can see the brilliance he still has. “Survival,” the “Call of Duty” song, isn’t poor however isn’t great. It’s type of like “Elevators” or “Ass like That.” It’s clearly a single, as well as you can hear the money it took to produce. however it’s good. Not great, however good.
On the whole, I’d state half this album is as great as anything Em’s done before as well as the rest is mainly decent.