The Marshall Mathers LP was great for a ton of obvious reasons but one aspect that rarely gets analyzed is how beautifully it spotlighted Eminem, the then 28-year-old soon-to-be “rap god,” as he wrestled with his newfound fame.
Particularly on “The Way I Am,” which goes into great detail about how fame has disrupted Em’s right to privacy (“And I’m thankful for every fan that I get, but I can’t take a shit in the bathroom without someone standing by it”), and “Marshall Mathers,” where his self-titled psychiatrist couch session uncovers the warranted horrors that come with outgrowing your status.
Especially — ESPECIALLY from a Hip Hop point of view. The culture was founded on a sense of pride, realism and credibility that would inevitably have to backseat things once real business savvy came into play. And Eminem was feeling the brunt when he was just trying to do him.
“Now these kids diss me and act like some big sissies/ ‘Oh, he just did some shit with Missy/ So now he thinks he’s too big to do some shit with MC Get-Bizzy,'” he fumed midway through “Marshall Mathers'” free-falling vent.
“Realest Shit I Ever Wrote”: Word to 2Pac.
Although the name never became as synonymous with the underground as “Stan” did with fanatics, Eminem did pay considerable dues alongside the Get-Bizzys of the world in lieu of the obviousness that his skin color afforded him a bit of affirmative action within Hip Hop’s stratosphere. This is a guy whose first album sounds like it was exclusively recorded on an 8-track tape.
A guy who comfortably nestled alongside a slew of “real” MCs on Sway & King Tech’s heralded Wake Up Show “Anthem” and also boosted his discography with guest appearances for Rawkus Records’ Soundbombing II compilation, Funkmaster Flex, Shabaam Sahdeeq and several other underground projects. This is a guy who once admitted he was too nervous to cop a Rolex at a time when his album was fast-tracking towards diamond status and MTV’s TRL couldn’t stop talking about him.
Em even joked about the “sellout” accusations during his 2015 Genius annotating spree on the aforementioned “Marshall Mathers” line when he wrote, “MC Get-Bizzy just went platinum in Guam. His single ‘Bizzy Bounce’ has topped the charts over there. I missed out. Damn.”
But after the revelation that was the Revival tracklisting, it’s painfully obvious that Eminem doesn’t thrive off of being associated with any traditional Hip Hop sensibilities anymore.
Now, rarely does Eminem share his own album limelight with other rappers. Given the amount of raw talent currently existing on Shady Records, one would think that’s where the collaborations would stem from. While P!nk and Skylar Grey are his longtime homies, and Beyoncé and Alicia Keys are just golden voices any respectable artist should want to record with, the message is clear that Eminem wants to attract active mainstream music consumers at any cost. I’m not sure if there was a campaign for an Eminem x Ed Sheeran collaboration though. We must have missed that one on Twitter.
Allow me to add that calling Eminem a “sellout” will always be a reach. There isn’t an accolade, criticism or run of bad music that can rupture his Hip Hop credibility. He’s got the props and the plaques to prove it. If selling out constitutes being the second highest-selling male artist of all time, then every Tom, Dick and Harry should be vying for the stereotype.
Embed from Getty Images
Where’s Slaughterhouse and WS Boogie?
But is there a sense of forgotten roots or general boredom with the perennial culture of rap? Kitschy records such as “Cinderella Man,” “Drug Ballad,” “Ass Like That” and “Cum On Everybody” have always permeated Eminem albums, not to mention the obviousness of mainstream ploys that accompany his lead singles. Yet, a consistent vibe of Hip Hop has been growing increasingly scarce, in terms of production and general rhyme schemes. Revival‘s (kickoff?) single, “Walk on Water,” has the now 45-year-old MC acknowledging the underlying consensus of his music these days (“There was a time I had the world by the balls, eating out my palm/ Every album, song I was spazzin’ the fuck out on/ And now I’m getting clowned and frowned on”).
That time he speaks of is most likely between the years of 2000-2002, which brought forth The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show and 8 Mile-everything. It was a time that also brought forth his most symmetrical Hip Hop material. While artists eventually evolve, the hibernation of Slim Shady in favor of a more gleaming pop sound is taking Eminem out of the top rap conversations. If you look at recent Grammy-nominated rap albums such as the pristine Laila’s Wisdom by Rapsody or even heavy favorite JAY-Z’s bare-bones 4:44, it’s apparent that rap simply is enough these days. Even Nicki Minaj, who’s dodged criticisms of not being Hip Hop enough while simultaneously becoming the biggest female Hip Hop artist of all time, has revealed plans to return to the essence on her next go-around.
So why is Eminem doubling down — hell, tripling down on his bets on the record sales safeguards? Is it fear, stubbornness or boredom? It’s a safe assumption that he’ll get radio play no matter how seedy — or sugary — the content is.
Only Detroit’s Finest can give us that answer.
What we do know is there’s been reluctance. The tail end of “Walk On Water” ends with a rare direct boast daring anyone to question his solidification, seeing that he is the creator of “Stan” (easily one of the greatest rap songs to ever hit a CD). But Eminem has known to be reluctant about giving himself credit, even where and when it’s due. An earlier line in “Walk on Water” where he spits, “I’m not God-sent, Nas, Rakim, ‘Pac, B.I.G., James Todd Smith/ And I’m not Prince, so…” attests to that (as does a previous DXBreakdown, which you can watch below).
I don’t necessarily like “Walk On Water” but I do appreciate the headspace Marshall Mathers has found himself in. The saying “once an addict, always an addict” doesn’t yield to any sort of financial status or physical strength, so for him to divulge in music that delivers a sense of catharsis — especially if it’s keeping him alive — then so be it.
It’s just disappointing it can’t be beats, rhymes and life that bring everybody onto the rap side.
The real side.
First off this is a surprisingly well written article. Personally, I’m going to reserve judgement until I hear the album. I agree there are too many pop features, but they are clearly just hooks. And sure, Ed Sheeran is a pop star, but he makes good music, and can actually spit. He can outrap any of these mumble clowns, but obviously isn’t in the league of eminem/Nas/kendrick. My only problem with the tracklist is the lack of guest verses. Phresher seems like the only one. This is the biggest rapper on the planet, why can’t he have Nas/Jay/kendrick/Cole. I mean if he pushed the button he could have them all on a single song! That’s been the problem his last few albums, not enough guest verses. It’s what I love most about hip hop.
He took a massive dump on his (ex-)fans. The hate for him is real. Personally i wish for his death. He has completely ruined his legacy, and for this reason they should just put him to sleep like a sick animal.
Bruh just listen to his old tracks it’s that simple. If his music is classic and timeless like you think it is, replaying them shouldn’t be an issue.
Amen.
And as an old big fan “stan ” i say… Time to retire, everything is being too pathetic, just stop it.
Why are motherfuckers complaining, Eminem’s the lyricist the singers compliment him. I swear everything is a topic
This article is utter bullshit and clickbait off Em’s name as usual. You ain’t even heard the album so how can you comment on it’s content?..remember, don’t judge a book by its cover (literally!)..all the featured artists are great artist that anyone at the top of their game would wanna collaborate with..we don’t know the lyrical content or artistic direction that he is taking…so sit back down, you idiots.
From a music stand point, who would want to collaborate with Beyonce? Her music sucks, she’s overrated af!
Dr Dre u soldout…went from Raiders caps, black Levi’s, gold chains, locs and K Swiss to business suits and ties. Lame.
So changing clothes means you sold out? Did you listen to compton???
It was garbage…go get Dazamataz by Daz Dillinger
Its pretty simple guys. Eminem without drugs is wack. Sad but true
Exactly, without drugs and with the money… cause u know when u broke u give ur best to reach the dollars. Once he got the dollars he started gettin softer and softer…. One word, SELLOUT.
I’ve given up on the old Marshall poking his head out from the sand; he’s 45 years old with a music career that can’t be matched by most, I’ve had a ton of good memories with his first three albums as a teen into my twenties and if he wants to close out his career working with pop stars instead of the newer generation of rappers so be it. I can’t imagine the label is worried about sales, and if they are I’d think Kendrick and Cole on a track or tracks with Em would be more appealing than another record with Skylar or Pink but what the fuck do i know. Perhaps Em doesn’t feel like he could keep up with the younger rappers we want to hear him spit with some he figures “fuck it, i just won’t.” Walk on Water wasn’t anything to write home about, I’ll give the rest of the album a listen next week but I’m not holding my breath from any sort of playback value from any of it.
Nailed it, well said.
Em never was big on features. Anyone he does jump on a track with he brings out the best in that artist. I’m also just waiting to sit back and listen to the album. Honestly I’ve never been a huge fan of his singles, not afraid, survival, his best songs are usually somewhere hidden in the tracklist. Recovery is my personal favorite, but ppl don’t bump shit like cold wind blows and almost famous. Mmlp2, groundhog day was fu**ing insane. Hands down the best that ever did it.
Pop star? Yeah he is just like britiney… just like Bruno…. just like mj?!?! Shut the fuck up and learn how to categorize the goat. Fuck justin hunte
No. Like Drake. Or Macklemore. Those are Pop stars. Em definitely has a lot of pop tracks. And Pac the goat kys.
When Em started to give a fuck and take this seriously is when you all started to say he washed up…but he never fell off he just started takin his shit seriously…we shld all stop wishin for the old shady cz that guy is gone…lets try to understand and embrace the new Em…he still got rhymes none of u kids can fuck with
Trent my man! This is one slick ass article that I’m gonna have to read twice just to let it marinate in my brain lol Hip Hop is asking so much from Em, if you’re gonna call yourself a rap god then prove it! not with a bunch of singles, but a solid Hip Hop/Rap deity flowing god body emcees featuring album!
Preach!
Maaan, leave the dude alone, Em always delivers bars, let him make music, you guys are driving a legend out of the game that’s still killing every verse he touches. It’s ridiculous. We’re judging him based off a tracklist, stfu and wait to listen to the album. We don’t say shit when all these wack ass mumble rappers release an album but we criticize the likes of Eminem with every verse he spits. Gtfoh
I really can’s stand this generation of Hip-Hop. These mofos are NEVER HAPPY! Em gave us mad “Pure Hip-Hop” albums including his last one and all you F*ck boys kept saying “He’s fallen off” or “He’s not relevant.” Now he’s doing something different and you F*ck faces are complaining as if you ever F*cking rode with Em to begin with? GTFOH! This man’s legacy and catalogue speaks for itself. I wish y’all came at these lame a** lil Yachty, Verts and Migos type N*ggas with the same F*cking energy. You wont because your F*kcing sheep. Get off Em’s D*ck.
Should probably just listen to the album first before saying it’s too mainstream. Probably.
Should’ve just let Dre produce the whole album and let Conway, Slaughterhouse & Nas (even Kool G Rap said he wanted a collabo) feature. He ruined his own legacy by ignoring the pioneers that he himself said was his most important goal of making music. Em wtf are you doin?!?!
Actually his label is more hip hop than he is at the moment. Way more. But that’s only because Em has fans he has to cater to. Dont forget there are of tons of people who hate hip hop, but love Eminem.
“I’m starting to feel like I’m a pop god, pop god..”
Didnt even get through all of MMLP2…made my teeth hurt. Looking at this tracklist…sugary pop all over it…may not get through this one.
em is getting older, he’s maturing, he’s not in his 20’s anymore. If you were really looking for another slim shady album then honestly you dumb. the man is clean, he went through relapse, recovery, now we hear the revival. not every song has to be a black out from the man where he says controversial shit. he says it himself in walk on water, even if the man gave you what you wanted there would be something wrong. i think he’s evolving and I’m excited to see what the GOAT has in store
I really wonder why. Why does he feel the need to make pop music. He’s the most famous rapper ever, he could do what he want, people would listen to it anyway. He could make a pure rap album, just bars, and millions of people would listen to it anyway.
So why the need to be as commercial as possible? He’s in a position that other artists dream of, with the possibility to do WHATEVER he wants.
I’m just confused by his mindset.
Yall HHDX cornballs love deleting comments, for no good reason. I dont think Em is scared per se, just think he caves in to Interscope’s/Universal’s (and maybe Dre’s) wishes too easily. If he refused to give in, he could probably put out any album he wants, without Taylor Swift and Jonas Brothers hooks. If any rapper has the clout to put out the kind of project they want on a major, its him. The closest he’s came to a pure hip-hop project last decade or so has been the Bad Meets Evil joint, and even that had some cornball stuff on it.
“I’m sick of you little girl and boy groups, all you do is annoy me, so I’ve been sent here to JOIN you!”
Brilliant comment Tom. Hilarious mate.
There’s a huge difference between the pop acts of the late 90’s and early 2000’s who were basically just industry puppets, and artists like Ed Sheeran who actually create their shit. Acts like Backstreet Boys were just that, acts. They had people write and produce their own music, and then performed it. Not even a relevant comment.
Uh, thats still that case mate. Ed Sheeran, to be fair to you, does write his own shitty music though, so I’ll give you that.
Jay-z Feat R-Kelly, Beyonce, Rihana pop stars?
K-Dot Feat TYlor Swift, Alicia Keys, Riahana, Sia Pop stars?
Kanye West Feat Katy Perry, jimmie Fox, Beyonce, Riahana , Nikki Minaj, Keri Hilson pop stars?
Eminem. GOAT
He hasn’t even dropped the album and you are hating on it cause of the track list. That’s fucking wack. Is this what the music reporting community has come to, hating on titles and features without listening to the music. Bad move.
check 2pac al eyez on me the freautings
its like this album
Na na na. This is not the proper track listing.
The whole advertising concept of this album has been fed off of propaganda.
Em ain’t stupid! You think he does not understood what he built his own career on!
Putting pop music in its place!
On top of that he is a hip hop finatic/ Wikipedia. (Why would I want to destroy something I helped build. Toy Soldiers).
Watch and see. He playing with you all
Wish I could see your face when this album drops. LOL
Yeah it’s all an elaborate plan to release an illmatic and catch us off guard..grow the fuck up I love em but he’s been wack like that for a while
Grow up!
You listening to yourself. Please tell me when anybody is going to drop another illmatic!!!! 1994. I ain’t saying it’s going to BE another MMLP. Just saying that I ain’t having that track List
Taste for tears. On a real you telling me the marketing on this album ain’t been propaganda based from the off ?
Makes no sense to hate on the tracklist and the artists featured without hearing the music. You gave him a pass for Alicia and Beyonce, also for pink and Skylar but not for Ed Sheeran. Seems you don’t realize that Ed Sheeran loves Eminem and has stated it publicly. I guess making music with ppl who admire you is a trash move nowadays. Also, fuck Dx for deleting comments that make sense while allowing racist/ignorant shit to flow like the diarrhea it is.
Infinite
If Eminem hasn’t dropped nothing dope since Eminem show or MMLP, why are you even here? All the albums from Encore on, fans have said Em fell off, but yet your here, years later. Waiting anxiously.
Took a while for the Stans to arrive. They finally here, defending their Hero. Welcome to a Hip Hop Website
You want the old Eminem go buy his old Albums, i want Eminem to keep evolving and pushing the genre to new heights, i’m interested in hearing that ed sheeran collaboration and alicia keys, listening to the first single with Beyonce i believe this album would have a little more soulful feeling, if that’s whats coming i’m excited for it #lokixximo
lol you WANT an Eminem album to feature Beyoncé, pink, x ambassadors, and ed Sheran? What the actual FU*K lmaoooo
Just to be clear; if you say ‘what the ACTUAL f*ck’, your argument is automatically invalid. That’s just a brainless saying, which shouldn’t exist anymore.
Eminem hasn’t “evolved” as you so incorrectly put it, since going from Infinite through to MMLP, everything he’s released since has been a step backwards. Walk on Water is unlistenable. If you’re interested in hearing that Ed Sheeran collab, then you’re clearly not an Eminem fan, which, to be fair, he doesn’t seem to be either any more.
I’m not incorrect, Marshall Mathers has different personalities, Slim Shady is more of an alter ego for Eminem. Slim Shady is the dark, twisted, and violent side of Eminem’s music, so this is an Eminem Album which would be the follow up of Recovery.
Thats not evolution you muppet, thats just recording songs under different “personas”. And what, Em was more grown up and less violent and twisted on Recovery was he? Case in point: “I’ll kick a bitch in the c()nt ’til it makes a queef. And sounds like a f*ckin’ whoopee cushion.” GTFOH.
And Eminem going pop isn’t evolution of hip hop haha. An example of hiphop evolving was kendricks GKMC. It took old concepts to a newer age sound. Emine having Beyoncé and pink on an album isn’t evolution. It’s called “Hip POP”. Shit, and one of Ja Rules albums is 5x more hiphop than this revival pop piece
DX I don’t know who gives better beak you or the em stans
Word, dude sounds like an old crazy man ranting and raving. Not saying to bring the old em back, but can we get one that flows a little better instead of this skitsophrenic angry shit. Walk on Water is trash for sure. Hope we get something better. Where’s the funny Slim Shady at?
And YELLING on every record now. He’s done!
Let the man just do his thing. Legend and always will be!
Ab-so-f*cking-lutely! What’s with these lame features? What happened to this guy? All of these Pop/Rock ballad a** records. Smfh?!
M isn’t afraid to make a hip hop record. He doesn’t want to make one. M has been selling out for years. He is a pop star now. Pop stars make more money than anybody else. Taylor swift used to be country before she sold out. Pop stars don’t care about the music genre. They just want the most money. M will never do another hip-hop record because it is all about the money. He just used hip hop music as a vehicle to become a pop singer. Will the REAL SLIM SHADY please stand up, please stand up, please stand up. You fans were tricked into liking M, SORRY.
So Eminem aint hiphop, but all that mumble rap is?? .. gtfoh .. everyone been saying he aint hiphop since My Name Is .. i remember he got criticized for the his collabs on his 1st album when the tracklist hit too .. stfu and go listen to Lil Peep, bitches ..
it is actually very possible to dislike mumble rap and also dislike pop-tinged rap.
I’ve been an Em fan forever and his first 3 records go in the history books (not counting infinite dipshits)_but shit the only reason we kept fuckin with him was cause he looked like us. Be real there’s a grip of MC’s a few shades darker that are just as dope if not better. But we shit on them while cupping Ems balls while he releases shit like Walk on Water or that shit where he was rapping like fucking Yoda. Yeah I’m done with it. New Meyhem and Muggs is fire though. Cop that.
i love the track with Roc Marci, but i dont like some of the beats on here. maybe i need to listen again. Eminem is for sure up there.. even Rap God is one of the most impressive lyrical tracks in the last few years
Man, he said he doesn’t like the direction hip hop is Taking because he can’t relate to mumble rap and things like that, so why the fuck he would feature a rapper if he doesn’t like what he’s doing?
And how can you judge a album just by it’s tracklist.
Oh and remember that almost unknown song called “stan” from an album that achive no fucking records and it definitely wasn’t realesed when he Was “old Em”? It has a pop singer on it.
Bro you’re wack, take the Shady butt plug out, you know, the one he sent to Elton? The only excuse I’ll accept is he has early On-Set (no Migos) Dementia, or Parkinson’s. Judging from his appearance that actually makes sense. How ironic would that be?
Brace for impact. The album is going to be terrible. No Royce, no D12, no Slaughterhouse, no Conway and WSG, no Yelawolf, no 50. Probably not even any Dre, Mr. Porter, or Alchemist beats. I just want an Em album where he does shit like he did on that bonus track with Buckshot from MMLP2 (I think it was called “Don’t Front”), just dope ass battle raps with boom bap beats and scratches, but that album will probably never happen. It’s not like he doesn’t have creative control either, because the highest selling artist of last decade should have no issues with the label telling him what kind of music to make. He chooses to make all this wack pop shit.
“I just want an Em album where he does shit like he did on that bonus track with Buckshot from MMLP2 (I think it was called “Don’t Front)”
Say it again!
Mr. Porter produced the track with Phresher, and according to Wikipedia there will be two Alchemist beats…
And… Dre is supposed to be the producer for the Alicia Keys track
Alchemist… So those songs will have cheap-sounding production (nice sample, but dull drums – rarely he does both things right). Mr. Porter at least has proven himself as a VERY consistent and quality producer – Em should use his and Dre’s beats instead. Hell, even Em himself could out-do Alc easily and he’s not even that good at making beats – he has still more bangers under his name as a producer than Alchemist has.
Alchemist has made a few decent (but not amazing) beats here and there along the years, so there’s like 0.05 % chance Em paid him so much money that he actually tried to work for it. Funny how people always get excited when they hear that he produced a new song – HIS BEATS FUCKING SUCK ASS, they are as shitty as your generic trap beat with those annoying hi-hats and retarded drums, most people seem to get confused by the copycat hiphop-like sound he tries to replicate. I hate to break it to you, but that’s not all that makes a good beat. However, I admit that ‘Albert Einstein’ album had some okay beats. I even can nod my head while listening to it, so it’s not like he’s totally incapable – but that the rest of his beats sound so fucking LAZY or that he used whatever drum kit he could find fast.
You’re the only person I’ve ever heard say Al was trash LMAO!!!!! You reaching bro I can dig it if YOU don’t like his beats but cmon doggie there’s no rally of heads saying the same
Not a single person on Twitter, Facebook, hiphop dx, anywhere has heard the album.. Yet somehow journalists, hip hop heads, experts all somehow know how this album is gonna sound.. just baffling to me.. people are teeter totters. This album is intriguing. If he is doing story telling tracks why would Ed Sheeran not be ok for a hook?? What if the feature is a 3 word melody that comes before the Eminem chorus drops..? Stan featured Dido.. Who in the late 90s was a one hit pop wonder… and it worked out. I think Em is fully aware of concerns and is gonna shock the world with a hip hop gem.
I hope you’re right but I’m not expecting you to be
Every new album he features the newest Pop Stars who are hot tight now. Remember Bruno Mar’s. That song is straight Trash! I want this album to be good, bit it wont be.
It’s so God damn corny how many things you so called fans say is trash. It’s just as trendy as these pop stars you’re bashing. Just shut the fuck up and enjoy the music. Or don’t. But nobody gives a fuck when people say something is trash because in this cornball day and age, it applies to everything.
Ryan, you’re an idiot. This album is gonna be trash. I was on Eminem’s dick once as well, but I’ve realized his time is done bro. Just let it go.
Ryan, you’re an idiot. This album is gonna be trash. I was on Eminem’s dick once as well, but I’ve realized his time is done bro. Just let it go.
Now an em album which would strictly feature Kanye and cudi… that would be dope
This track listing is gay as shit by looking at those guest appearances. This isn’t hip hop at fucking all. Garbage pop
Eminem should quit
Eminem praises other rappers such as “Redman, Jay, B-Real, Yet he runs off to do songs with Pink and Skylar Grey…??
Come the F*k on son! He wears Run DMC and Beastie boys shirts but this dude just sells out.
I want this album to be good but it will suck, the corporate machine has done the Math and realized this will sell to Pop thirsty teens. Does’nt Em have enough Money? If Eminem love’s rap and Hip Hop as much as he says he does, make a fucken Rap record! No one wants to her mother of 3 Beyonce, and Fire Crouch Red Nuts Ed Sheeran on a hip Hop Album.
Who did the label pay for this album? Eminem admitted to selling out before. The incessant lauding of an undeserving rapper like Eminem dilutes talent expectation in rap music. I am disappointed in the endorsement of a white sellout
This album is a slap in the face of his fans. He knows we wanted a hip-hop album and does this shit instead, first em album I won’t be buying hard copy of. I’ve been burned by him to many times now.
Em is washed up, I hate to say it. Get back on the drugs, maybe you’ll keep spitting those fire bars you once had.
I think he has, and that’s the problem. Look at his eyes in pictures. Am I being rude? No I don’t think so. Someone’s got to say it. I don’t want to enable him.
People are judging the album before they’ve even heard it? Seriously? This is why artist don’t take music journalist seriously. My reaction to the guest list for the album was, “who?”, but can we at least wait till we have heard the album before we judge it?
True. Maybe a hiphop album loaded with mainstream pop stars can some how be totoaly hiphop , that’s logical righttttt? No. Tracklist isn’t hiphop. Won’t be hiphop.
Most of the crap that’s being lauded by critics or being nominated for awards is boring. If that’s what “real” hip-hop is, you can keep it! Most rappers now are following the current pop-star trend, which is to deliver a safe, no frills album devoid of any excitement whatsoever in the hopes of being taken “seriously”. I don’t wanna listen to that! Give me Nicki, Beyoncé, P!nk & yes, Ed Sheeran; either on their own or as features on a rap album. I wanna dance, bop my head & finger-wave the afternoon away. I don’t want to sit in a chair marveling how hip-hop got its substance back.
Nicki is an overly sensitive trash fire.
Don’t listen to hip-hop then bry ….cause I’m definitely not listening to any of that shit called music you are suggesting
Yeah, this does seem to be a shitty tracklist, but you never know. If it has a couple straight hip hop songs ill be fine. His last album I wasn’t too impressed with, but his song”legacy” is one of my all time favorites by him, that song is genius. Im more excited for all the songs on the album with no features.
It possible. He’s making pop songs beacause he can’t find a solid countermatch in hiphop anymore. Anyway the comments he made in the anti trump freestyle made me upset. I wont’s buy his album because he desrepected me as a fan in his latest freestyle as i sasid before.
Won’t buy his album cause you’re a Trump supporter and it upset you? Haha. Maybe you need to learn about politicians by reading a book and not by listening to rappers opinions. If you want to support a KKK sympathizer, thats on you. Not Em. Cornball.
Kkk sympathiser? You are one misinformed IDIOT.
If em really cared about hiphop and all the great rappers he’s shouted out over the years or giving props to, he would be signing these guys to shady or atleast getting some features going but he never has bc deep down he doesn’t really give a fuck . Say what you want about 50 but that guy not only took better care of his artists and gave better jump starts than any other rapper but he also sign guys like Mobb Deep and MOP when they were past their prime outta love and respect . Ems undoubtly an amazing rapper , he might even be the greatest ….but he’s a phony sellout .
First off, great article. Let’s be honest Em used to diss the pop acts now he IS the pop act.
Click bait bullshit. Em aint my favorite but ill give him the benefit of the doubt. DAMN proly my fav album of the year and kendrick had rihanna, zachari and fuking U2 as the only guests. Whos more sellout than U2. Ended up a dope track and the rest is history. Ill save my opinion til the 15th. Hiphopdx need to stop acting like a gossip blog and get off the bull
Great point but no one is ever alarmed by Kendrick’s features because thus far, he’s stuck to a pure hip hop formula. Em has a history of making over the top, pop power ballads that lean 100% into pop music territory. In other words, Kendrick’s and Em’s musical history are nowhere close. DAMN is also one of my favorites of ’17.
Actually, Kendrick should very much be called out for his pop bullshit too, and would be if it wasn’t for the fact that first, the distinction between pop and rap has been completely blurred these days and most people can’t tell the difference anymore as a result, and second, people are dick riding him en masse at the moment.
The truth is that his last album was half pure pop. OK, half an album of pure pop is better than a full album of pure pop, but in absolute terms it is still a disaster for the genre.
Please explain to me how U2 is a sellout again?
The biggest problem in hip hop the system that control refuse to honor its mature artist they aren’t treated like mature rock and roll artist the public has the power not these senior citizens who control what the public hear and see until we rise and raise these children who are suffering from the garbage they are hearing and seeing. to be honest it want be long because the devil power is falling look at Russell Simmons and Harvey Weinstein these two missed used their position and now its over when the rest are exposed they will all fall like dominos !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Preach!!
Youre all some stupid fucktads in the comment section, some of you are suggesting he quits, others are auggesting he gets back on drugs. FR? All you have to do is simply… stop listening.
Him dropping an album doesnt rake away your hip hop card you dumb fucks. Just DONT listen and youll be fine. Smfh.
Is this your first day on the internet? It’s going to be a rough ride.
He’s not afraid (not afraid) to take a stand (take a stand) lmao
Did you just laugh at your own joke on the internet?
Should Big Poppa Pasta write for Hiphopdx?
If Eminem wasn’t scared to make a Hip Hop Album ,the album would feature, 50 cent, Dr Dre, Snoop, D12, Salughterhouse. Royce, His old buds.
But he is hoping to appeal to a new audience with this new album. A new “major” audience.
If he wanted new artists on the project, what about Action Bronson, Joey Bad Ass, Joyner???
I heard the new album.
I give a half a star out of 5.
Eminem was always a pop icon even with his hip hop roots on his albums. He didn’t need to go this route with names like Beyoncé and Rihanna. He still sold more albums then any of them and still kept it straight pure hip hop. I can’t even stand his voice. I miss his signature high pitch shady voice that the lyrical skills of a rap god! I guess there’s Eminem no more.