Eminem revealed Revival‘s tracklist Tuesday (December 5), leaving many fans scratching their heads. Ed Sheeran? P!nk? Alicia Keys? It hardly seems like the Slim Shady of 2000’s Marshall Mathers LP, who would’ve had bars mocking these artists, right?
The 19-track offering features the aforementioned pop stars, Beyoncé (who’s featured on the project’s lead single “Walk On Water”), Kehlani, rock outfit X Ambassadors, PHresher (the sole rap feature), and frequent collaborator/songwriter Skylar Grey.
Like Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg tweeted, “Eminem’s features read like a we are the world album….for better or for worse.”
Eminem’s features read like a we are the world album….for better or for worse
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) December 5, 2017
The majority of fans seem to be primarily confused by the Sheeran collaboration, “River,” while others were disappointed Kendrick Lamar didn’t make it on the album. 2 Chainz was also noticeably absent, a collaboration fans thought was a no-brainer. Tity Boi posted pictures of himself with Em in June, sparking speculation a joint track was on the way. Then the following month, 2 Chainz was cagey about a collab actually existing during an interview with Hot 97.
I never thought I’d see the day where Eminem did a track with Ed Sheeran and now I’m mad that I will. https://t.co/WbtxGTXiH6
— Last Jedi Hype Train (@CASHEWJUlCE) December 5, 2017
eminem feat. ed sheeran will be the audio equivalent of an unseasoned chicken breast
— death bionicle (@krumpbattle) December 5, 2017
Tech 9 and 2 Chainz?? Where they at?
— ElitE (@itsEliteShady) December 5, 2017
no Griselda artists on the new Eminem album & the 2 Chainz song didnt make the cut. but Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys & Pink though! plenty of waiting room tunes otw
— Quitter Fredette (@HaroldBingo) December 5, 2017
When Ed Sheeran is featured on Eminem's new album ??
I want the old Slim Shady
— Brianna Claxon (@_bclax) December 5, 2017
Eminem got a song with phresher ?!?!? Nah I’ll believe it when i hear it. What happened to the 2 Chainz collab ??? https://t.co/dvkE8yoTz6
— ⭐️D⭐️ (@DSickMusic) December 5, 2017
Was praying for a collab with Kendrick but o well
— Muhammed Shagari (@Mshagy_02) December 5, 2017
Eminem got Pink, Kehlani, Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys on the album? Nah, he can keep it. This ain’t the Eminem I’m here for
— Prince Vegeta (@Presh_Frince) December 5, 2017
Dedicated Slim Shady fans on Reddit also came up with a theory of their own that would explain the seemingly strange selection of featured artists.
They think it’s possible Revival is a double album and we’re only getting half the picture right now. On the Instagram photo revealing the tracklist, the bottom half of the Revival title is cut off, leading some to think there could be two parts to the project. Coupled with the almost-total absence of Hip Hop features, it’s a theory fans are running with.
Whatever the case, despite all of the shock and outrage, the official verdict on Revival won’t be in until next Friday (December 15) when the album actually drops.
Until then, check out some more of the reactions below.
eminem makes music for kids who want to call their mom a bitch but divorce dad would ground them on his weekend for it.
— tech fleece tormund (@the_blueprint) December 5, 2017
eminem makes music for people who buy all their pants at hot topic.
— tech fleece tormund (@the_blueprint) December 5, 2017
eminem got features from ed sheeran, kehlani, & pink ? pic.twitter.com/imV6QD3uqk
— drake's durag (@ottergawd) December 5, 2017
Get Eminem and Chance back on drugs immediately dawg
— rhyme density fan account (@0thebrodie) December 5, 2017
In 2001, Eminem would have torn Ed Sheeran to pieces. 2017 Eminem has 180ed so hard that his new album has zero rap features and Beyonce on track one. I'm almost shocked that there's no Rihanna tbh. pic.twitter.com/hHWwqSwGBY
— Blessing Adeoye Jr. (@BlessingJr) December 5, 2017
Wait Eminem’s new album features Ed Sheeran, Skyler Grey and Pink?? I’m absolutely convinced he’s trying to make the worst rap album of all time.
— Trill Bro Dude (@Trilladelphian) December 5, 2017
Eminem has way too many resources to be putting those features on there. I’m disgusted
— Robert. (@AintRob) December 5, 2017
That Eminem album is looking the the lone wolf school shooter anthem. Should have stopped making albums after Recovery.
— Simeon (@SJftbl) December 5, 2017
how tf did ed sheeran get a feature on the N.E.R.D. album and eminem’s album like i truly respect the lad but how’d they all think,,… “u kno what this song needs… i’ll be damned it’s ed sheeran”
— pharrell's junebug (@angelAmyV) December 5, 2017
Em's new album features Ed Sheeran, Kehlani, Skylar Grey & Pink. I'm sure they'll be decent tracks, but Eminem making pop music is absolutely disgusting.
— ℭhris¹³⁸ (@MrChristopherX) December 5, 2017
Y'all think Eminem plays his new shit for Dre and gets the thumbs up?
— mobbdeen (@Deen8) December 5, 2017
I was a die hard Eminem fan, but times changed, in this era we dont wanna hear that shit lol
— #goodboofdaily (@LILCOON95) December 5, 2017
Yo man this jawn bouta be trash i can feel it and im the biggest fan in the world. I can already point out which jawns suck. ?? All good i can accept it. Still my favorite. Hoping to god im wrong but this tracklist scares me. X Ambassadors ? Ugh. ?
— Marcus (@kxngcharisma) December 5, 2017
Eminem could've featured Conway, Westside Gunn, Benny or Boogie on his new album, but he decided to do bubblegum shenanigans. Big Sean would never
— rhyme density fan account (@0thebrodie) December 5, 2017