EMINEM - THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP 2 (REVIEW)
The problem with MMLP2 is ... There is REALLY no problem accept for the few Top 40 radio songs on it. If those tracks were not on, it would have gotten full marks.
But then again you can't blame Em for doing those tracks. I am sure he did not want to do them at all.
Everybody got their opinion about this album. They wanna be of the opinion if this is Eminems best album or not? Is it as good as his previous work? But what most people don't understand is that, this is a music business. Records need to be sold. This ain't open mic at the local bar. Your opinions don't really matter. Sales matter. That! My friend is the bottom line.
This album is for middle America. The people we forget about sometimes. The consumers. When you think it is about the art of Hip-Hop, then that thought went out the window the instant the Interscope/Universal logo goes on the CD.
Rappers battle each other and diss each other ... Why? Because of the power of the almighty dollar. Damn even new $100 bills were printed.
Em brings back something to rap ( not Hip-Hop) storytelling and humour. Who does that nowadays. Only a few artists. I won't go about naming who does what and who is the best. We don't care. Eminem don't care. Jimmy doesn't care. But YOU care. Why? Because you are willing to fork out $15 for a CD. You worked hard for that money. So you expect good product, right?
RHYME AND REASON is that product. With Rick Rubin on the beat Em splits the english Oxford approved language in two, like Moses did the Red sea. An in-depth listen to his lyrics/rhymes you will understand why he is the GOAT (Greatest of all time) to many out there.
His loyal fans, often referred to as Stan's can get very emotional when it comes to his music.
Stan's usually have a long drug history. I don't blame them. Em speaks to them in a way parents can't. I still question why Rick Rubin was brought in to do production etc. ... Was it a gimmick? The barefoot long bearded co-founder of Def Jam and Def American records? What gives? The people want to know!
A highlight must be the humorous, SO MUCH BETTER which takes his Stans to the great days of Shady. Complete with hook et al. Textbook Eminem. It is as if you jumped into a time capsule and got shipped back to the late 90's when Em became a novelty.
If it was not for his backpacker beginnings his career wouldn't have so much validation as it has today.
Littered with radio/Top 40 and MTV friendly tracks it is difficult for Hip-Hop purists to have a liking to this album. One can get easily distracted by the singing by Skylar Grey and Rihanna. Making you feel betrayed as you came here to hear Marshall do what he does best.
Many don't like it. Many love it.
Many don't like it. Many love it.
ASSHOLE and THE MONSTER are fine examples of radio friendly hits. But it is music. It sounds good. Catchy hooks and nice melodic beats for the win.
Yes there is nothing wrong with songs like THE MONSTER. But at times Em's rhymes feel uninspired and all over. Great hook and perfectly mixed by the good Doctor.
The second highlight is the crazy, LOVE GAME featuring Kendrick Lamar. Another "funny" track. Kendrick is being put on the spot here by rapping really out of his comfort zone. Which is good for him as he has to be able to rap in any situation that he is put in. And he pulls it off flawless.
The problem with MMLP2 is ... There is REALLY no problem accept for the few Top 40 radio songs on it. If those tracks were not on it would have gotten full marks.