This first album is a little more bare-bones and gritty than The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show, but it is nonetheless nothing short of amazing. Then, I actually listened to the man's music, and I soon realized that Eminem was in fact a musical genius. I, like many people, was uninformed and wrongly dismissed this artist out of hand. I expected Eminem to disappear from the music scene after a few months. The only song I really heard at the time was the radio version of My Name Is, and that little ditty seemed to have "gimmick" written all over it. When The Slim Shady LP came out in 1999, I heard a lot about it, but I had almost no exposure to the music itself. I am for the most part a very conservative person, and those who know me would probably never imagine that I am a devoted Eminem fan. And shows that maybe white guys can produce substantial rap music, which is humorous as well as original. It's one that you could play continuously, and could still find it enjoyable. But against all the potential controversial material, and swearing, this is a really funny and entertaining CD. And such songs as "Role Model" is a direct challenge on that well-worn argument that "music, brain washes kids into doing things they shouldn't". Like I've said, Enimem courts controversy. Though there is nothing wrong with Will's stuff, its just nice light music, you can play with the whole family around, and doesn't get the same reaction like the heavy side of rap does. But if you find this CD offensive, I think you'll find most Rap offence, and maybe "Will Smith" is more appropriate. So if you don't like swearing and subject matter that is a bit sick (97' Bonnie & Clyde being one such song), maybe this isn't the CD for you. And it must be said that he does go out to offend though I think there is quite a bit of "tongue in cheek" going on in here. And there is some real body to the words too, and they are generally funny in parts. Thankfully Enimen has not tried to go down the Gangster Rapper route, as I think this should be left to such acts as Ice T, T-Pac and such, as they do it so well, and shouldn't be emulated by white rappers.Įnimem's flow in his lyric is pretty slick, with no real "cheesy" rhyming evident. And much like the Beastie Boys, Eninem has taken a different approach to Rapping, that being witty, light hearted and begging to offend the easily offended. Their debut album being still a favourite of mine. The only notable other white rap act being the Beastie Boys. Only future CDs will tell if this guy can make it into the realms of the Rapper's hall of fame. But look beyond the white rapper and you'll see a star in the making. The sight of a white guy trying to be a rapper is usually enough to chill the blood. The term "White Rap" is a bit of an oxymoron. Anyone who gets past the third track on this CD will see a whole new side of Eminem they never saw before. Too bad most people view this as a pop album and see Eminem as some kind of comedian. It proves that rap doesn't have to be about strippers and money. As it stands, this is definetly one of the best rap albums I own. Dre's music, you can't help but feel that this album would almost be better off without those three tracks. Dre only produced the three main singles off this album and they really stick out like a sore thumb. Eminem comes across as extremely genuine on the self-describing 'Rock Bottom' and gives a little humor to a bad situation on 'If I Had.' Oddly enough, Dr. Of course, not everything on here is meant to be shocking. He's skilled in theatrics and at times creates what can only be described as audio-horror (Note the loop used for "Just Don't Give A F." which sounds like something straight out of the 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'). Simpson murders, but on '97 Bonnie & Clyde,' he also murders his wife with the help of his infant daughter. In the span of the album, not only does he take responsibility for the O.J. Listening to this, it is easy to see why most people hate Eminem. This album was written and produced before anyone knew who Eminem was (hard to believe there was such a time) and touches on some pretty heavy stuff and explores Em's very disturbed imagination. Some of the tracks on this CD just get downright depressing. This album isn't as catchy, or bouncy or as fun as his other stuff. It took quite a few listens before this sunk in with me. 'The Slim Shady' LP is one of those albums that you have to let grow on you.