Superstar Standouts: Eminem's The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)

    "Houdini" is such a great freaking song. It's fun. It's light. It's hilarious. It's a throwback with some nostalgia mixed in. It's something only Eminem can pull off, really. So this album was highly anticipated for me! Not just because it's Em's first album in 4 years, but because the anticipation was raised significantly. 

    So when Eminem tweeted out that this album should be listened to in order I was like "OMG. Concept album." And it is. Thematically, there's a lot going on here. The topics seem to glide right into one another track by track. Just look at the transition from "Evil" -> "Lucifer" -> "Antichrist." It's almost like a nonstop mix album. Lyrically, it also glides from track to track like that. Almost like it's a conversation that casually moves from topic to topic in a "speaking of... Did you hear about topic B?" After you finish talking about topic A.

    Sonically, it's has several throwbacks to Eminem's earlier sounds. Which is amazing and very much welcomed. "Brand New Dance" and "Antichrist" are good examples of this. But it sounds so crisp and clean, you think you're listening to Sprite. Top notch production here. It's definitely an album to be experienced from top to bottom with each listen. It has a dark, serious (like a funeral) tone throughout which is a complete departure from "Houdini."

    As for Eminem's rapping? He's always awesome and will be forever. So many techniques and flows. He sounds really inspired here, and it's like he's having a lot of fun all the while letting it all go.

    Overall, I think Slim Shady's Death is a solid effort. I'm still mourning the loss, but I'm excited for what's to come. I think there's a lot for hip-hop fans to vibe with here until the next album.

Rank: B Rank
Recommendation: for when you mourn Slim Shady.