Eminem is back with his latest album, "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)," which hit streaming services on Friday. This 19-song, 64-minute project features the rapper's signature blend of controversy and introspection, with appearances by Jelly Roll, Big Sean, and even local news anchor Devin Scillian.
The album confronts Eminem with Gen Z, cancel culture, and, most notably, his alter ego, Slim Shady. In this conceptual record, Eminem delves into controversial topics like transgender rights, pronoun usage, and the PC police, echoing the rebellious Slim Shady persona of his early career. These themes provoke thought and discussion, making the album a compelling listen. In the album's lead-up, Eminem clarified on social media, "Public service announcement: the 'death of slim shady' is a conceptual album, therefore, if you listen to songs out of order they might not make sense. Enjoy."
Central to the album is "Guilty Conscience 2," a sequel to the 1999 hit featuring Dr. Dre. This time, Eminem battles Slim Shady within his own mind, culminating in a dramatic confrontation where Eminem appears to kill off his alter ego—though the album leaves the final outcome ambiguous.
The latter part of the album takes a more introspective turn, featuring reflective tracks and two heartfelt songs dedicated to Eminem's daughter, Hailie. These tracks provide a window into Eminem's personal struggles and growth. "Temporary," featuring Skylar Grey, imagines a posthumous farewell to Hailie, while "Somebody Save Me" offers an apology to his children for the struggles they've endured.
"The Death of Slim Shady" is also a platform for a variety of guest appearances from artists like JID, Ez Mil, D12's Bizarre, and Skylar Grey. These collaborations bring a fresh and diverse perspective to the album. Detroit rappers Big Sean and BabyTron shine on the track "Tobey," while Jelly Roll closes the album with "Somebody Save Me."
Eminem's production team for this album, 'The Death of Slim Shady,' includes heavyweights like Dr. Dre, Benny Blanco, Mr. Porter, and Fredwreck. Eminem himself also contributed as a producer on nearly every track. The album has already sparked discussions with its provocative lyrics, including disses directed at celebrities like Alec Baldwin, Caitlyn Jenner, and Nicki Minaj, as well as pointed attacks on Diddy and conservative commentator Candace Owens.
"The Death of Slim Shady" marks Eminem's first full promotional album since 2017's "Revival," following surprise releases like "Kamikaze" and "Music to Be Murdered By." The album was announced in April during Eminem's appearance at the NFL Draft, and its lead single, "Houdini," debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 in May.
As fans and critics alike dissect the album, Eminem continues to prove his relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, reminding the world why Slim Shady remains an enduring and provocative force in music.
