For my fourth album review, I will be doing an album that was recorded by a very controversial artist. This artist is Eminem. Eminem is a rapper who is considered one of the MC’s in rap history. He’s considered this because of his debut album “The Marshall Mathers LP.”
“The Marshall Mathers LP” was released in 1999. This self-titled album was Eminem’s major-label debut. But, that didn’t stop it from getting it’s well-deserved recognition. The album is now certified eleven times platinum and won three grammys, as well as debuting number one on the US Billboard 200.
While there is little doubt of this album’s greatness, there is much controversy around it as well. Most of the controversy being around the album’s lyrics that express violence, homophobia, and misogynia. Eminem also began to have discrepancies with other artists as well. In 2002, Eminem was sued by French jazz pianist Jacques Louisser for 10 million dollars over a debate as to whether or not the beat for Eminem’s song “Kill You” was stolen.
From the album, there were a few singles that hit the top charts as well. “The Real Slim Shady” debuted as number one on the charts in the United Kingdom, and it jumped as far as number four on the Billboard Hot 100. In this song, Eminem goes onto a rant on the current state of music and it is a criticism of popular artists at the time. Eminem harshly criticizes everyone from American pop-star Britney Spears, to actor/ hip-hop artist Will Smith. Another hit single from the album is “Stan.” “Stan” reached number one on the billboards in eleven countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia. In this song, Eminem raps about a crazed fan who is mentally unstable. Stan writes letters to Eminem proclaiming he is “his biggest fan.” As the letters are failed to be delivered to Eminem, Stan ties up his girlfriend and kid with the intention to leave a recording tape for Eminem as he drives off a bridge. As Eminem eventually receives Stan’s letters, he writes back thanking him for being a fan. Eminem takes interest in Stan’s personal life questioning his mental state and telling him he doesn’t want him to end up like “a man who had drunkenly drove off a bridge killing his wife and kid.” As Eminem concludes his letter he realizes that the person he was describing was Stan.
Tristen’s Blog 