By now everyone should be familiar with InsidePulse’s Eminem coverage. Aaron did a great job putting this thing together, I contributed a piece, and more are upcoming.
Please take the time to refresh yourself with Eminem: Beyond The Encore
In Part IV, I basically just discussed Eminem and Race. Here I’m going to delve into my views on Em as an MC.
In order to attempt to do justice to the topic of Em and Race, I went through Em’s three label albums to try to find lyrics where he referenced race. I thought it would be fun and cool and would get me excited for the release of Encore.
Sadly that was not the case. I had to drudge through those albums. And instead of anticipating Encore I grew to loathe Em as an artist. But let me explain.
The Beginning:
When I first picked up The Slim Shady LP back when it was released, I dug Eminem. He had a refreshing voice and his lyrics were fun. Granted he owed some of his “did he really just say that?” style to Chino XL, but Em made you listen. The beats were quirky, but unique. Quite frankly, that album was like nothing I had heard before, and I really enjoyed it. There were a few cuts I’d skip, but overall it was solid.
The Marshall Mathers LP was a departure. It had some more serious moments, most of which I enjoyed. But it traded “fun” for “borderline corny.” Em also started to get more biographical, but in a sincere nature. I didn’t enjoy this album as much, lyrically Em was sharper, but he was also less entertaining. The beats also started to suffer. I was beginning to lose faith in Eminem.
(Then along came The Blueprint and “Renegade” which proved to be a beacon of hope that Em would return to being a lyrical star.)
The Eminem Show disappointed me. He built on his biographical stuff, which I disliked and completely traded witty for cheesy. The good moments were few and far between. What’s worse is that some songs were rendered unlistenable by his horrible production.
Since then it’s been a roller coaster of singles;
Lose Yourself – Great, if vastly overrated song.
Just Lose It – Appalling bad single proving Em isn’t an artist, nor as “controversial” as he thinks he is.
Mosh – Or is he? Decent follow up, with an actual message. And for once a plodding beat that works!
So once again my faith was returning to Em. Until I had to do “research.”
Recently
So last weekend I dug up the Em cd’s put them in and pressed “play.” Em’ debut sounds quaint. It’s like a fun little throwback to a simpler time. It’s funny to hear him rhyme about wanting to be famous and being tired of struggling because”¦
One his next album he complains about being famous! Consistently! Which I believe is the definition of “irony.” What I find really odd is how shocked he is about his fame. Was he living in the bubble? Did he not realize the pitfalls that come with fame? He was asking to be famous as recently as the late 90’s? Was there anyone that naïve to how fame changes your life back then?
Apparently Em was because he spends his next two albums complaining about being rich and famous while praying that you didn’t pick up any of his previous work where he was clamoring for fame.
Something else that’s apparent upon listening to his albums; Em doesn’t have a “skip proof’ album. Even if you take away the corny singles, there is still filler and the occasional really awful song to avoid.
Something else that happens as Em’s career progresses, he trades out witty yet controversial for faux controversial. He stirs up controversy by railing against Moby and pop artists, which causes people to gasp, but he’s not really saying anything substantive. He targets big names, but names that no ones going to object to.
Just like Mosh. You think, “I can’t believe he’s saying that about Bush even though that’s how lot’s of folks feel.” Newsflash, voicing the publics consensus isn’t controversial, controversy it actually taking a stand.
Another tidbit of irony; Em’s lampooning of video icons Madonna, Micheal Jackson, and MC Hammer. The thing about that is”¦Em is basically as much as an iconic figure as they are. I’d even venture to say that Eminem has replaced MC Hammer as the face of “rap” in many people’s minds. Granted those folks might live in Red States, but it doesn’t change the fact.
As much as I dig Em as a lyricist, I have no faith in him as an artist. I think that he could make a listenable album, but I just don’t have any proof of it.
I am going to by Encore. I’m genuinely curious about it. I hope that Em will have enlisted some top producers to provide tracks for the album, but I doubt it. I hope that Em’s actually created some above sub par beats, but I doubt it. I hope that won’t do anymore formulaic trite songs, but I doubt it. I hope the album will by filled with lyrical gems, but more than likely it won’t.
Still by the time you read the next column, I’ll have given the album a thorough listening. Hopefully I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Responding to Feedback
In some feedback that I’ve already received from Part IV, folks have questioned my comparing Em to Nas and Ghosface. Yeah, those two artists have made missteps (The Firm, Eamon) but they’ve both got at least two albums that are skip proof. Two albums that you can put in your CD player, press “play” and listen until the end. Eminem doesn’t, and based on trusted feedback about Encore that fact doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
Another comment I’ve gotten was that the reason why Em succeeded was because he was incredibly talented, and being white just helped him succeed further. To this I’ll give you two names; Nelly, Chingy.
Neither of these two guys are “incredibly talented” by any stretch of the imagination. “Incredibly short?” Perhaps, but not talented. Yet both are very successful. Em is at talented MC. He’s a talented MC who squanders his gift.
If talent and success were linked Souls of Mischief would be better known than D12 and Chino XL would be in Em’s shoes. If talent and success were related then Ghostface and De La Soul would have stayed on the top of the charts this year.
Yes, Em’s talent is what gives him credit in the Hip Hop community, but Hip Hop credibility has never really dictated success (see Chingy, Nelly, Ghostface and De La Soul.)
Well, another column has ended, and you’re thinking
Mathan’s column’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour on stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.
But don’t worry these reads are full of quality.
The Montagues
Aaron references Meego. Dude, that’s just low. On a happier note Nick continues giving you his comprehensive Hip Hop Mix.
Jeff’s not feeling well, breaking traditions left and right, yet is still going to marry a dime. And how he knew of my love of Don Henley is beyond me.
Gordi makes me want to get a second job or at least a full time one, so that I increase my knowledge of music. Not only do I trust Gordi with my life, I trust him with my ears.
Gloomchen switches styles and still knocks it out of the park. She also gives you a rundown on her cred, which puts mine to shame.
Tom? How did Ashlee Simpson get a mention in your column? I’m torn asunder with disbelief.
Eric Katz makes his InsidePulse Debut! He laments the death of Emo. I’m pretty sure he’s not talking about the comedian.
The Capulets
Tayo is secretly tapping into my brain or else we have a wacky “Fight Club” type relationship, because we see eye to eye on too many things. Although apparently not “four” things.
Ari also mentions Ashlee Simpson. I think it’s a conspiracy.
Jim questions equality in law enforcement in regards to Eminem, as well as other good stuff.
Double M has the flu, but got engaged, but is down about the outcome of the election. I don’t whether to offer my congratulations or my shoulder to cry on. And yes, that was brief.
Ian blames Pete Doherty for the outcome of the election. He also questions the validity of the name “OutKast” and makes me really miss John Peel, a guy whose radio show I’ve never heard.
(and if you want to read, what amounts to, how I feel about the recent election go here
Five Reasons Why I’m Buying Encore
1. I’m an optimist
2. I’m an archivist
3. I’m a masochist
4. I’m not a deviationist.
5. I’m not a racist (despite what you may believe.)
