Reviews (page 2 of 11)
some good songs but most are just mid
Can't be doing with his "ironic", "humorous" misogynistic violence. Even if he is claiming it's all done in character. The music is potentially good, but lyrically it's just unpleasant.
This one seemed to be going big for shock value. Some clever rhymes but pretty much nonsense for the most part. Had a time and place, best left there.
oof. did not age well, I know it was edgy back then too but I felt dirty even listening to it. still had a few good bars so 2 stars instead of 1 but good lord the pearl clutchers were right to hate this dude
Man this is both raunchy AND dark. Good beats, but dang this is not good lyrics. Yeah kinda what I said already. I just don't like his lyrics. Which is unfortunate cuz the sound is good.
Hands down the most appalling album I’ve ever heard. This album has aged worse than milk. Front to back, the album never steers away from cringey lyrics and soundbites that could only appeal to a 13 year old boy. I thought I was missing something when I explored the project’s wiki page and critics thought it was a hilarious masterpiece. I’d love for one of them to please explain what is funny about raping a 15 year old. Or what is funny about treating women like garbage. If you’re looking to drop this list down to “1,000 Albums You Must Listen To Before You Die”, this is the one worth eliminating.
I bet this was so cool if you were a delinquent 30 years ago
Absolute waste of time; unfortunately no negative stars available
The violence, misogyny, and homophobia in this album completely overshadow any and all talent he displays. I’m far from a prude but there is no artistic reasoning for or any value whatsoever in his vitriol here. He’s just repugnant but people like him because... can do so creatively and with multiple rhyme schemes within a line? This was not good. No thanks.
ne.
Shite
I’ve compiled a list of ALF’s favorite bands based on references made in the show: The Archies, The Partridge Family, The Chipmunks, The Beach Boys, Bob Seger, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, ZZ Top, and Stevie Wonder.
Meh, I forgot about the days where there were skits or interludes between every track -- glad those went out of style (except for the Wu-Tang interludes -- those are still the best thing ever). This is just a, mostly, boring album that seems to care more about shock value of what Em is saying than anything else. I do appreciate some Eminem -- not this album.
I just listened to this stupid FUCKING album for the best 50 hip hop/rap albums of all time, and it sucks. Throw this out into the trash
Not a fan at all. The music is mostly excellent but isn't that to Dr Dre's credit? Sure it's integral to the album and I care infinitely more about music than lyrics/vocals but when it's so damn distracting and obviously the main course and I hate it.... then I can't enjoy it at all. And I don't. Sure time passing has a way of making what was once shocking almost humorous, but jfc this is still gross - it's just awful. I really do still hate Eminem's voice and his style; whiny/nasally and slightly behind the beat. Hard hard pass on all fronts. 2/10 1 star.
Had to suffer through this again.. Yeah not for me and it's gotten worse with age. I think 20 years ago I might have given it 3 stars but now I have to give it a 1.
That was pretty awful. Not for me, anyway.
This did not age well.
I'd have selected The Eminem Show ahead of this along with the MMLP (assuming he gets 2 entries). However it's another great album that catapulted him to superstardom - not hard to see why as it is full of great hooks. He writes lyrics that are shocking and amusing, but also quite wry and sensitive at times. Overall it's just great fun to listen to for that most part
To me this is one of the greatest albums of all time, it’s so unique and can’t really be compared to anything else. Perfect collection of songs, and skits and that public service announcement is the perfect beginning. It’s so hilariously offensive aswell, with really clever lyrics amidst the chaos. It’s brilliant.
Maybe my favorite Eminem album, there are some other greater ones in many respects. My mind goes here first though I think, so many listens while commuting for like a 2-3 year period. Awesome to re-listen and get a taste of that time while cleaning the gutters.
Nostalgia but still hits
One of my favorite albums. Listened to it all the time in high school.
Angry and potent.
This sounds is so nostalgic for me. I bought it and had to scribble out the parental advisory sticker so my parents wouldn't catch wind I listening to such profanity. This album aligned with my teenage angst the same way nu metal bands and grunge bands did. It was powerful and spoke to me. I'm grateful for this album giving me an avenue to express myself.
5/5
Ein Meilenstein!
Absolutely yeah
At the turn of the century, as the golden era of hip hop came to a close and party rap began to emerge, young Marshall Mathers starts his career which will carry torch representing lyric-focused rapping style. This album is raw, provocative, abrasive, and immature. That's the gimmick. It's the gimmick that gave Eminem ears to begin with. But it's undeniable talent that allowed Eminem to stick around. While many will argue that The Slim Shady LP hasn't aged well (they are right). I think Eminem's message to not give a fuck is just as important today as it was back when this album was released. We live in a society that is chronically online. We spend time in social media spaces where every day there are news articles designed to anger you. We're told we can't say certain things. We're told we have to live in fear. I'm not saying Eminem gets a completely free pass (he says some really fucked up stuff on this record) but he's clearly just trying to push your buttons here. It's a test. Have you allowed society to bend your opinions enough that a nonsensical song can piss you off? If so, maybe some Slim Shady is what you need to lighten up.
El primero de eminem, me encantoooo
I was only going to give it 4, but I was really impressed by the variety and depth of the homophobia and misogyny. Connoisseur level of cartoonish hate.
Violent!
Some songs suck, others are very funny and offensive — a combination that pleases me to no end. 4.5* + bonus half-star for how pissed people are with this.
“I don’t give a fuck, God sent me to piss the world off” And piss the world off he did. Some of the material here is truly shocking in nature and would absolutely not get the same mainstream radio play and chart success if it were released today. That is not necessarily a bad thing but the social panic surrounding Eminem was an important flashpoint. “The Slim Shady LP” and indeed the rest of Eminem’s early discography represent a crucial cultural moment that challenged the limits of good taste and forced people to contemplate where the responsibility for the consumption of content and censorship lies. I can’t think of another artist who has produced something so vile in their lyrics whilst going on to become one of the biggest artists in the world. The closest example I can conjure is Tyler, the Creator’s “Goblin” but even that is now 15 years old. This album does and should make you feel extremely uncomfortable. Eminem created Slim Shady to exist as a character who he could express his most hideous thoughts through and the album itself repeatedly makes jabs at the ridiculous idea that this character should be seen as someone to copy or idolise. What Eminem achieves here is no different than when a filmmaker desires to portray evil or unpleasantness. We don’t criticise the Coen Brothers for the sins of Anton Chigurh nor Vince Gilligan for those of Walter White. I feel then it is unreasonable to vilify Eminem for his portrayal of Slim Shady. There is a proud tradition in Hiphop of rappers taking on personas for the purpose of telling their stories and Slim Shady is surely the most enduring and culturally pervasive. The beats themselves are excellent and fit each song perfectly. The bass line on “My Name Is” may be the most instantly recognisable in Hiphop. Eminem’s delivery and flow is impeccable and worthy of his reputation as a particularly technically gifted rapper. “The Slim Shady LP” is a staple of Hiphop music and one of the key stepping stones to the genre becoming the commercially viable beast that it is today.
His flow was unmatched
Amazing.
Slim Shady is a character and the Slim Shady LP is the musical equivalent of a schlock horror movie. It's important to remember that. Whilst there is some honesty and sincerity in this album, it exists in an ocean of tongue-in-cheek horrorcore. I totally get that the themes it covers are shocking and offensive, but that was the point. That said, this album showcases the beginnings of Eminem exploring his unique vocal style and the intricacy of his rhymes. The production is great and still sounds good today. Ultimately, it's polarising but it's called a classic for a reason.
Long story the coincidence, but it is documented elsewhere, and documented well. So that just leaves one thing left to talk about. One damn hilarious album that still hits. The mushroom trip story alone is worth the price of admission.
Great album.
Eminem at his best
truly one of the best rappers of all time. you can hear how hungry this man is to be the best. will absolutely take mushrooms with him like it’s “My Fault”
I can understand the bad reviews based on musical taste but people leaving bad reviews because they’re offended by lyrics are missing the nuance of a persona. It’s akin to believing GWAR and Slayer were serious in some of their lyrics. Even in the lead off track, he literally tells us “God sent me to piss the world off.” When his music hit the radio, boy did it, and that was the point. I was in middle school when Eminem blew up so our parents hating him made me and my friends want to hear his music even more. I’m not a huge Eminem fan by any means but the work on his early albums has it all: shock value, diss tracks, great rhymes, and a chip on his shoulder. Some of the references are dated eg, “she’s older than George Burns”, “brain dead like Jim Brady”, etc. but pretty sharp for the time. Favorite track: Guilty Conscience w/Dr Dre
Love him or hate him, you can't deny Em changed the game. I'm one of the former. His lyrics are hilarious, biting, and excessively satirical, and he's got one of the best delivery styles of all time. Dre's production has become more lush and complex by this point in his career without straying from its West Coast roots. Listened to: at 5MW. Favorite tracks: My Name Is, Guilty Conscience, Rock Bottom, As The World Turns, Still Don't Give A Fuck
90’s Rap ⭐️Role Model
My name is, my name isTschika Tschika Slim shady
Classic
A fitting origin for Slim and Stan. The extended edition also features a bizarre song from the Wild Wild West soundtrack I hadn’t heard before
Alphabet crew is gonna hate this one haha
Love the spoken word tracks. First song is a classic, always hits. The commentary is a great way of moving the story line along. The classic Eminem humor lands really well with me.
Not a fan of anything since. He was raw. Powerful back then. Now he’s a poser like every other “ artist” of that ilk. This album is great.
Classic!!!
Love it or hate it, you listened. It's all you could do. If you reflect on the themes, language, time period.....and understand the troubles and struggles of Marshall, there is no other option than a 5 star. Turning the English language into an instrument in order to paint a snapshot of his life, this is such a strong opening.
I love this fucking album, man. I think it's wicked and wickedly smart and I generally think Eminem the man/the project/the vessel for Feelings and Shit is smart too, plus he loves to grab a boob and his peanus has an attiTUDE; I could talk about that crass nasty motherfucker's lyrics all day 'Slim Shady LP' is extremely famous for pushing it; being so crass and disgusting as to challenge publishing. That tickles me pink. One of the songs here contains Eminem being surprised by sex with a fat woman who herself gets so mad she eats his leg but then he hops up and shoots her with a shotgun. And that's obscene, absurd, and horrible - like it's supposed to be. It's the battlecry of the underappreciated dipshit kid, the ignored and ignoble baby of that millennium turning consumptive paranoia between our avoided techpocalypse and our unavoided 911 and subsequent Dooming of Culture parents...and every time some of this shit about doing huge epic murders and being immortal and stealing your kid away (via murder) agitates some purity bastion into screaming and crying - pointing like the cat meme - actual earnest emotional value is achieved. We break through, rebelliously, despicably...and best yet - incorrectly. The vulgar paradox of our squealing bastard souls we're born with and the constricting bullshit world we're inheriting, and how the fit is just impossible and we'll always be cursehappy freaks who just can't play the Pretend Nothing Is Wrong game that dull people do... Well, therein lays the comedic audacity of the album and the technically masterfull fuckflow of some of these lyrics. Song per song, a story and a joke, a mockery and a conceit that maybe the world the album exists in is the real mockery....and after all that, this shit sounds good as fuck
Well this takes me back. Used to listen to this album with my brother while we cruised around town. I'm not even through the whole album yet, but I know it's absolutely gold. 5 stars.
Mr. Mathers is nothing short of brilliant. I really dislike rap, but I have a lot of respect for what this guy does. This is an excellent album.
cool one, heard it before, just not all the songs, "my fault" was cool tho
I did enjoy this, not every track but what it represents. Slim Shady captures a specific time when young white disenfranchised men plus an epidemic of heroin brought the trailer park reality of America to the world stage. I think it's a really important album.
Such a great album. Eminem hit the ground running but he's refined his technique over the years. A great listen that still holds up today.
very engaging and a good listen, better than I remember
I was 9 or 10 years old when I first heard My Name is on the radio and I remember feeling feeling simultaneously electrified and SCANDALIZED by the lyrics, like an old school conservative politican who preaches family values while lusting after young women. Who was this white guy rapping? Are we allowed to do that?? He's not being very nice! Heavens! Mostly, I was afraid of Eminem. It was so clever and so compelling, but so scary. Growing up, my parents best friend was this bohemian ex-con artist named Bob who would sometimes live in our basement (kinda weird but whatever it was fine). One night at the dinner table I was preaching about the evils of Eminem to my nonplussed parents, saying how it wasn't really art (really hilarious to me in hindsight that a 9 year old would be so indignant) when Bob interrupted and asked me why I thought that. I wasn't expecting to be challenged by my parents weed dealer and so struggled to come up with a response, and the best I could say was 'because it has no beauty.' And even as I said it I knew it was stupid and wrong and I sounded like a 9 year old. My parents and Bob all laughed at this response and then Bob gave his opinions on what art is but I was too mad so I went up to my room and sulked and listened to Jam'n 94.5 until Eminem came back on and they almost definitely all got high together in the basement. Anyway, this album fucking rules. Now that I'm older I think that all art has to do is be new, and Eminem was copleteluy origiinal. His persona of an evil, insane yet hilariously self-deprecating (I spit when I talk, I'll fuck anything that walks (c' mere!)) down on his luck trailer park boy and lyrical genius was completely original at the time and subverted basically every rap cliche. It makes sense he was 27 when this came out, because he feels fully realized on this first album. My Name Is is the standout but Brain Damage is also great, and Bonnie and Clyde is just so brazen you can't help but be impressed. Everything is in such aggressively poor taste , at such a manic register, that by the end you realize you can't judge it based on normal conventions at all. Though there is a cartoonish quality to all of the violence, there are just enough touches of humanity and self-deprecation to make it truly disturbing - which is what he was going for. I guess I'm saying all this to say: Eminem is a genius. Bob can still go fuck himself though.
It's hard to think of an original take on an artist that's been so heavily discussed (what a burden for this humble amateur reviewer to bear). At this point you basically decide which of the existing camps you fall into: he's a great rapper, or he gets undue credit because he was the first superstar white rapper (I don't think Vanilla Ice or Marky Mark quite made it). I've gotta say, as someone who has listened to a stupid amount of hip hop, I'm firmly in the former. He's funny, clever, crazy talented, and fun as hell to listen to (especially this album - he really invented his own weird tongue-in-cheek brand of rap). I won't be the first or last white guy to say this, but it doesn't change that I believe it: I can't think of a rapper who's technically more impressive. As a middle-aged man I can't listen to this regularly, but as a piece of art I think it's pretty great. I can see how this turned him into a superstar. A lot of songs on here I'd never heard before and had me grinning as I listened. I wanted to hate Cum on Everybody based on the title but it had such great bounce that I kinda loved it, and Rock Bottom showed what he can do with (dare I say) socially conscious subject matter. And then As the World Turns was so dumb but so funny. I wanted to subtract a point because a lot of the subject matter is obviously sophomoric and inane, but I was too entertained to pretend I didn't love this. I was surprised to learn that Eminem was 27 when this album came out (and 30 by the time of The Eminem Show). I definitely thought he was like 18. For a full-on adult, he sure got a ton of mileage out of the immature twerp persona.
Already love this album but haven’t heard it for around a decade
The first LP I ever bought.
Znakomite. Z 5 utworów wartych zapisania.
Aivan loistava levy alusta loppuun, toki jo ennalta tiedossa. 5/5.
I mean claaaaaassic. 15 year old me going crazy rn.
Already listened to before.
Genius.
Some raw lyrics and themes that get callbacks in later works
Not as best album but there are enough bangers to give it five stars
Very dark but still humorous old school hip hop. This guy has some serious talent. Not as jazzy as west coast, not as dark as east coast.
The skits are better than most, but they're annoying nonetheless. Still a great album tho
Top 5 hip hop album all time
5/5, its perfect
Jag har aldrig lyssnat på ett Eminem-album förut men förstår nu varför han var så kontroversiell. Sjukt bra album och extrema berättelser/sketcher. Otroligt bra faktiskt.
чкщо чесно, то недослухала, не зовсім моя кап оф ті, але були затягуючі моменти в деяких треках)
Nostalgic, raw, heavy and real! Being sincere, this is his best album!
★★★★★★
AMAZIN
One of my personal top 5 rap albums. Probably top ten all-time rap albums.
Increiblemente dosmilera, Eminem iconico. Ya era muy fan de este y escuchar temas que ya me se me alegra bastante. Las canciones van desde cosas tranquilas hasta algunas mas reivindicativas y animadas propias del rap de la epoca. Totalmente ganada la importancia que tiene. My fault me ha hecho sentir cosquillas. las pausas entre las canciones poniendo audios le dan personalidad y autenticidad. Se nota que dora una hora, ha habido puntos donde se me ha hecho un poco largo y queria que acabara ya, pero a diferencia de el de ayer, este me esta cambiando constantemente por lo que no me canso tanto
I'm a biased Em fan, but this one has to be one of the weaker albums for me in his collection. Still, he only got better with time, and this being the one that really brought him into the mainstream, gotta put respect on this album. 'As the World Turns' isn't my favorite per se, but really highlights the ridiculous but funny lyrics Em puts out.
Another defining album. Great story telling and a different take on rap.
An excellent album, as long as you don't take the lyrics too seriously.
Nach The Eminem Show das beste Eminem Album und eines der besten Hip Hop Alben aller Zeiten
U mad bro?
ITS THE SLIM SHADY
Awesome record when I was a kid.
Det är en klassiker och en viktigt steg för min egna musikaliska utsvävning. Inte helt klockrent rakt igen dock. Men får högt ändå.
Verkligen en klassiker och game changer när den kom. Given på den här listan.
Eminem is vulgar, crass, sexist, homophobic, misogynistic, etc, etc. Who cares. It is music, it is art. He is not a 4th grade teacher spewing these things to your children, though I know plenty of 4th grade have listen to this album - but that is the parents fault, not Eminem's. No one has a problem when these subjects are in movies and HBO shows, why isn't music allowed the same platform? Are some of the things he raps about gross, terrible, inhuman, degenerate behavior, 110% yes, but he uses his lyrics and rhyming patterns is such as marvelous way that it is entertaining and enjoyable. This album is pure genius from the production of Dr. Dre (and his knowing that this poor white kid from Detriot could be a star) to the song topics, and to what makes Em one of the best to ever grab a mic, his lyrics and flow. Em can twist words and syllables to make rhymes that shouldn't even exist. Yes he talks about killing his mom, his wife, raping women, raping under aged women, doing copious amounts of drugs, arson, homophobic topics and slurs, and the list goes on, and I get why that can and does turn people off - but this is just theater of the mind and Em produces and directs an amazing 3 act play from the beginning to end of this alsum. 9.6/10 97/1001
So good. Brings back some great Adventure Camp memories
Absolute classic. Eminem at his most raw and angry.
One of those classic rap albums that seeks to offend anybody and everybody easily offended, and boy did it ever succeed. But outside the singles, you've got a great view of what made Eminem not only a hero for teenage white kids, but also the lyrical acumen and attention to rhyme schemes that gained him respect among other rappers. Today his place as a lyricist is nearly uncontested, but his appearance on the world stage at this time paved a rocky road, spawning a number of rap feuds with others in the game like Canibus and Everlast. The album itself is obviously well-produced, with Dre overseeing the beats and lending street cred and belief in Shady that was critical to his success. "Some people only see that I'm white, and ignore skill..." It also is part of the reason for Dre's second wind, coming out just months before the Chronic 2000--it was basically Aftermath Record's first huge success. Anyway, on the surface you've got the major singles, My Name is and Guilty Conscious, both excellent tracks. But underneath this there are a bunch of tracks that showcase Eminem's battle rap roots and lyrical strength. Brain Damage, Creative songwriting is on display here with tracks like If I Had, My Fault, and 97 Bonnie and Clyde. The skits are generally funny and keep the album moving along. Bad Meets Evil is my personal favourite on the album for its lyrical excellence, and for introducing Royce da 5'9, one of the few MCs who can sometimes outshine Eminem on tracks. The chemistry between the two is amazing. 5/5
Excellence in music...I listen regularly
Really good. I don't recall listening to the whole album beyond singles. Love the Royce the 95 track
I guess I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5, though it’s not without an obvious level of bias. I just have an unapologetic soft spot for this album – years ago, when I was trying to really get into rap for the first time, I went through a number of decently acclaimed 90s “mainstream” rap albums, and this was one of them, alongside stuff like 2pac’s “All Eyez on Me”, Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” & “2001”, both “Ready to Die” & “Life After Death” by Biggie, and overall, just a lot of other “basic” 90s rap albums. Nothing deeper than the “guys a white person might be able to name” level, really. I was probably just a little too young for it at the time, if we’re being honest, but it did give me a better appreciation for the genre, and it’s the spark that would eventually lead me to becoming a proper fan. All of that aside, how does the music itself hold up? It’s definitely Eminem circa 1999, when Slim Shady could say whatever the hell he wanted and get away with it. Obviously, within a lot of modern contexts, so much of this album has aged poorly, and yet in some ways, that’s the entire point. Slim Shady is a psychopathic misogynistic bully, a pathological liar, and just a slimy little shitbag asshole who you’d never really want to give the time of day to. Eminem does not do anything that indicates that you should actively like Slim, nor does he ever really encourage him as a sort of “hero” figure. He’s the protagonist, yes, but you’re just trapped along the ride to watch him. The line between Slim Shady & Marshall Mathers is pretty well drawn here, and I’m choosing to give grace for the period – this album is very dated to 1999, with references that almost nobody might get nowadays, save for the bigger stuff (like the OJ trial or the Lewinsky scandal), but that also means it comes with the sort of language that just doesn’t fly anymore. As far as how it’s used here, given that it’s played for ridiculous over the top comedy effect, ala a Wayans Brothers film like Scary Movie, or just the general South Park-ish / Jerry Springer culture of the time, I’m not as inclined to police this album’s tone like I might with other stuff. It is sort of a “you had to be alive at the time” thing. I’m not defending it, at least not in the sense of “we should normalize it again”, because we absolutely should not – it’s just one of those weird societal things of the late 90s / early 2000s that was later exploited (and are still currently being exploited, honestly) by the very, very worst actors to perpetuate true hate & bigotry when others weren’t trying to do so. It doesn't necessarily make it OK, but it does give it some level of leeway, at least for my brain. That said, I'm speaking for myself – I refuse to speak for the marginalized people that were affected by this, and if they didn't / don't like it, then they have every right to voice those concerns. So, with my lack of policing, I’m basically at the point of “How entertaining is the album?”, and I think it’s still pretty entertaining. Eminem’s flows, rhyme schemes & structures are on full display, even for a debut (I know, I know, "Infinite", but shh), and it’s complemented by some great production. When this album succeeds at its over the top bullshit, it just glides, and I think it glides all the way up until “Cum On Everybody”. It kinda falls down a little bit afterward, but not that badly. There’s really only one track that felt like it went too far for me, which was “As the World Turns”, but beyond that, the only knock on the album I have is that it’s just a little bit long, with a few tracks that feel sort of unnecessary, or some outros that feel like they last forever. Obviously, I’m giving a lot of grace here, and if I’m being totally honest, it’s probably closer to a 4 than a 5… but I just have too many memories associated with this damn thing, so I feel good about giving it a 5. Forgive me, perhaps.
Wat een blast from the past. Echt een top album!
One of the best albums from the GOAT. Grew up on Eminem - "My Name Is" might be my top karaoke track.
Repulsive but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time
2 days ago, I rolled the follow up to this album. Today, I roll this. Honestly, I'm glad I rolled the follow up first, as it is largely a response to this album. Everything that The Marshall Mathers LP is about stemmed from the initial success of this album. A lot of the bars and references of MMLP make more sense when you've heard this front to back. I rated that album an easy 5 stars, and I'm very much going to do the same for this one as well. Eminem is now the first artist I've had more than once, which is pretty cool, as he's one of my faves. Again, all of the skits here are hilarious. Picking a favorite song is also impossible. Everyone knows "My Name Is", that's probably the hit on this album. But, "Guilty Conscience", "'97 Bonnie & Clyde", "Role Model", and "As The World Turns" are all bangers as well. Eminem is truly on the Mount Rushmore of rappers, well deserving. I'm pretty sad that my run of Eminem is over, it's been such a nice change of pace from the copious amounts of passable Rock this book has. Oh well, back to it.
Banger
Eminem is by all accounts one of the most talented rappers alive. His way with words and his vocal delivery make this album great. He really shines on his first full length album. He showed that a white man from Michigan could rap as good as any west coast or east coast rapper. I love every song on this album as he introduces us to the world with “My Name Is” and explores themes of mental instability, violence, being poor, and self depreciation. The music production from Jimmy Iovine and Dr Dre is perfection. I like the whole album but to narrow it down, favorite songs are “Guilty Conscience”, “Rock Bottom”, and “If I Had”
All timer
20 years later and this still hold up. I enjoyed it almost as much as when I first listened to it. Although I am not as versed in rap as in the other genres, it is hard to doubt his influence. And that doesn't count all the careers he ended of other rappers who talked smack about Haley.
Eminem is such a skilled lyricist
Bars to hang your insanity on. Quintessential Em. No skips
So I'm well aware that this is Eminem's second album, but as far as I was concerned in the early 2000s, it might as well have been his debut. Over a summer where I was working across various parts of Africa, all I had was this and his next album to listen to. Although I probably prefer the Marshall Mathers album, there's still a lot to like here, and the first few tracks are really strong. I like the horror-core humour, and I love the beats and delivery. I would probably give this around 4.5, but I'm going to round it up to 5 stars.
Hip hop peaked here.
Like high school all over again. Wild lyrics but serious rap chops.
Always a party
Nostalgia inducing
OVERALL: I've been meaning to listen to an Eminem album, and I've listened to 17 rap albums already, but none were by Eminem. After listening, I can confidently say that I understand the Eminem glaze. There are some weak songs, and most of the skits aren't the best, but when it's good it's really good. And thank god basically every song is really good. He really puts a lot of character into basically every song, and when he isn't Slim Shady he becomes very emotional and vulnerable. Songs like Role Model, Still Don't Give A Fuck, and Bad Meets Evil are good examples of Slim Shady and the amount of character on this album, while If I Had and Rock Bottom show Eminem as Marshall Mathers. Pretty good SONG AVG: 8.7 PERSONAL RATING: 9/10 Public Service Announcement: Skit. I've heard many good things and songs from Eminem, so I'm pretty excited to hear this. Pretty nice little intro. I know skits are pretty common on older rap albums, so hopefully they're pretty good. SKIT/10 My Name Is: Honestly, I don't think I've heard much of this song outside of the chorus. Pretty fun, the production isn't the greatest but it's still good. I don't really like the background effects that much. Pretty solid performance, the lyrics are fine and his flow is pretty good. I've heard people call this one of Eminem's most defining songs. Pretty good I guess. 7.75/10 Guilty Conscience: Don't really like the introductions and the interlude, everything else is pretty good. Nice production. I really like the concept of this, where Dr. Dre is basically abandoning is past and Eminem is embracing it. Great flow, and the lyrics are pretty nice. The raping a 15 year old girl part is weird though. "Wait, what if there's an explanation for this shit? What, she tripped, fell, landed on his dick?" is pretty funny ngl. 9.25/10 Brain Damage: I've heard really good things about this song. I also know that his bully sued him for this song. Really nice storytelling, pretty good exaggeration (I hope) of his experience with bullying. Also really good lyrics and pretty good flow, and his voice is pretty nice. 9.5/10 Paul: This is 16 seconds long. I guess it's good? SKIT/10 If I Had: Pretty big tone change. Pretty emotional, while still keeping some of the same lyrics that Slim Shady is known for. Pretty powerful, shows how he grew up with nothing and still didn't really have anything at this point. Nice production. I guess his flow is slightly weaker. 9.25/10 '97 Bonnie & Clyde: I feel like the intro takes too long, but once the song starts it gets really good. Holy shit, this is Kim part 2. Pretty good storytelling, basically tells us the story of Kim and why he killed her through the lens of Hailie. Pretty haunting, great production and his voice definitely sounds like a dad telling his child something while hiding some details, really good overall. 9.75/10 Bitch: Another skit. I did some digging, this is a real voicemail by someone who dated the A&R person. Kinda interesting ig. SKIT/10 Role Model: I've heard this one before. I like the production, and the lyrics represent Slim Shady very well. Pretty fun, nice flow and rhymes. "I tie a rope around my penis and jump from a tree" is pretty funny out of context. Really good overall 9.5/10 Lounge: Skit. Pretty nice as a segue into My Fault. I guess it's good. SKIT/10 My Fault: What is the "pizza mix"???? Nice story, but I think Eminem's singing is kinda weird. Pretty fun and surprisingly feminist, the crying at the end was very unexpected but also a really good detail. The rest of the song feels very unserious, especially for the topic, but it sounds good so it's fine I guess. 8/10 Ken Kaniff: This skit is over ONE MINUTE LONG. Pretty funny. SKIT/10 Cum On Everybody: Eh. The chorus is carried by Dina Rae so much, but still sounds fine. The verses don't really stand out to me, the flow in like the second half of verse 3 is good. Sounds good, but isn't much of anything else. Above average production. 6.5/10 Rock Bottom: I've seen people call this the best Eminem song, let's see if they're right. Amazing production, genuinely might be perfect. Very emotional, shows Mathers' state at the time with incredible lyrics. Really good flow. 10/10 Just Don't Give A Fuck: Weird screeching, weridly works??????? Other than that, the production is very good. Great flow, really good lyrics. Kinda like Rock Bottom but rapped by Slim Shady instead of Eminem. Slightly worse, mainly because of the screeching. 9.25/10 Soap: Skit. Sets the soap opera vibe for the next song. SKIT/10 As The World Turns: "Duh-dah-duh-dah-duh-duh, go-go gadget dick!" is maybe the funniest lyric of this album so far. Pretty creative storytelling, also pretty goofy but still works. Nice overall, kinda captures the whole essence of the album so far. 8.5/10 I'm Shady: Holy shit that chorus is awful. Kinda similar to Pusherman by Curtis Mayfield, which is a song I've heard because of this generator so that's nice. Nice production. The verses are pretty fun, but the god forsaken chorus brings this from a high 7-low 8 to a high 4. Also the outro isn't that good. 4.75/10 Bad Meets Evil: The name sounded familiar, later realized it was the name of the Eminem and Royce Da 5'9 duo. I'm gonna be honest, I forgot to write a review because I was very invested in this song. Great production, great lyrics, great concept, great flows. The only thing holding it back is the weird cowboy, but it still works with the overall theming. 9.92/10 Still Don't Give A Fuck: I don't think he gives a fuck. Fantastic production, the fake out intro is pretty good. Really good overall, less good lyrically than Just Don't Give A Fuck but better in terms of production. Great ending to this album. 9.9/10
I don't think I can look at this objectively at all, it's just so tied to it's context and like my first real deep dive into rap. That being said, I can't help but love it. I mean it has 97 Bonnie and Clyde, Guilty Conscience, My Name Is, some solid hits. The sheer lyrical gymnastics that he can do are amazing. And he's just great at making some infectious beats. I don't hate the content either especially in light of the more recent work he's put out. I think it works in terms of an album written as Slim Shady. Is it his best album? No, but it still holds up and I can still happily listen to it all the way through.
This was pretty much the last time Eminem was relevant. It’s the last time he really had a sense of humor. The last album before he became mad at everything and needed to sound angry in almost every song. This is the perfect fun hip hop album. Regardless of how serious the content of the song is. It made me a fan but oh how quickly I walked away . It’s hard to pick out a choice cut because the songs are so close together in goodness. I chose Bonnie and Clyde. I like to put it on for my wife and remind her what would happen if she left me. Uhhh Did I say that out loud? Choice cut: 97 Bonnie and Clyde
Top 3 greatest rap albums ever. Only one song I dont relly like bit ot still great in the album as part of hos amazing storytelling Simply perfection recorded.
Can't beleive this is the first time I'm hearing this! Hearing Eminem on the radio is inevitable, and it's such a shame that nothing from this release is on the air - although it makes sense why it isn't. This slaps better than pretending airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars. He's lyrical, he's witty, he's grungy and repugnant, he's not trying to be black, he's Marshall fucking Mathers.
Bleak, gritty, rough at times but incredible vocabulary and several enjoyable tracks. Worth a listen!
"I don't give a fuck, god sent me to piss the world off" - a perfect quote to sum up this album I grew up listening to Eminem, and the lyrics don't really shock me anymore. I've always assumed it was an alter ego when he raps. I do understand why people find it offensive though! I knew a lot of these songs and skits already, and even though I'm not usually a fan of skits, it was enjoyable! My Name Is - probably the biggest song on the album, but there's quite a few big tunes on this one I think my score was influenced a lot by nostalgia, because some of these songs did not age well lmao (still think they're bangers). Eminem is also very good live so I'm probably biased 😆 5 ⭐️
Dark album with bits of humor sprinkled throughout. I've always loved the way he bends words. Probably his best album imo.
MY NAME IS … CHIKI CHIKI SLIM SHADY
so good in every aspect
My fault too relatable... Jeff Bass and Dre absolutely kill the g-funk, west-coast production. Em is funny as fuck and has such a casual ease to spitting that makes his words even more relatable 4.5
I'm biased because Eminem is one of the artists who jumpstarted my interest in music, but this album is a great example of exactly why he got so popular. His alter ego Slim Shady is intentionally problematic. He's a villainous character who says outrageous, offensive things, and songs like Guilty Conscience and the Paul/Bitch skits play on this, using other people to call Slim Shady out. But the album’s main appeal to me isn’t its shock value/edginess. It’s the combination of clever wordplay and storytelling that makes each track memorable. Lines like, “Hi, kids, do you like violence? Wanna see me stick nine-inch nails through each one of my eyelids?” are graphic, creative, and hard to forget, while songs like My Fault create emotionally charged scenes that stick with you.
Ik luister niet veel hiphop, maar Eminem kan ik wel smaken. En man, wat een album. Ik denk dat ik zeker 75% ken. Wijze lyrics en toch wel het beste album van Eminem. 4.5
Ahhhh the nostalgia. Em is one of the best to ever do it
5/5 No notes
Album was way darker than I remember, but incredible. Really good writing, great beats, feels timeless honestly. I guess bigger fans of Eminem would have more insight to the whole Shady character/storyline but I don’t know enough about that and the discography to speak much about that, but It’s an interesting thing/narrative to pay attention to in this second album.
love slim - frank
I was a freshmen in high school in Pontiac, MI when this came out. Gtfoh if you think I'm not giving this a 5.
Eminem's rap game has always been above average. Hip Hop isn't my usual genre but the beat and flow of this album is good. I did see him at Bonnaroo some years back and his show was great. Not something I'll listen to much but I enjoyed it.
There are few songs that are as firmly lodged into my brain as "My Name is". It was omnipresent with certain groups and contemporaries. Despite this I never gave the whole album a listen until now. There's a lot to like about this album. First, the hooks, they are extremely good. It's not exactly how they do it now but these hooks were great. Also the stories are excellent, eminem brings you into the story better than anyone from that era. He does it all with an entertaining Psycho energy that hasn't really been matched. What an introduction, what a silly guy.
Released in 1999. Fukken hell.
8.2/10. great vibes. loved guilty conscience
What a wild ride. Insane lyrics that are goofy and very demented, but there's a real hurt and pain coming through that just show how creative Eminem is. Even the interludes bring something to the albums with humorous breaks in intensity. The shock value probably turns people off, but there is a real mastery present which makes this album excellent instead of gratuitous. Every word and note is present for a reason, and I absolutely love it
Love
It's Eminem.
Dark and disturbed but also humorous, Eminem's Slim Shady alter ego is a controversial breath of fresh air and his albums are unlike any I've heard from another rapper. His success is a miracle considering the absolutely deranged lyrics he releases. It helps that Em is a rap genius, so he can make otherwise disgusting lyrics funny and palatable. He is also capable of legitimately piercing lyricism when needed, such as on Rock Bottom. The production is consistently excellent throughout. Even the skits, which I normally hate, aren't as distracting as on other rap records. Though this album doesn't have the same high points as some of his later ones, it also boasts pretty much no weak points. Favorites: My Name Is, Guilty Conscience, Role Model, Rock Bottom
CHIKA CHIKA SLIM SHADY
I would give it 6 if I could.
Listened Before? Y An absolute classic. This dude is incredible when he's at the top of his game and he was in 2000. The soundtrack to the PS2 generation. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Kill You
Meet Eddie, 23 years old Fed up with life and the way things are going He decides to rob a liquor store But on his way in, he has a sudden change of heart And suddenly His conscience comes into play Yeah, this album is amazing. 5/5 One thing though, I do think that this album is exceptional and deserves to be on the list BUT it is truly and deeply offensive to women. It needs to be acknowledged that this way of thinking is part of the problem that we currently find ourselves in in america in 2024.
Eminem be like “I’m Eminem I like eating m and ms every now and then [m and m crunching sound]”
Goated eminem
5 stars
Amazing!!!!
The soundtrack for teenage boys driving around in their cars doing jackshit in the '90s. This was the filthiest, most offensive, obscene, vulgar, masochistic, sexist, deranged thing anyone ever laid ears on when it dropped back in 1999, which is why middle schoolers, high schoolers and college bros couldn't get enough of it. Dre has certainly perfected this formula before, starting with N.W.A and then to Snoop before unleashing Eminem on the world. Looking back now, a lot of these lyrics haven't aged well — but Eminem has. The talent is undeniable. And I don't care what anyone says, "My Fault" — better known as the mushroom song — is still hilarious.
One the greatest rappers of all time and my absolute favorite.
Hi kids. He references NIN, who I got yesterday. Synergy. There's more art in some of my 5 rated, but he's got as much talent as any of them. THere are always lines that make you notice them. The sick soul of white america and the horror that comes with it is the theme, and it has only become more observant somehow in retrospect. Nice bouncy production from young dre, at his best around here.
This was the quintessential angry white American teen male album.
Banger
Unserious and completely honest. He’s on another level
Yes
Classic Slim Shady. Deserves nothing less than 5 stars.
Classic. I’m not a big rap guy but I enjoy a lot of 80s and 90s rap before it became about rapping as fast as possible or mumbling through verses like you are barely coherent and have a mouth full of marbles. Also not a fan of overly processed vocals like a lot of modern hip hop has. I like how I can make out most of Eminem’s lyrics and how most of his songs have stories. Gives me a reason to listen and focus instead of just letting it slide into the background. Hard to get engaged with background music. For that reason this album makes my short list of rap classics.
aşşırı iyiydi hikaye dinliyo gibiydim full hiç sıkılmadım dinlerken eminem keşke eskisi kadar ikonik olsa şu an
Some of the lyrics have aged super poorly. It’s full on cringy at some times, but I can’t get myself to give it less than a 5. The hits are undeniable classics from my childhood, and the deep cuts are some of Eminem’s best songs.
One of the best!!
Six stars
A classic. Dre's production is unmatched, and the intricate wordplay and storytelling lay the foundation to introduce you to the alter ego of one of the greatest wordsmiths of all time.
Vintage Marshall
Love Eminem
Beautifully imaginative and so smart. A master lass in how to lean into what they'll try to use against u
A clear masterpiece; constantly revealing a staggering confidence in stunning creativity. Every track sets in vibrant relief the cliched simplicity, the banality of 95% of hip hop lyrics. And Dre and the Bass Brothers' beats manage to perfectly contrast and compliment the lyrical flow and content.
Love this one. Eminem's old stuff is insane.
Fantastic debut album. While MM LP is definitely his top, this was a great jump off.
I forgot how fucking dark and weird this guy use to be
all time favourite
Even though I prefer his second album, this is still an amazing 5/5 album. Where later the Slim Shady persona would only ocassionally rear it's head, on this release it's very much in charge. Foulmouthed, antagonistic and crazy, sure, but also pushing the envelope and dragging an entire generation with him.
My favorite Saturday morning cartoon.
Great
THE GOAT HIMSELF
Still to this day one of the best! You could easy listen to the whole album and not skip one song.
Classic. After his excellent (and more radio-friendly) album Infinite failed commercially, Eminem decided to embrace his unhinged alter ego. Yes, the lyrics are crass and disgusting, but it is also clear that Slim Shady is an awful persona. See Role Model. Eminem begs you to not take it seriously. The absurdity of the violence and insanity pushes the album into dark humor and I can't help but laugh at the clever turns of phrases. Excellent stuff.
eminem's second album release. very ruthless rap that's shocking, but also feels like parody. while some listeners would be quick to call it immature, i like that the guy doesn't take stuff seriously when it comes to how he throws down bars. it's like a slasher/snuff movie in audio form. not for everyone but it's a great one. seriously his humor gets FUCKED.
Great album. 5/5
classic
Ah, the 90's, when uber offensiveness was an artform. This album is VILE. And it knows it. The second line of the album is "The views and events expressed here are totally fucked." Indeed they are. Let's address the misogynistic elephant in the room. The lyrics of several songs relish in sexual and physical violence against women. These lyrics were uncomfortable, but also exhilarating in a world where such content is increasingly stigmatized. And for what it's worth, as far as I can tell, it's complete fiction. I'm not aware of any accusations of violence by Kim, and he has moved away from this type of shock content long ago. I've always heard Eminem described as a great storyteller, but I didn't get it until I listened to this album. He really does know how to spin a lucid narrative in a way that is singular among rappers I've listened to. "Just the Two of Us" and "Guilty Conscience" were both narratively compelling, even if they were both completely fucked. This one definitely isn't getting added to my regular rotation. It's too visceral for that. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it.
9.5/10
Looking past the repetitive vulgarity in Mathers’s lyrics, The Slim Shady LP truly represents what an album should be: a story, in this case one of the artists own suffering and mental battles. This album was genre defining and one of my personal top 10 rap albums of all time.
Everyone remembers where they were the first time they heard “Hi! My Name Is!” and the shock and awe still feels kind of fresh today too! The album is the introduction for the masses to Marshall Mathers’ alter ego, the nefarious Slim Shady. He’s not a nice guy, and you wouldn’t let him look after your dog for the weekend but by fuck he’s a way with words. The talent Eminem has for bending words and syllables to fit his rhyme scheme are unparalleled and the absolute mastery of the English language mixed with his craft, quite frankly, takes the breath away at some points. He was only going to get bigger, and this album is the first of his unholy trinity span where he would traverse the ladder of celebrity to superstardom and the struggles that go with it. This is truly a remarkable album, and yes, some people will hate it. The lyrics are shocking at times (but they’re meant to be) and a lot of people will disagree intently with a lot of things he raps but therein lies the genius. Slim Shady arrived, kicked your cat in the face, spat on your favourite rug, nipped off with your missus and crashed your car. And after all that, you still wanted more of him!
The start of a legend. Many catchy songs, filled to the absolute brim of brilliant wordplay and rhymes and storytelling. Lots of laughs on this album too, and Eminem seemed to have taken Kid Rock's advice (yeah seriously) to annunciate his words more, I can clearing hear at least 95% of what Eminem is saying no matter how fast he goes. Great album
That was fun! Grabbing the rest of the discography to add to my shuffle.
This album reminds me of college. Classic. 5/5
Absolute the vibe
Incredible debut from one of the greatest MCs in history
Classic
Some crazy things were said on this record but it's so good
Unabashedly love the first few Eminem albums. A staple of teenage years. Really enjoyed this re listen although the lyrics are definitely pretty fucked up. They made me laugh though.
I never heard this masterpiece before! It is perfect! Bravo, Eminem!
Only the most hard hitting silly rap bars ever.
Love it! A favourite before I started my journey on 1001 Albums Generator.
I was a suburban white kid, so this rating shouldn't come as any surprise
First time sitting and listening to the whole thing. Amazing debut album
Classic
Amazing
Top Song: Rock Bottom Weakest: all of the skits.
Banger of an album. Eminem is probably my favorite storyteller of all time. Hard not to pay attention to his lyrics on this one. They range from unhinged and funny to downright scary. My least favorite song on here (minus the skits) is still solid. Easy 5.
Razor sharp lyrics and “Beats by Dre”, an unbeatable combination. 9/10 highly recommend.
Such a confident debut. Funny, corny, controversial. It’s a classic
Outrageous
This is shady
Classic, one I find myself going back to every now and then
It's just so much fun, Eminem peaked here right at the start. The beats were fantastic, which would always be his biggest weakness going forward. Technically his rapping is untouchable, but here it manages not to be corny like his later stuff, and it's hilarious. A lot of the songs have certain topics or stories that make it cohesive. What more could you ask for really, there's a reason he was as huge as he was.
Definitely didn't have as visceral a reaction to this as compared with the Marshal Mathers LP that came 2 years later. This one seems to have more fun, takes itself less serious and is almost at times playful which is just about the complete opposite to MM - interesting (but possibly not surprising) that he escalated things pretty significantly in the follow up. My Fault is particularly hilarious to the point I was laughing out loud at the gym as the story continued to escalate (not that it's conclusion wasn't dark af). Cum on Everybody is both a hilariously simple pun title and an almost a perfect reproduction of a JT song.
Listened to this so much growing up.
Early hip hop pioneer. Really helped push hip hop public.
Classic old school rap. big Eminem fan
Album #5 (?) Great stuff, prob the best Eminem album. Very infectious energy, simple but fun and effective beats.
A fun listen. This surpassed what I thought was lyrically possible at the time.
I wore this album out when it was first released.
This is copied from my Marshall Matters review and is just as applicable: "Eminem establishes himself as one of the goat rappers with an accessible yet highly aggressive and smooth vocal delivery capable of expressing all sorts of emotions, keeping his cool and honest persona at the forefront. His lines are clear, fast, passionate, and poetic, capable of telling intricate stories and dialogues with such natural emotional delivery. The skits are funny and serve a necessary purpose, and the tracks flow seamlessly from one to the next, especially impressive considering the extensive length." Eminem is just as talented here in his delivery, personality, and storytelling, but with less slightly horrorcore and more focus on Dre's G-funk production. It's still just as incredible and consistent with every song standing out in some way, and some standing out as hip hop classics. Perhaps a bit dated but nothing else from then or now comes close to it in style or approach. I do think Marshall Matters is stronger (both the hits and the deep cuts), and this does go on a bit too long at almost an hour, but it's still a landmark of its era. Favorites: My Name Is, Rock Bottom
The Slim Shady LP & The Marshall Mathers LP were the first two rap albums I've ever owned or listened to. And while I don't listen to Em nearly as often as I used to, I still love this album. The Eminem Show is better though. favs: Brain Damage, Rock Bottom, If I Had least fav: Bad Meets Evil (not counting the skits, then "Soap" would be the worst)
I'm not even a rap lover but got into Eminem the minute he hit the scene (I'm older than his main demographic) and was the first in my circles to recognize what a true talent he is. Love the Marshall Mathers album as well as the Slim Shady LP. As an aside, '97 Bonnie and Clyde is one of the funniest songs I've ever heard.
Classic.
Excellent album!
Another one I own. Great album.
A classic, probably wouldn't pass in this day and age but it brings me back to my teen days. Only 1 song on here that I would've skipped back in the day. "If I had", "Rock Bottom", "Still Don't Give a Fuck", and "'97 Bonnie and Clyde" are just 10/10. (This review is in no way an endosment of the things that were said on this record.) #stayWoke #5forNostalgia "Extortion, snortin', supportin' abortion Pathological liar, blowin' shit outta proportion The looniest, zaniest, spontaneous, sporadic Impulsive thinker, compulsive drinker, addict Half animal, half man Dumpin' yo' dead body inside of a fuckin' trash can With more holes than an afghan" -NemNem
eminem's slim shady character is definitely not for everyone, and that's perfectly understandable. however i personally see it as him brilliantly highlighting and bringing attention to real-world problems with a dark humour twist - much like an actor portraying a complex character in a film. the storytelling and rhymes are simultaneously perturbing and catchy with a shock value that remains impactful on repeat listens. it's the overwhelming boldness of the album that makes it a masterpiece for me, and every song contributes to its legacy as undeniable classics of the era. also, the production by dre is impeccable, matching eminem's style perfectly. this album isn't just good, it's a groundbreaking work that redefined a genre.
It's not my favorite M&M album, but it's top-notch anyway.
Classic Hip Hop album that launched one of the greatest musical careers in the genre we've seen. easy smash
It was very good I'm only rating it 4 due to the humor used
Did the dishes to this
Awesome!
first album I actually bought myself
classic
An old timer ❤️
loved it
classic
Eminem's best album.
I don't know why, but this album isn't working for me. Maybe its from exposing myself to more hip-hop but I find when I listen to this album it sounds like Em tried to hard. He steps out of his comfort zone in this album and it shows in the slower songs. Still a solid album, and nobody is as good with words as this guy so still full marks.
What's his name?
One of the darkest, gritty albums I've ever heard, which was a pretty good reflection of who Eminem was up until that point in time. Has it aged? Of course, but I'm a believer of judging talent under the confines of its era. "My Name Is" is an all-timer and one of my favorite Em songs. 8/10.
A true classic. No skips.
Never listened to this front to back before and it made me love the album even more
A dark and twisted, but beautiful masterpiece. Classic.
Instant classic. A star is born. Gritty, real, and unique. Truly a genre changing effort and instant superstardom for Marshall Mathers
Easily one of the best albums ever, five stars.
Fantastisk album, kom ut 5 dager etter jeg ble født. Mye nostalgiverdi.
Wanted to give 4.5 stars. Some songs are a bit of a miss but the classics are really good.
Intanto, come dicevo già in passato, un album che abbia le canzoni collegate tra loro da un filo comune guadagna un punto. Poi comincia con "My name is"..., "Guilty conscience" è un pezzo forse anche migliore. "'97 Bonnie & Clyde" lascia uscire emozioni più positive Ah no pare che, ok la relazione con la figlia, ma parli di gettare il cadavere dell'ex moglie in un lago
Genius satire with brilliant and funny lyrics
The first album I ever purchased.
Eminem is quality at any point in his career
While some of his catalogue and lines didn't age the best, this album really was revolutionary upon release. The zany and outlandish story-telling abilities, intricate rhyme patterns, and comic book/ cartoonishness of the presentation still are fantastic today. It left such an impact that the genre itself wouldn't be nearly the same without Em or his catalogue, despite how hit or miss it can be through the years
Truly awesome first album from one of the most brilliant artists on the planet.
He sings real fast
Peak late 90s rap. Iconic.
Classic
Album #28 I was in high school when this album came out, and I distinctly remember thinking that Eminem was going to be a one-hit wonder with “My Name Is”. A friend told me that I was wrong and lent me his copy of the Slim Shady LP and I don’t know if I’d ever been more wrong about anything else in my life. I was a little afraid that revisiting it would make me cringe from the misogynistic and violent content, but it really didn’t seem too bad on this listen. As an adult, it is 100% clear that this is a performance of the “Slim Shady” character, and those items are like a horror film. Shady may be the star, but he is clearly the villain and not to be glorified in any way. Eminem’s skills are clear as can be, as you can hear rhyming patterns that just keep you on your toes. He can tell stories with clear beginnings, middles, and ends. He also knows how to make fun of himself, as he knows he’s not a “Role Model”. The quartet of albums from Slim Shady LP through Encore are legendary, but this one sets the table for what is to come. 5*
"The Slim Shady LP" by Eminem is undoubtedly a hip-hop classic. Released in 1999, this album marked Eminem's major-label debut and catapulted him into the mainstream. It showcased his raw talent, controversial lyrics, and unique storytelling abilities. The album's production, primarily helmed by Dr. Dre and the Bass Brothers, provides a dark and gritty backdrop that perfectly complements Eminem's intense and often disturbing lyricism. Tracks like "My Name Is" and "Guilty Conscience" stand out with their catchy hooks and clever wordplay, instantly becoming hits. Throughout the album, Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady, takes the spotlight, allowing him to delve into themes of mental instability, drug addiction, and the darker aspects of his personal life. Tracks like "Rock Bottom" and "97' Bonnie & Clyde" showcase his storytelling prowess, while "Brain Damage" offers a glimpse into his experiences with bullying and growing up in Detroit. What truly sets "The Slim Shady LP" apart is its unapologetic honesty and willingness to tackle taboo subjects. Eminem's controversial and provocative lyrics pushed boundaries, sparking both admiration and criticism. Nevertheless, it was undeniably a groundbreaking release that left an indelible mark on the genre. In hindsight, "The Slim Shady LP" remains a pivotal album in Eminem's career and in the history of hip-hop. It established him as a formidable force in the industry and set the stage for his subsequent albums, solidifying his status as one of the greatest lyricists in the genre's history.
I mean, it’s the real Slim Shady
Phenomenal. Changed an era
Of course one of the most important albums similar to its follow up. I'd probably have to cut a few tracks for it to be perfect, but I'd say a solid low 5 for me.
Forgot how great this album is
Once again it seems the Thought Police are out and active and Eminem is a naughty bad man. Well, regardless of his edgy and frankly not suprising views (considering his upbringing and relationship with his mother) this man created a persona that not only took the world by storm but demonstrated just how gifted he is. This stands head and shoulders above anything else in the genre. His rapping, storytelling and production is second to none.
Ik lees op het wijze internet dat dit de strip onder de rapplaten is. En dat begrijp ik wel. De tekst vergroot alles uit en richt zich op de puber in onszelf. De strip is daarentegen getekend in suikerzoet roze. Want wat klinkt het lekker in het gehoor. Sterke deuntjes, goede beats en bijzonder goed gebruik van samples. En, daar bovenop, een originele rapstijl die, ondanks de vaak stevige inzet, altijd prettig klinkt. Ik kijk even door de puberale grapjes heen en waardeer de creativiteit en het vakmanschap met de volledige score.
5/5 - classic hard eminem but i preffered the marshal mathers lp, although this is still a very powerful album, i have more songs sqved from this album as opposed to the other album which was jut overall better. I did appreciate the little skits in the album, it made it more fun to listen to
Classic
It's been damn near 20 years since I listened to this, which is particularly wild when considering the fact that it was probably the most anticipated album of my teenage years/early 20s. Thanks to the internet and RealPlayer I heard the Slim Shady EP right around the time Em got signed by Dre - nobody in my suburban corner of Canada had any idea what was coming yet, but I was all in. Hell, for about six months, thanks to either Tripod or Geocities, I hosted one of the first few Eminem fansites on the internet - scouring for any tidbits I could find and present. When The Slim Shady LP finally dropped, it was everything I hoped for and more (almost too much more with how ubiquitous "My Name Is" became so quickly!) Nineteen-year-old me could not get enough. Now 43-year-old me is revisiting it for the first time in a couple of decades and, honestly, I still think it's absolutely brilliant. I have much less of an interest in extreme shock value these days and a far lower threshold for some of the homophobic and misogynistic language used herein but I can't deny the genius at work here. The album is brilliantly crafted and Eminem's emcee skills are absolutely undeniable over and above the shock value of the content; his flows, lyrics, and ability to work a persona were near completely unparalleled at the time. The material from The Slim Shady EP was already proven to anybody who heard it, and the new tunes continued to take the Slim Shady persona to the next level, which garnered exactly the kinds of reactions one would expect when working shock and spectacle so hard - particularly when playing a persona that blurs the line between real and imaginary. Probably the most controversial track on the album was also my greatest disappointment with the album... "'97 Bonnie & Clyde" finds Eminem on an imaginary road trip with his infant daughter Hailie to dispose of her mother's corpse. The song was re-recorded from its original version on the EP (there called "Just the Two of Us") with a new beat and the addition of the real Hailie's voice. The inclusion of Hailie's voice unsurprisingly angered her mother and made the world at large even more uncomfortable with an already unsettling song - a lightning rod for those railing against the album upon release. My personal upset with the song didn't stem from discomfort around violence against women since I could stomach it as the gross twisted fantasy that it was (having long since experienced my own horror stories with the mother of one of my children, I feel like I understand the need for a catharsis like this even more than I ever did back then - even if my current desire to listen to something like this is quite minimal) - I was far more upset about the fact that the new beat was dark and ominous, which gave away the song too soon. The original had a very happy beat that made the deeply dark lyrics hit even harder. I fell off the Eminem train around the release of The Eminem Show. His first couple of major releases really hit right for where I was at in life, but I became far less interested shortly thereafter. I've remained a believer that Eminem is a top-tier emcee, whether I'm interested in listening to him or not. In particular, I think he was the absolute best at background adlibs on his studio albums - so often those are some of the more genius moments in his songs. I think Eminem outdid himself on The Marshall Mathers LP, which is a pretty stellar feat after having blown up so big with this one. I really doubt I'll revisit this one very often outside of projects like this or an occasional burst of nostalgia, but I still think it's an incredible album even if I'm not so interested these days. I'm pretty glad I got to spend some time with it today.
Yeah, I loved it at the time and while some of the content sits uncomfortably 24 years on, I still love it, and will turn a blind eye... Christ, it opens so strong. My Name Is and Guilty Conscience. But every track (skits aside) has at least a few bars that show Eminem's incredible skill as a rapper, beyond all the shock value stuff
Ik ken Eminem vooral van z'n latere hits, en dit album is daar een mooie prelude voor. Muzikaal van start tot eind interessant en goed. Ik heb niet heel aandachtig naar de teksten geluisterd, maar blijkbaar kunnen die tegenwoordig niet meer. Jammer, want ik vind dat je in de kunsten alles moet kunnen. Ik twijfel tussen 4 en 5 sterren, dus zoals vaker gaan we dan toch voor de hogere van de twee.
Track #5 "Paul" is a voicemail recording that says: "Hey, what's going on? This is Paul Rosenberg, your faithful attorney at law. Listen, I listened to the rough copy of your album. And uh... you know I've just got to be honest with you. Can you tone it down a little bit? Because there's only so much I can explain. Give me a call." and as I listened, man, that's exactly how I felt the first time I heard this album and again on April 27th, 2023. It's strange, a mix of perfectly verbalized rap hooks and conceptual ideas (such as the devil vs. angel song Consequences, a standout on the ablum featuring Dr. Dre, the producer) mixed with horrorcore references to murder, drug abuse, etc. This is the album your parents didn't want you to hear, and that's why so many kids my age heard it. I owned it, in fact. I liked this snippet from Wikipedia: "Featuring West Coast hip hop, G-funk and horrorcore musical styles, the majority of The Slim Shady LP's lyrical content is written from the perspective of Eminem's alter ego, named Slim Shady, whom he created on the Slim Shady EP (1997). The Slim Shady LP contains cartoonish depictions of violence and heavy use of profanity, which Eminem described as horror film-esque, in that it is solely for entertainment value. Although many of the lyrics on the album are considered to be satirical, Eminem also depicts his frustrations of living in poverty." Great album, if you can get past the content. This guy was an absolute trendsetter in the genre.
This is my second time listening to this album (I think my first time listening to it was last year, before I started this project), and the second Eminem album I've listened to on this list (the first being The Marshall Mathers LP). "My Name Is" happens to be the first Eminem song I ever heard, and at 15 years old, I thought it was hilarious and brilliant, but it also blew my mind that someone would make music as profane as that. Listening to this in my late thirties is a different ballgame. While the lyrics are still brilliant, clever, and profane, this album is about as dark as they come. I'm married, and my wife and I have a young daughter of our own, and listening to "'97 Bonnie and Clyde" just about made me want to throw up. I can't even imagine what experiences in Eminem's life could lead him to create a story like that. I suppose I could say the same thing about every song on this album, whether the topic is drugs, parental abandonment, or violent bullying. Even though the lyrics are dark, I appreciate their ability to make me feel horror, and disgust so intensely, but at the same time, I feel an such empathy to anyone who grew up under the same circumstances that Eminem did. The beats on this album are great too; you can tell that so much work went into the production and studio work. All the elements of the music blends together to tell vivid stories, and there's nothing here that feels like it doesn't belong. This album and its successor are still incredibly controversial, so I've copied my thoughts from my review of the MM LP: Since most of the other reviews mention it to some degree, I guess I can't talk about this album without mentioning the homophobic, misogynistic, and violent content of the lyrics. A lot of the lyrical content here is pretty uncomfortable to listen to. I think a lot of the more offensive content is spouted off by characters/personas that Eminem has invented, but that doesn't take any of the edge off of it. Is it okay to play the role of a character who says words and phrases like this? I don't know. When we have visual movies about cultural tumult (World War II, The Civil Rights movement in the U.S. etc.), people being represented on screen often spout hateful rhetoric, and we generally accept it, because it's historically accurate, and history is often a long road of terrible deeds that come from terrible thoughts and words. Is it okay in this sense too? Homophobia and misogyny were clearly alive and well at the time this album was recorded, and people who held these types of views were certainly thriving as well, and in my view, that gives these lyrics an unfortunate realism. But what does it mean when someone can create personas like this? Ultimately, I don't know how to feel about art like this. I think this album is incredible as a piece of music, but I don't enjoy listening to things as dark as this.
Awe yeah! A classic. This takes me back to the Shani days. Some good some bad memories. But I do like me some Eminem.
"The Slim Shady LP" is an incredible hip-hop album that showcases Eminem's unparalleled talent as a rapper and lyricist. From start to finish, this album is a tour-de-force of raw, unfiltered emotion and powerful storytelling that has earned it its iconic status in the genre. The album's opening track, "Public Service Announcement," sets the tone for the rest of the album with its edgy, provocative lyrics and aggressive production. From there, Eminem takes the listener on a journey through his troubled past, touching on themes such as poverty, addiction, and mental illness. One of the highlights of the album is the track "My Name Is," which became an instant classic upon its release and remains one of Eminem's most recognizable songs to this day. The track is a perfect showcase of Eminem's unique flow and witty wordplay, and its catchy chorus has made it a staple of pop culture. Other standout tracks on the album include "Guilty Conscience," which features a memorable collaboration with Dr. Dre, and "Role Model," which showcases Eminem's ability to weave complex rhyme schemes and metaphors into his lyrics. Overall, "The Slim Shady LP" is a true masterpiece of hip-hop, and it is no surprise that it has become a cultural touchstone in the decades since its release. Eminem's raw talent and emotional honesty shine through on every track, making this album a must-listen for any fan of the genre. Five stars, without question.
The album that changed Hip Hop. Em is an absolute original - funny, dark, and an insanely talented artist. This was in my car CD changer for a solid 2 years. "Ninety-nine percent of my life I was lied to I just found out my mom does more dope than I do... With a bulletproof vest on and shoot myself in the head...You thought I was ill and now I'm even more so, shit I got full-blown AIDS and a sore throat...I wanted an album so rugged nobody could touch it, Spent a million a track and went over my budget, Now how in the fuck am I supposed to get out of debt? I can't rap anymore, I just murdered the alphabet" Legendary.
Great album, it really hit a nerve in '99. I'm not sure anyone realized you could really say whatever you wanted on an album until this came out. Nothing was off limits, and no one pushed boundaries like Eminem.
no notes
Sublime storytelling married to some groovy beats and chilling melodies, topped off by Eminem's insistent and emotional delivery, this is a classic.
A lyrisct like no other.
Totes mazin
Takes me back to playing N64 in my bedroom. Those saying that it hasn't aged well may be missing the point - it was considered not right when it was released! Absolutely love the production, the controversy, the ridiculousness. As much as I love the singles, I really really love the second half of the album, especially from Rock Bottom.
My 12 year old selfs rating and my current rating.
absolute classic and revisiting it makes me so sad looking at what he would end up releasing later in his career
I love it🙏🏻
People usually say MMLP is Eminem's best but I think it's this one. He's completely unhinged and super creative. There are plenty of hits but even the deep cuts like My Fault (+ skit beforehand), As the World Turns, and 97 Bonnie and Clyde go hard. No misses IMO
Sweet
Fuck. I love Eminem
Excellent album. Still stands tall.
This is like an angrier Millennial version of Licensed to Ill but it’s still just as fresh and joyously breakneck as that disc. TIL that Eminem recorded My Name Is within an hour of meeting and starting to work with Dr Dre. That’s focus. I’d give it a 4.5 if possible to highlight the step up The Marshall Mathers EP was, but its impact on its day cannot be overstated.
Love it
Still his best.
Aina pitänyt tästä levystä varsin paljon ja helposti pyöräyttää pari kertaa peräkkäin ympäri. Tämän levyn myötä kävi pikku-Timollekin selväksi, että valkoinen mies voi räbäyttää uskottavasti. Silti tuntuu vähän oudolle nostaa tätä ultimaattiseen kuninkuusluokkaan mutta näin pienellä pistehaitarilla se on ainoa vaihtoehto. Paska sivusto, hyvä levy!
Damn boi, what a banger. One of my favs all time. So visual, moody and extreme. Love so many tunes sonically and so fun to listen. Some skits run a little tired after a while but some are entertaining and very much suit the vibe of the album. My favourite Eminem album. 9.2/10
Gr8 production, brutal and creative lyrics and stories, not repetitive in a boring way, very meaningful and impact filled lp. Great listen
Superb album! Always a great listen
Reminds me of middle school
PSA: My Name Is Paul and If I Had had a Role Model like '97 Bonnie & Clyde my Guilty Conscience would have prevented some of the Brain Damage that made me Just Don't Give A F... Instead I'm Shady, hit Rock Bottom and it's My Fault... 5/5
Eminem was really funny back in the day
Classic Dr. Dre production. Fun and grotesque bars from Em.
I wish I could go back and give Bob Dylan a more gracious rating now that I can see the commonality between them.
The alter ego of Eminem, someone sarcastic who speaks about being poor, drugs and all of the problems about this. A lot of rhymes very well developed to tell a story. This album could cause a lot of polemic to people, but not for the topics that it speaks but by the way it touches that topics, however remembering that is an alter ego and a sarcastic album, it's one of the greatest of Eminem
Nice Eminem album, was like a story, has been a while since I listened to an album like that one :)
Not a rap fan, but 10/10.
I feel like Eminem represents/maybe started a piece of culture that has been popular in the 21st century: sensationalism. Writing abrasive and outrageous lyrics simply to get people talking. He knew that the graphic violence he raps about would cause controversy, and that’s why he did it! He knew that the people talking about how awful his lyrics were meant they were still talking about him, and talk spread his image and skyrocketed him to fame. Shock value was the currency with which he bought his infamy. This album fucking slaps. My favorites: My Name Is, Role Model,
Raw aggression
Немного бесячий, но чёрт возьми, это первый альбом Эминема.
One of my favorites of my youth. Didn’t listen. Walch diagnosed with cancer.
Fucking nothing will ever be harder than Just don't give a fuck.