Eminem Relapses into Mediocrity

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First and foremost, I want to be clear that this post is not a review of Relapse. This article’s purpose is to serve as a treatise reflecting on what Eminem has culminated into based on what I consider to be disparities between the new and old Marshall Mathers. However, for the record, I think this album is terrible, and arguably one of the worst albums I’ve heard in quite some time. Now, those that know me well are probably surprised that I would make such a  statement, primarily because I get my hip-hop fix through the  mixtape circuit where the trash-to-treasure album ratio is roughly 5:1 (i.e. I hear a lot of weak rap, but still far less than what I hear on the radio). That being the case, I feel obligated to properly explain why I think the release of Relapse was a terrible move by Eminem, and why it has likely cost him his legacy among rap’s greats.

It is without question that the greatest detriment to Eminem’s career was the death of Deshaun €œProof€ Holton. Holton’s death took a devastating toll on Eminem both personally and professionally, and was the primary impetus behind his drug relapse. Consequently, Eminem took on a life of seclusion where both friend and fan never heard from him, and fortunately he was able to enter rehabilitation for his drug problems after hitting rock bottom.

Clearly, going through such an experience will change a man. Great trial begets great wisdom, and Eminem is undoubtedly more mature and humbled by his experiences thus far in his life. Having heard his story (prior to the release of Relapse), I eagerly awaited his next album because I thought he would use the opportunity to release a much more introspective album that would shine some light on his unique experiences and personal growth. His catalogue of music clearly evidences the fact he’s got skills, and I thought if he could just focus all that technical prowess into something worth listening to, this would be a legendary album.

Sadly, I was wrong.

The Eminem of Relapse appears to desperately imitate the Eminem of The Slim Shady LP. Songs like €œMy Mom€ and €œBagpipes from Baghdad€ are poorly put together and are wildly immature for someone of Eminem’s skill level. Granted it may have sounded like the Eminem of old, he has certainly progressed significantly as a rapper from his early days (if you disagree, I would suggest listening €œMy Name Is€, then listen to his verse on €œRenegade€ by Jay-Z), and as an artist, Eminem has an obligation to at least be as strong as he was on his last record. The most pertinent question would then be, €œwhy imitate such an immature style?€ The answer is what brings me to the reason why Relapse will prove to be so toxic to Mathers’ hip-hop legacy.

Eminem wrote Relapse as a gimmick. He had an opportunity to make an unforgettably introspective album, and elected to go with a formulated assault of stunt tracks designed to create controversy rather than garner respect from the loyalists. Having been away for so long, he wanted to gain unrivaled attention even if it came at the expense of his reputation, and time ultimately will tell if it was worth it. For the diehard fans, there are a couple of signs of life with tracks like €œUnderground€, but the Eminem behind Relapse is far different from the Eminem behind The Eminem Show (his finest album to date). While I still have a great deal of respect for him both as a person and as a musician, I can’t help but see Relapse as a disappointment. But then again, what else is new in the world of hip-hop.

udothedishes…