Eminem - Relapse

Leading up to Relapse's leak, I think everybody was skeptical as to how Eminem was going to retake hip-hop's thrown, especially after hearing the album's two disappointing singles "Crack a Bottle" and "We Made You." Because let's face it, the game has completely shifted directions compared to almost a decade ago when Marshall Mathers iconically became Slim Shady.

As much as stans wanted Relapse to be Eminem's most prolific work to date, that just isn't the case, and it really doesn't matter either. What matters is Eminem's gifted ability to effortlessly reinvent himself as an artist, adding new dimensions to his craft that no other MC's have touched (and no, I'm not just talking about the accent).

Relapse evokes a darker side of Eminem that we've never seen before, a side that is wildly out-of-control, tiptoeing between the unconscious and reality, fantasy and the unknown. While the album's recklessly provocative subjects matter screams haunting images, we can't forget that the emotions are real.

Nick Cannon, you're toast.

Has to be one of the best eminem albums! Most def. better than encore and the eminem show (in my opinion). Eminem is one of the few rappers who put out albums worth listening to, front to back. As far as a classic? It fell short. Relapse 2 shoulnd't disappoint (i hope). 4 stars.

wow Nathan, from wat i read, i dont see how u gave this 4 stars.????? it kinda sounded like u were takin shots at Em's work on this album, but tryin to hide it. then u tried to save ur rating at the end wit those last couple sentences. but hey ya know, Em is always surrounded by controversy. (not tryin to hate here, i jus dont understand.)

sry i cant comment on the album right now, but i havent heard it.

Young Son’s “Two Cents and Then Some” Album Review

Written by Young Son™ (Michael A. Hannah)

Today’s Album: Eminem’s RELAPSE

So, after a long hiatus from doing album reviews, I’m back on my writing grind. It’s only right that I make my reviewing comeback be on the new project by the legendary artist making his as well…let’s talk about Mr. Marshall Mather’s long awaiting and anticipated studio album in 4 year “Relapse.

The album begins with a very thematic skit called Dr. West. It begins ever so cleverly with Eminem getting ready to be discharged from rehab. The only awkward thing is…he seems more aware what he has to do to stay on the right track than the doctor does. Saying things like “take a drink to take the edge off” and what not are the complete opposite commands of advice that would help Em stay clean. By the end of the skit, it’s revealed that this might just be Eminem’s downfall in front of his face. Who’s to say if it was the actual doctor or just some inner torment type ish…either way, it made for a great dramatic introduction to the album.

We move onto the horror-core, psychopathic sound sight that is “3AM”. The song has superb production and a classic style flow (that may be knew to some new Eminem listeners) of his psychopathic alter-ego as he tells the story of his adventure in rehab land on an late night/early morning killing spree hopped up on a pill cocktail, “feeling himself” to reruns of Miley Cyrus’s alter ego television series. This was a song that I first heard when it was released that I thought was quite sub par. It definitely grew on me as I see how Eminem begins to put together a project that is sonically equivalent to a motion picture.

The third track of the album goes by the title of “My Mom”, a subject matter that we know all too well from Em. Eminem goes in with a comical approach to an absolutely shocking story (if it was anyone else) about how his mom laced his food and other things with valium as a kid and how the reason he’s in the addiction predicament he is now is because of her ways. It was a very creative, crazy/introspective joint from Em. Some would call this classic Eminem.

Moving on to the next song, I had to pause and say “Wow…I’ve never said “too much information” to a rapper on a song…but if I ever met Eminem, I might have to say that to him based on the first verse he spit on the self-explanatory titled track “Insane”. Em speaks about being raped by his stepfather with some pun-intended “insane” storytelling about the skeletons that reside in his closet. I was definitely caught off guard by this one, even for Eminem. The extremely graphic, preference -based repulsive and borderline homosexual content of the song was one of those joints that makes you be scream “TURN THAT OFF” and then as someone is going to push the button, you say “Wait…hold up for a sec”. Nobody else but Eminem can make that happen.

Bagpipes From Baghdad’s production was off the chains right as it came in and the accent was actual real cool here. I personal read Nick Cannon’s fumy rant on his blog about this very song and how he felt disrespected. I definitely was on Nick’s side because what he was saying was right-Em was disrespectful. But then…as I was listening…I realized, WHEN HAS EMINEM EVER ACTUALLY BEEN RESPECTFUL?! LOL. Overall, I thought it was a pretty petty topic to rap about, but Eminem heads will write that off their conscience as they cosign the quality of the production and the precision and creative delivery from Mr. Slim Shady.

Hello was already awkward placed due to the fact that it was the 6th track on the album rather than the first in which the title would suit. This song was very mediocre to me. I just realized that Eminem has sort of ran out of content of actual serious contemplation and was just relying on the unique delivery and obvious obnoxious rancidness. This was a very forgettable song on the album.

Following the unmemorable song was an awesomely mixed theatrical skit called “Tonya”, which apparently was “Psycho Slim” kidnapping this stupid female hitch hiker. Why is she stupid? What respectable, SMART female gets into some random truck/car with some random guy at night during a rainy day? Nuff said. This led to Em’s hopefully fictional storytelling skills about kidnapping females such as Tonya, and torturing and killing them, letting em’ know it’s going to be their last “Same Song and Dance”. Overall, the eerie, psychopathic creativity in the song was undeniable. The eye for detail was also very keen in this track (the school girl referring to Britney Spears, who wore that outfit in her debut video “Baby One More Time”).

We Made You, a single that I originally disliked eventually grew on me and fit nicely within the album’s flow. There’s not much to say about that. I just kicked back and listened to all the words I already knew.

Medicine Ball was a continuance of randomness about homosexuals and fascination with rectums and stuff. It was almost laughable and annoying at the same time. Based on the hook, I derived the actual reasoning for the album. This is supposed to be the new version of “The Slim Shady LP” when he entered the game, upset SO MANY PEOPLE and shocked the world with well “SHOCK VALUE”.

Do you think it’s working?

Sidebar: The hook reminded me of the kid’s Halloween song “Monster Mash” for some apparent reason. Weird.

The Paul Skit is some simply classic ish! SPAZZ OUT PAUL! SPAZZ OUT!

We move into a joint called “Stay Wide Awake”. The production contains a dark and spacey type vibe to it. This, in my perception of it is like a Kid Cudi’s “Man on the Moon” track if he was a weird, white man who was tormented demons and had a vivid imagination affected by his drug addiction while walking in a dark forest at 3AM partially worshiping the devil and maybe Darth Vader. It was an interesting joint, but it didn’t keep my attention.

Old Times Sakes was a decent cut. Dre had laid back flow and Em did EXACTLY WHAT HE DID THE ENTIRE ALBUM. It’s definitely not a classic joint, but not a bad one to listen to in the background while doing something like maybe downloading the new Drake mixtape or something, wondering when this album will be over.

Must Be The Ganja contained a weird production and by this time…I became completely uninterested in Eminem’s new music at all anymore. Maybe you could bill that to the fact that I don’t smoke weed…but I can respect artistic expression and flow…but I just became very bored of the guy I called (or maybe after this, used to call) the greatest rapper of all time.

UNTIL

I listened to “Beautiful” and “Underground”, which might be the closest we get back to classic Eminem that moved the world less than a decade ago. I commend his effort for a conceptual album…but I just wasn’t moved by the album as a whole. As a long time fan, I hope his next album (if he decides to do another one), I hope it sounds like track 17 and track 20 of this album.

3 out of 5 stars. It’s not a classic, but it’s better than lots of albums out now…so it chills in the middle.

The hope for homey hasn’t died…we just need a better album than this. I know it’s in him.

My name’s Young Son and that’s just my two cents…and then some.

-Young Son, Hip Hop Dreamer & Music Journalist

http://www.youngsonmusic.com
Youngsonmusic@gmail.com
Blog.youngsonmusic.com
http://www.djbooth.net/index/artists/info/young-son/

Ok this is a strong comeback record, and no it doesn't op Marshal Mathers LP, or Slim Shady LP, but it is slighty better than Eminem Show imo, and a lot better than encore. Wanted to give it 4.5, but can't so rounded to a 5,
On a side note: Why does rating can only be with whole numbers, can you make so we could rate it like 4.5, or 3.5.

I mean don't you agree that it limits your representation of the review, if you can't do .5 ratings.

Favorite Tracks:
Insane
Beautiful
Deja Vu
Stay Wide Awake
Old Time's Sake
Underground
My Mom
Medicine Ball
Must be the Ganja

I am happy to say that em is back. Sure, this isn't his best album but I still believe that it is a 4.5(Near Classic). His game might have changed but he is still better than 99% of the shit out there.

DJ Baer don't you agree that djbooth should have a .5 system

Yeah I'm sure that they could work something out like that. It would be nice.

because it's too good to be a 4 album, but a slightly worse than 5 rated album.

Personally i love this album, every song sounds different and everysong has a different flow, the lyrics are deep and true, Beautiful is one of my fav from da album. Overall this is a near class and a great come back for eminem, 4.5.

I personally think that this album has been waiting to drop ever since encore and the bomb man i swear eminem is a f*cking genius! Classic most definitely

I'll keep this as short and sweet as possible.

This album was a lot more impressive than I originally imagined it would be. I knew Dre's hot production would be there, but the lyrics on here are ridiculous! I'm beyond surprised that Em still has this much F'd up $hit to say after all of these years, LOL!

I will say, the album kind of followed a pattern. The beginning started off very strong, with tracks like 'Insane' and 'Bagpipes from Bahgdad' and then kind of dropped off in the middle with tracks like 'Medicine Ball.' However, it picked up again towards the end with ones like 'Crack a Bottle' and 'Beautiful'. So you see the trend - strong, good, and strong again.

I'm still saying Marshal Mathers LP was his best album, but this was better than Encore. Overall easy 4 star album. I think he's got 2 more solid singles on his hands with 'Old Times Sake' and 'Beautiful', possibly even a third.

Stay Wide Awake is the sickest song I've heard in a while. Its my favorite song this year.

This could have been a 5 Start album if it cut some of the filler tracks. Overall a tight album.

My picks are - stay wide awake, deja vu, and the underground.

Amazing album. Hello is a great song.

Well, Seems to me, that my internet doesn't want me to submit MY album review on this one, So screw it, I had atleast 2 paragraphs and was just finished when Firefox had to mess up,

My Picks-

Sway Wide Awake - Just a great song, showing how genious Eminem is with sayings like "Soon as my flow starts, I can pozart like the ghost of Mozart"

Beautiful - A amazing song, that should remind people of the old most sincere sounding Eminem.

Underground - This song is to me, Eminems comeback song, whether it's from the intro of Eminem talking, or the chorus and beat that just grabs you by the balls and won't let go while you take in every word Eminem has to say (Excuse my figure of speech)

Insane - What the song says, INSANE, THIS is the Eminem EVERYONE should remember, The one that don't give a flying SH!T about anything and anyone. Bashing at a few people, The one standing out the most, Mariah Carey (Also in Bagpipes From Baghdad). Nick, You shoulda kept your mouth shut.. You just started something with Em you CAN'T win.. Expect to have a song written STRAIGHT to you from Em..

This album gives EVERY Eminem fan something to give hope for, Something to take in until Eminem get's what I call "A Real Chance" to get his words out, just wait..

I think all the songs that were not singles were better than the singles.

Beautiful should have been the main single... I still don't know what the executives were thinking, When your eminem you don't need a catchy hook with an annoying voice to get radio play... Because your Eminem. My initial reaction to the album was that it was going to suck because all the leaks I had heard I did not like.

However I feel like the main theme of the album was his drug addiction and I think on Relapse 2 we are going to see deeper content, like what his thoughts on proof are and so fourth. I just feel like that would be a good way for him to go out.

you know....em always surprises me, this album was better than i thought after we made you thought this album would be shit but he pulled it through...need to chill on the crazy shit but it was a good album, hope there's more from him soon

Hm. debated between 4 and 5, because it's a 4.5 album to me. two things make this album so amazing.

First, after feeling thoroughly disturbed and uncomfortable as the album passes the halfway point, it enters this sort of recovery section. I say recovery because the beats are better, and the lyrics are less horrifying. Right around "Paul" things just became different. most of the amazing songs were in this section, too. When I reflected on this change, and the conclusion of the album, I realized that this was the most complete, full-circle concept album I've yet listened to. Starts off in hell, and clearly tells the story about what the f*** is wrong with Eminem. but it has a resounding victory to close it off. "Underground" trumpets his return. Hell even "Crack a Bottle" feels like it belongs in the album. And Relapse 2 seems to me like it'll be a completely different style. So when I listened to it a second time, I realized I enjoyed the whole thing.

The second thing about this album is, when I finish listening front to back (it can't be listened to on shuffle), and I reflect on which songs I like, I realize I dislike so few. Worse, I sang along to some of his messed up songs, because they're catchy as can be. The whole album works together and it seems like you're sitting in a theater.

what the game's been missin. I even warmed up to Crack A Bottle after listening to this album.

While Em is still insane, one thing that he's gotten away from with each release is fun/funny punchlines and stories. Compared to his first album (my fav) he really sounds like the Devil now. Medicine Ball was the most fun, but that's the thing Em has gotten away from. However, I loved this album, better than Encore... In the middle of the pack of his albums.

What would be interesting if Em switched up his stuff a lil like Kanye did with Graduation. What if Em came out with something totally different? Could he blow us away? It won't happen if Em stays evil, but I can't imagine more evil albums. At some point they'll start sounding the same.

I think its a fantastic album. It doesnt get boring and I'm so happy one of my favorite artists is back.

I wonder which will do better...Green Day's new album of Ems?

Green Day's or Ems...my fault ^^^^

i understand Eminem is not the same rapper he was, and you can't expect a rapper to stay in the same stage forever. With that being said, and knowing that Eminem is more intelligent than most other rappers, I respect his new album, even though I might not like its listenablity and appeal to radio and MTV. Maybe I'm just a commercial guy or backpacker or w/e, but the public knows good music when it hears it. And until now, Eminem has not pleased the public. Until next time.

*lack of appeal

This album is pretty tight. The lyrics are hard and well thought out, something you would expect from eminem. While he is one of the greatest rappers of our time, he still has some work to do. Unfortunatly for him this CD lacks some big hits and wont be played much on the radio or get much publicity. I seriously doubt he gives a shit though. Eminems not one to care what people think of him or his music. Thats one of the factors that make him one of the great artists in the game.

you're right Nathan, Em loves to challenge that line a lot. I think that Beautiful is the best real track. He loves to put tracks like that on his albums, creating a sense of what Em is really going through. production quality makes the album seem better than it really is. but im so glad this came out when it did. I was so sick of all the same crap i hear all the time....that includes Ross.

I havnt bought Relapse yet (It comes out tomorrow here), but I have heard at least 10 of the tracks on it and I didn't hear one song that I would put in my rotation. The tracks that you guys are hyping up as the return of Eminem (Beautiful, Insane & Stay Wide Awake) are not that good of a listen. I seriously doubt I will listen to a track off Relapse (besides Old Time's Sake) past the end of the month.

When I first heard about the project, I was hoping Eminem would jump onto some less 'old school' production and make songs more along the lines of 'Shake That' & 'You Dont Know' instead of having to be controversial on every song. Unlike the rest of you (I assume), this is the Eminem I prefer to listen to over the old-school controversial Eminem that we got on Relapse.

If he dosnt switch up his style, I see Eminem (if he continues after Relapse 2 is released) to move into a position sorta like Nas, in that he cant make successful radio tracks, but will still manage to sell millions of albums.

For the record: Unlike some of you, Eminem didnt get me into listening to hip hop (A New Zealand rapper called Scribe did), so I feel I have no loyalty to talk highly about this album, or any other project he comes out with. So When I come back & rate this album in the coming days, my opinion will be completely un-bias.

it's two different tracks the first one is:
Careful what you whish for
and My Darling.
On that link there are even snippets.

i love em, wayne, twista, soulja boy.
And lil wyte

My Picks are:

1.Beautiful
2.3 A.M.
3.Underground
4.We Made You
5.Deja Vu

He is so cute lol yeah i'm insane over him!

I've thought long and hard about what I wanted to rate this album. It seemed to border on repetitive and disorganized yet somehow managed to remain captivating.

I have settled on a 4.5 but I'm leaning a bit more towards the 5 than I am the 4 and this is mainly due, as pointed out in several reviews, to the shock factor the album possesses.

Now, let's not kid ourselves; this is NOT the best Eminem album (not even the best of the year thus far as a matter of fact) yet it is certainly a step-up from the uninteresting, typical and unsophisticated album that was "Encore". Now, the issue presents itself as to how good the album is in comparison to the rest of Em's discography. This is what I have settled upon:

Encore < The Slim Shady LP = Relapse < Eminem Show < Marshall Mathers LP

With that said, if you enjoyed Encore, you'll love Relapse. If you found Encore a disappointment and loved the Eminem Show (as any sane person would), then you will most likely be satisfied with Em's latest offering.

Now, onto the actual album review.

First and foremost, I compliment Dre's production which, for the most part, was excellent. (But who really expected differently?)

Now, onto the actual lyrics. Em comes hard as ever; spitting pure heat at a nearly unbeatable rate. Now, as most of you have probably noted, there is one little thing that overshadows the content and that one little thing is the obnoxious accent introduced to the general public on "Ass Like That". Why Em continues to rap in this obnoxious manner is beyond me but, if you can look past this mild misstep, you are in store for some of the most mind-blowing provocative lyrics ever to grace the mic.

With that said, I high recommend you check out these tracks:

-Beautiful
-Underground
-Insane
-Old Time's Sake
-We Made You
-Deja Vu
-3 A.M.

Wait a minute: How are you guys rating the CD 4 days before it comes out? Any advanced copies: Please send my way!!!

MH do you get paid to write ALL of that or something cause that looks like a HUGE waste of time!...I thought it would never end...LOL jk;)

Dam great cd

you no u have not heard the cd yet and i am not going to download it either i will buy it may 19 when it comes out and i do not like how this cd is on the booth before the release date it kinda influences downloading the cd and that really bothers me

wow, hold on godsson81885!

I understand how you feel about people downloading the album, but it barely has to do with this being reviewed already in the booth. Believe me, they DO get the stuff before us consumers! ;)

Oh, and another thing: here in Portugal, for example, the album is out May 18th, 1 day before! :D HA!
Just like that, the album's been released in Europe May 15th! So, it's been reviewed by almost anyone that matters, from Rolling Stone to Djbooth.

Album is insane...and after i ehard the bonus tracks today. im putting it up there with Eminem Show! Great cd

Ok, since it was 4.5 for me, now it's a definetely 5, because of the bonus tracks, i mean both of these tracks are classics, Be Careful what you wish for is off the hook. and to the Phantom this is the best of the year so far: what albums are you suggesting that are better than this album, The last kiss?no, Deeper than rap? Fcuk no.

I can't believe Nathan S. gave this album 4, are you trying to say it's as good as Deeper than Rap? I mean the reasonable score would be 4.5

@FredRico - Yeah the album came out today in Australia, but I still dont want to rate until tomorrow, since I have the chance to blast it in the car for a while.

I still stand by earlier comments that my expectations are not high for the rest of the album. Especially because all the tracks that have been mentioned as being great, I've already hear (and didnt like).

not the best, but its a bit better

@DJ Something - "Troubadour", "Sickology 101" (maybe) and, if we're not only speaking hip hop, "Love vs. Money" were all superior to Relapse. Don't get me wrong. The album is hot. It's just not up to Em's potential.

In your comparison to Deeper than Rap:
Deeper than rap will be Ross' magnum opus; the best album he ever releases. With that said, Relapse can't touch Eminem's classics with a 10 foot pole. So, if you're questioning which album is more impressive, then "Deeper Than Rap" is by a long shot.

Don't get me wrong, Relapse is a better album but it disappointed me just as much as Ross surprised me. So, in turn, I feel a bit less satisfied with this album than I did with DTR.

@DJ Something: I feel you man, it's shocking to see this album get the same rating as DTR, but what Phantom said is also true, and it's exactly what Nathan takes into consideration when reviewing an album: the artist's potential (you'll notice that if you read several reviews/ratings, some will seem "unfair" if you get into comparison).
Thus, an Eminem 4 equals an average rapper 5+! ;)

As far as the best album this year, I will just suggest you to listen to "Troubadour". It's AMAZING: K'naan made a "Marshall Matters LP" to me.

@Aussie_Pride: yeah, I knew that about Australia, sorry, I didn't mention it cuz I forgot we've got a representative here in the booth! ;)
Your attitude not rating this hastily is admirable!

@FredRico - I was just using Australia as a example to back up your reply to goddson81885, It was a smart move by Nathan to release his review early imo.

After listening to Relapse for a good amount of time yesterday, I cannot make up my mind whether im a fan or not. While I still stand by my statement that there is no individually great track on the album, there are no terrible songs on it either (which I guess is a trademark of Eminem). The album is pretty much full of 3 star songs (besides 'Old Times Sake' which is probably a 4).

Im still disappointed that Eminem cant get with the times & use some modern production instead of using generic Dre beats (Im a fan of Dr. Dre's work, but the production on this album is way to basic & old school for my tastes).

Ill give the album a 3, but I may change my rating at a later date. It is no where near the best album of 2009, and I doubt it will end up in the top 10 by years end.

It will be interesting to see how Relapse 2 ends up, hopefully it will be a album for the 00's instead of a album made for the 90's (like this album).

Ill post my Top 5 at a later date, but I can already say that Old Time's Sake is easily my favorite track on Relapse