The Marshall Mathers LP

Art at its most angry, hateful, violent, and offensive. NOT for kids.

Artist: Eminem
Genre: Rap Label: Interscope Records Parental Advisory: Yes Edited Version Available: Yes Release Date: 05/23/2000

Common Sense Note

If your kids listen to popular radio or watch MTV they are going to get a dose of Eminem, so prepare yourself. Know that there is lots of offensive language as well as sexual and violent images.

Celebrity accountability is a great topic to get your kids talking about their favorite stars. How do celebrities affect their fans? What responsibilities come with fame? Does Eminem think his success is worth it? Note: The edited version still contains explicit content.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: David Brown

Eminem's second album is darker than his first. Many of his songs reflect on the consequences that come with fame. Eminem claims to be surprised at the notion of being accountable for his music and its effects on kids, and he clearly rejects that responsibility while waving his favorite finger at the rest of the world.

As he did on his first album, Eminem uses the shock value of his lyrics to get attention, and he does it with a dark sense of humor that requires a strong stomach. Unfortunately, he also says some very hateful things that escape all sarcasm. The homophobia on this album is abhorrent, and needs to be addressed with kids who are listening to this music.

Offensive content aside, there is some great music on this album. The singles "Stan" and "The Way I Am" are excellent, with catchy hooks and dark lyrics. "Stan" features a haunting chorus by Dido, and "The Way I Am" has a driving beat and an impressive rhyme scheme.

Eminem brings out the complex problems of pop culture. He's talented but offensive, intelligent but negative, and although his albums are only appropriate for the most mature teenagers, every elementary school playground in America has heard this music.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Disrespectful and explicit.
Violence Like the first album, filled with murder, torture, and suicide.
Language He doesn?t use the N-word, but everything else is fair game.
Message
	Social Behavior Rampant homophobia and hate.
	Commercialism He disses rappers who are hung up on champagne and jewelry.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Much worse than beer and pot. Beware.