Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Eminem uses shock value to get his message across: four-letter words, explicit sexuality, and gunshot sound effects are all part of the deal. But this visceral, in-your-face rapper is still one of the best around. Unfortunately, this album highlights other artists on Eminem's label who have yet to live up to his artistic standards.
Families can talk about Eminem's rhythmic phrasing and expressive delivery. Do you think his message would be as effective if he toned down the shocking word play? What makes his songwriting so unusual?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Designed to help launch several new Shady artists -- Stat Quo, Ca$his, and Bobby Creekwater -- THE RE-UP originated as a street mixtape project, destined only for underground distribution; at least that's what the press release leads us to believe. The end result, however, is a product every bit as slick as any other Eminem release without the talented treatment of language that he's so capable of.
The album opens with a blast of shotgun fire, segues into a rant that begins with an audio logo reminiscent of a cartoon superhero's theme song, and then rolls into a deluxe assortment of four-letter words (punctuated by more gun shots). Many of the tracks are performed by the featured artists, with or without Eminem. For the most part, the Shady boss lifts the others up, coaxing good performances out of his crew. But much of the writing isn't up to usual Eminem standards. Instead, it's filled with tedious boasting about sexual and automotive prowess -- without the pointed poignancy and clever lyricism we've come to expect from this artist.
What's not missing from this album is Eminem's usual pissed-off, potty-mouth persona. Employing his trademark throaty growl and uniquely rhythmic phrasing, he attacks every track with the intensity of a pit bull. (He also produced most of the tracks, along with Anger Management 3 Tour DJ The Alchemist, who has worked with Cypress Hill, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Mobb Depp, and Judakiss.)
Parents are likely to be uncomfortable with the graphic and exploitive sexual content on several of the songs. And, there's the obligatory (yawn) cell-phone call, the drug and gang references, and the "N" word used over and over again.
Better Eminem albums include Curtain Call and Encore, but if you're looking for something a bit tamer for the teen set, check out Kanye West and Common.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentExplict sexuality, including graphic references to anal sex. |
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ViolenceGun-shot sound effects and a generous helping of death references. |
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LanguageHeavy on the four-letter words. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorThe "N" word is used often; there is also a fair amount of exploitive, sexist sexuality. |
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CommercialismSeveral brand names (Hennessy, Ferrari) are mentioned. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA few references to drinking and getting high. |
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