What’s the Story?

It's been several years since the world was exposed to Slim Shady's brand of warped rap. RELAPSE is a voluminous 20-track release that sees Eminem back on the music scene after recovering from an addiction to prescription drugs. The theme of addiction is at the center of this CD, but the usual Eminem themes of violence against women and shock-value lyrics play a big role.

Is It Any Good?

Revolting, nauseating, even repulsive: just a few of the emotions that come up after listening to this CD. But that's exactly the reaction the rapper wants to elicit. The line, "How can he say that?" actually appears on one track. But the deplorable, misogynistic rhymes aren't the worst part of the album. Eminem's self-absorbed rehashing and bashing of staid topics make this album seem less than original. His usually inspired social commentary isn't timely or relevant here, and at a certain point his sociopathic self-aggrandizing becomes monotonous. The few glimmers of hope can be found on a few tracks like "Déjà vu" and "Beautiful," where the artist speaks chillingly and realistically about the continued battle against his addiction.

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Have you heard it?

Cast & Film Details

Artist

Eminem

Genre

Rap

Label

Shady Records

Parental advisory

Yes

Edited version
available

Yes
 

Release date

5/19/2009

For Your Family