Tough, tender and a little bonkers. Eminem on new album

Eminem wants to talk about a couple things. Specifically, the anchor character known as Slim Shady, whose droll lead single «My Name Is» from 1999’s «The Slim Shady LP» gave rise to his alter ego.

The Detroit rapper’s career was largely shaped by that character, especially the upbeat 2000 hit song «The Real Slim Shady.»

However, on «The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),» his 12th studio album, which was released on Friday, Eminem delivers the album’s final blow over 19 tracks (including three skits and a scene-setting opener) with his signature blend of crass humor, politically incorrect references, and rhyme-dropping dexterity…

With the exception of a misty-eyed parent rapping about his daughter Hailie Jade, he is a lyrical fighter the entire time, adding sarcasm to his insults.

Eminem queries the source of his «screwed-up brain.»

Eminem said before the album’s release that «The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)» was meant to be listened to all the way through or else it wouldn’t make sense…

Follow his instructions to get the most out of Slim Shady’s steady decline and to comprehend his thoughts on the menacing beat of «Evil»: «Who is responsible for my malfunctioning brain?»

The romping song «Antichrist» features a sophomoric sexual reference to Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, who are also called out in the album’s first single, «Houdini.» In the stormy song «Road Rage,» which also features a whiplash-like conversation between Em and Slim Shady, Eminem takes aim at the overweight person.

The many throwbacks to the past can be appreciated by fans of «Guilty Conscience 2,» his follow-up to his 1999 collaboration with Dr. Dre, as he swings from being serious («Why does it feel like I’m always being tortured?») and obnoxious («old habits are coming back»).

Eminem’s songs about his kids are some of his best.
However, the two standout tracks on an album whose verbosity will take several listening to properly appreciate are about daughter Hailie Jade.

Beginning with «Temporary,» audio clips of Eminem with his little daughter instantly draw fans who have followed him from the beginning back into songs that have mentioned her (such as «Kim,» «My Dad’s Gone Crazy,» and «Hailie’s Song»).

Slim Shady tells his daughter, who recently got married in real life, to «be strong» and that he will always be her «rock» even though he is gone as the beautiful piano-based song progresses («Saying goodbye is just not ever easy»).

The angelic vocals of singer Skylar Grey, who has a history with Eminem dating back to 2010, when she co-wrote his song «Love the Way You Lie,» lend beauty and sensitivity. The reason «Temporary» stands out among the songs on «The Death of Slim Shady» is because it allows Eminem to show off his vulnerability and let go of his act, something he doesn’t often do on the album.

With the exception of the last song, «Somebody Save Me.» Eminem again bares his throat, lamenting his years lost on drugs and apologizing to all of his children («I don’t even deserve the father title»), all while using the chorus of Jelly Roll’s heartbreaking 2020 hit, «Save Me.» (You can already picture Jelly Roll and Eminem singing the song at the Grammy Awards.)

As said, «The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)» takes you step-by-step through Slim Shady’s horrors and heartbreaks. It’s not the smoothest trip, but you’ll want to go through it multiple times to truly comprehend…