INFINITE: 79%

THE SLIM SHADY LP: 80%

THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP: 85%

THE EMINEM SHOW: 74%

ENCORE: 41%

RELAPSE: 42%

RECOVERY: 49%

THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP 2: 58%

REVIVAL: 22%

KAMIKAZE: 51%

MUSIC TO BE MURDERED BY: 61%

Honestly, this marathon was pretty difficult to get through. I only really like four of Eminem’s albums, and when I was getting through Relapse & Recovery, I literally told people that I hated him. He makes a lot of terrible music. He’s one of those artists that I want to like though. There are certain legends in Hip Hop who I just want to see win. People like Nas & Lil Wayne come to mind. I want Eminem’s music to be good because I do believe that he deserves to be in the “best MCs of all time” conversation. However, if we’re talking about “best Hip Hop musicians of all time,” then that’s another story. I have a lot of the same issues with Eminem’s music that I have with Tech N9ne, although to a less severe extent. I’d say that about 70% of his verses are good. Unfortunately, maybe 10% of his hooks are good, and I’m probably being generous there. On top of that, 20% of his beats are average or above average. He just has a really bizarre taste for music. I don’t know why he’s so obsessed with these Pop singers that make the same kinda music that he used to shit on back when he first blew up. Why does he keep making those awful songs with Rihanna, Skylar Grey, and Ed Sheeran? Who the fuck wants that? On top of that, I feel like… Well, let me just say what the dream scenario is for me at this point. The dream is for Eminem to link up with Royce da 5’9″ and have him make 10 to 12 beats that work for him. I chose Royce because I don’t really care for the beats Dr. Dre makes these days. With the latest album, Royce proved that he knows how to make beats that fit Em’s style well. On top of that, there need to be zero features. If he’s gonna have features, they have to be rappers, and they actually have to be skilled lyricists. I don’t want another song with Pink or Young M.A. Then, the final and most important element is the content. What I want is for Eminem to stop making songs about how the relationships he’s in suck ass. I don’t give a fuck about that shit. I liked a lot of the content on Recovery; my issue was the Pop-oriented aesthetic. If Em can get serious like that again, without any terrible sung hooks and trash beats, then I think I’ll like his music. The extreme decline in quality has been sad to watch, but it’s been fluctuating a bit more in the past few years. I think his last couple albums have had some major improvements, so hopefully that upward trajectory continues with his upcoming work. Overall, I think his discography is mediocre, but in my opinion his status as one of the best MCs from a technical standpoint is undeniable.

Favorite Song: I’m Back
Least Favorite Song: Remind Me

58