8:50am Wednesday 24th June 2009
Seeking to regain his crown as the world’s biggest rapper, Eminem is back after nearly five years away with his sixth studio album.
As if we didn’t already know, Eminem has got some issues.
He wasn’t exactly backwards in coming forwards when it came to spilling out his innermost thoughts in the past, but if strife with twice-divorced wife Kim was the inspiration for many of his past rhymes, the Detroit rapper has been through a really tough time since we last heard from him, namely drink and drug addiction and the murder of his best friend Proof.
Dark, dangerous and characteristically candid, Relapse is not always easy listening.
Opening song 3am, which follows on from a skit featuring The Wire’s Dominic West, is a case in point, as are Same Song And Dance and Deja Vu.
Thankfully, Slim Shady’s not lost his scathing sense of humour, best shown on a number of skits and Medicine Ball.
Like him or loathe him, music is a bit more exciting with Eminem around.
RATING: ***
Andy Welch
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