I know many people may not be a fan of Eminem, but like it or not he’s a pretty big deal in the rap industry. I personally think he’s a respectable artist, and in my books he has a pretty decent “batting average” when it comes to good songs; generally 3 songs from each of his albums end up in my iTunes in the long run. Typically, his more sober toned or angst rapping settle into my Rap/Workout play lists.
Recently, Eminem put out a couple rap singles from his upcoming “Relapse” album which features him using a jarring, strange, and insincere accent. This really detracts from the songs, and a lot of hardcore fans are trying to like Em’s new offerings.
Bottom line though, the three new songs make my ears bleed, and this is coming from a person who told a county judge during a city brunch that his favorite artist was Marshall Mathers. These songs are simply not listenable; those who manage to get through a song only do so by gritting their teeth. The only reason why his songs are still billboard hits is because the sheer number of Eminem hardcore fans melted their brains a long time ago and dogmatically listen to the angry white rapper. But if Em still produces crap like this, even his most faithful fans will fall away.
So what’s the deal with the terrible accent? Mind you this is all speculative, but hear me out:
The Two Album this Year theory:
Many of you probably didn’t know this, but Eminem plans on releasing TWO albums THIS year, “Relapse 1” and “Relapse 2”. (http://www.spin.com/articles/eminem-release-two-albums-year). This is extremely unusual and highly unprecedented for any artist to do.
Some people may argue that Eminem just had a lot of material made during his long hiatus, and that it needs to be released over a two disc period. True, but if he had that much material, he could just have released a 2-disc album much like OutKast did with the multi platinum Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Additionally, anyone with business experience knows that for a company to release two competing products in such close time proximity reduces profit (which is why Apple is so careful when choosing to announce a new laptop or product). One product will cannibalize the other in such a short time frame, rather than the ideal of two products flourishing individually.
This brings me to my theory: Eminem plans to release a pretty lame first album in Relapse 1. Maybe as an inside joke, or maybe because he’s cruel, he’ll disappoint his fans on purpose and give his detractors the delicious bitter fuel they crave.
While Eminem’s reputation is going through the grinder from critics, he’ll release Relapse 2 in short order. Here is where he’ll put his most amazing songs sans accent and blow everyone away. Almost like some twisted version of the Tribulation and End of days, Eminem’s second album would be a sort of second coming. His crapfest first album would only magnify how amazing his second album is. Another theory is that Eminem is just releasing crap songs to discourage pirating, and that the rest of the album will be good. Maybe there will be a couple legitimate hits on Relapse 1, but why would Eminem go so far to make music videos for these songs if they were sucky? Also, why put out your weakest foot forward if you’re afraid of pirating? People are going to download the album illegally no matter what you do.
Bottom Line: Relapse 1 is the setup for Relapse 2. Relapse 1 will be crappy on purpose to highlight Relapse 2.
I am also really disappointed with his latest releases, but I think you are dreaming. Your theory is ridiculous. We will just have to pretend Eminem didnt releases these new albums and be happy with the old stuff.
he's used that rapping voice in both eminem show and encore, i doubt its just a trick
anyhow his overall quality has decreased over 50% since the marshall mathers lp, im not expecting anything great, but i'm still gonna listen through, i still like eminem as a rapper/musician
Sorry for the bump. I also think the OP is just dreaming
I wanted to know from anyone that listened to the Relapse, especially the last song: Underground. Does it remind you of some other song? Because its chorus weirdly resembles Chocolate Rain from Tay Zonday. I almost started laughing the first time I heard the chorus.
Now that we have "Recovery" instead of "Relapse 2", I think the OP's theory is correct, he's going to be ditching the retarded accents, if the single "Not Afraid" is any indication of the quality of the album, I'd say I'm rather stoked for it .
I really have to laugh at all of the haters in this thread. You all should have known you were wrong when te Drake song and some of the other mixes emerged. The song with Hayley Williams and BOB is also pretty good.
If none of you guys like Eminem's songs, I believe you should go see a doctor. I don't see you being known as the "Rap god" You guys are nothing, other than people who have no life other than ranting about how "crappy" Eminem's music is. Listen to the lyrics and maybe you'd understand the meaning of the songs. I hope your ears bleed. It would be a pleasure to see that. Don't listen to any of his songs to say its crappy, if you don't like it.. good.. don't listen to it. Thank you