ALBUM REVIEW: Eminem 'Shady Classics'

Rating:

Appearing out of nowhere, Shady Classics offers 66 classic Eminem tracks for all long-term and new age fans to drool over. Yup, you heard right: 66 tracks. This eclectic collection is a must for anyone who calls themselves a true Marshall Mathers fan.

The album displays both Eminem’s solo work, as well as collaborations with the likes of 50 Cent, Bad Meets Evil and D12. Personally speaking, I love Eminem’s classic work with D12, and that alone would be enough of a reason to buy the album, considering how much past D12 work has either been heavily censored due to its drug-related and sexually explicit content, or simply fallen into obscurity.

Some personal highlights from the album would have to include: Dr Dre – ‘Say what you say’, ‘American Psycho’, D12 – ‘Fight Music’, Rabbit Run, D12 – ‘Git up’, ‘Guts Over Fear’ ft Sia, and ‘Wanksta’.

Obviously that is just a personal preference but with 66 tracks to choose from I am certain even the most fickle Eminem fan can find as many as five songs they love on the album. Even if they only know Eminem from The Marshall Mathers LP II, this album offers the exploration of classic Shady music, which, for me, is his best work. Go back to the days where he described himself as being ‘F****d up‘ and explore his endless rants and skits about Kim and drug use. Seek out his Dr Dre collaboration and see arguably the two best rap artists to ever work together.

I cannot recommend this album more for fans: it’s like Curtain Call‘s triple deluxe edition. It’s a celebration of the unsung Eminem classics, the songs which don’t get overplayed, the ones in danger of slipping into eternal obscurity despite being on a level with classics such as ‘Loose Yourself’ and ‘Without Me’. Buy this album and experience Slim Shady.

Oliver Hope