The Marshall Mathers LP 2 – O2 Tracks review

Eminem is back with a new found energy in his latest record, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, delivering one of his strongest performances in the last decade.

His clever wordplay, quick witted humour and emphatic delivery throughout draws obvious comparisons to early successes, The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP.

While recent albums such as Recovery and Relapse have been met with lukewarm reception, it’s clear from the opening track on TMMLP2 that Eminem’s got his rap mojo back. Bad Guy sets the tone for the next 78 minutes with Eminem in full flow. Even though he’s matured since The Slim Shady LP, we still see flashes of the wicked humour that made the 41 year old Detroit MC a hip hop icon. He’s out to simultaneously offend and entertain on this record. And as always, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks.

Rap God is true mastery of the art form, throwing down the gauntlet to the new generation of rappers. It’s hard not to be in awe of Em’s dizzying double time speed rapping towards the end of the track. Other highlights include Legacy and Stronger Than I Was, which provide a deeper insight into Eminem’s troubled last few years including his battle with drug addiction and his relationship with his mother.

Radio friendly anthem Monster features Rihanna and picks up where the pair left off on The Way You Lie. The song proves Eminem still has massive commercial appeal, topping the UK charts in the first week of its release.

Love him or hate him. Eminem is back. And whatever you think of Detroit’s finest, the world of hip hop is a much more interesting place with him in it.

Between 11-17 November you can listen to The Marshall Mathers LP 2 free on the O2 Tracks app, whatever your network. Plus, if you’ve got #O24G, you’ll get a year long subscription for free. Get the app, and all the best music in your pocket.

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