Eminem’s 2024 album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) marks a strong return to form for the rap icon. After years of mixed reception and a notably low point with 2017’s Revival, Em has managed to recapture the magic that made his iconic trifecta – The Slim Shady LP (1999), The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), and The Eminem Show (2002) – so legendary.

This concept album revolves around the struggle between Eminem and his alter-ego Slim Shady, with the latter aiming for cancellation and control. Em taps into his outrageous roots, aiming at various groups and societal issues, sometimes coming across as trying too hard, but mostly without being overly corny. The interactions between Eminem and Slim Shady add depth and engagement to the record.

Lyrically, Eminem is on point. His wordplay, flow, and delivery are top-notch throughout most of the album. He even addresses his critics head-on, calling out the tendency to nitpick and hate on great artists:

Now let’s travel inside the mind of a hater
‘Cause I don’t see no fans, all I see’s a bunch of complainers
“Kendrick’s album was cool, but it didn’t have any bangers
Wayne’s album or Ye’s, couldn’t tell you which one was lamer
Joyner’s album was corny, Shady’s new s*** is way worse
Everything is either too tame or there’s too much anger
I didn’t like the beat, so I hated Might Delete Later”
You nerdy pricks would find somethin’ wrong with 36 Chambers
It’s what they do to the greats
Pick apart a Picasso and make excuses to hate

Production-wise, the album benefits from Dr. Dre’s involvement, bringing a welcome return to their collaborative sound. While some beats could be stronger, overall, the production complements Eminem’s style well. The features are a mixed bag, but thankfully, there are no questionable Ed Sheeran-like pop collaborations this time around.

Standout tracks like “Temporary” and “Somebody Save Me” add emotional depth, contrasting nicely with more aggressive cuts like “Habits,” “Lucifer,” and “Antichrist.” The album’s strength lies in its overall songwriting, concept, and the interplay between Eminem and Slim Shady. The Death of Slim Shady isn’t without flaws. Some topics are repetitive, and the AI-assisted “young Shady” vocal effect can be hit-or-miss. However, when it works, it adds an interesting layer to the concept. Highlights include the clever flip on “Guilty Conscience,” JID’s stellar verse on “Fuel,” and Skylar Grey’s performance on “Temporary.”

The Death of Slim Shady sees Eminem wrestling with his past persona in an entertaining back-and-forth. He uses Slim Shady to aim at various targets, from Gen-Z to cancel culture to specific public figures, while attempting to play the rational personality himself. This framing device works well, even if it could be seen as a scapegoat for the juvenile and edgier content. While not a blazing return to glory, the album is filled with light-hearted and funny moments lacking in Eminem’s recent work. There are a few missed opportunities and some regression to pop elements towards the end, but the album is largely consistent.

For open-minded listeners and long-time fans, The Death of Slim Shady is a solid addition to Eminem’s discography. It may not reach the heights of his early classics, but it’s a fun, self-aware reflection on his legacy that proves Em can still entertain and provoke. This album won’t convert die-hard Eminem haters, but for those willing to give it a chance, it’s a return to form that showcases his enduring skills as a rapper and storyteller. While not perfect, The Death of Slim Shady is Eminem’s most consistent and thematically cohesive effort since the underappreciated Relapse (2009), proving that the recent hate he’s received is largely undeserved.

7/10

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