The king of mainstream American hip-hop has returned with his newest album "Encore" - just don't tell Eminem he's "mainstream" when you welcome him back.
After becoming the poster-boy for
Eminem's desire to regain his original underground image, rather than the pop star persona he had begun to embody, is reflected throughout his work on "Encore." While he was out of the recording studio, Shady solidified his reputation as a big time producer. Working with the likes of megastars G-Unit and Roc-A-Fella'sKanye West and Jay Z in his downtime has given Eminem the production chops to craft eight of the best cuts on "Encore."
But just in case Eminem was afraid his own beats might not do his work justice, he employed the man synonymous with car rattling bass to back him up: Dr. Dre.
Dre and Eminem have the common goal of returning to what Eminem did in his early years of hip-hop fame by producing tracks such as "Rain Man" and "Evil Deeds" that hearken back to the days of "My Name Is" and other cuts from the "Slim Shady EP."
But, despite all the big names and intoxicating beats, it's Eminem's lyrical presence and creativeness that will leave the listener lurching for the rewind button.
While Eminem takes a predominantly grassroots approach, he does not ignore his mainstream and elite entertainer status. He knows the power, influence, and far-reaching capability of his words, and Eminem uses all of these on various targets.
Two of the MC's lyrical topics are people that Shady has thoroughly addressed in the past: former wife Kim and daughter Hailie.
Eminem's introspective lyrics in "Crazy in Love" - a song indirectly aimed at Kim - showcase his emotionally charged flow. This real, nothing-held-back approach is a movement away from his softer, more pop music orientated side that had begun to take center stage in his repertoire.
Meanwhile, Eminem's soul-searching goes a step further on his cut "Mockingbird," a song about Hailie that acts as a personal, heartfelt apology to his young daughter.
"Mockingbird" embodies Eminem's transition back to his roots, addressing his younger days while displaying a new found maturity that has allowed the MC to deal with his life under the microscope in a much more measured capacity.
Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of his daughter's mother, as he usually does, Mathers addresses his own faults as a father. This shift provides Slim's fans with a view from a different perspective: despite all of Eminem's success, at the end of the day, image, money, and power do not compare to the importance of love.
Eminem's other targets range from the political to the personal.
"Mosh" is a direct attack on the policies of the Bush administration. The track offers a clear illustration of where Mathers stands in terms of his political and societal views. However, Em's goal isn't to pen an utter denouncement of the President, but rather express his strong desire for a higher level of awareness amongst American citizens.
Eminem vociferously encourages his fellow countrymen to educate themselves, and use their knowledge and ability to be heard. His lyrics sting, and this sting leaves an impression that lasts longer than a catchy beat or chorus can, long enough to inspire the change and heightened awareness he is hoping for.
"Encore" balances its political engagement with Eminem's original forte - battling.
On the self-produced "Toy Soldiers," Eminem tears into Ja Rule and crew with his by now well-known verbal barb.
Unlike his younger version though, this older, more mature Eminem remains considerably more grounded in terms of the severity of his attack. Slim refers to himself as a "toy soldier," recognizing that the world of real soldiers is one of high importance and even higher stakes. He proclaims a win over Ja's label, which came at the price of unnecessary physical and emotional pain - pain that could have been avoided in retrospect. Eminem takes responsibility for his actions, while laying all his thoughts out through a pristine flow.
"Encore" takes us through Eminem's most intimate thoughts of today and yesterday with impeccable lyrics laid over some of the best beats and production the industry has to offer today.
"Encore" is an attempt to shed his mainstream, soft, pop-artist image, while addressing serious private and public issues like politics, music, and love. Eminem puts everything he has into his work, and "Encore" is a testament to his ability to do just that.
