Eminem is undoubtedly one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of hip-hop. His raw and unapologetic lyrics, coupled with his unparalleled technical skills, have solidified his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time. With a discography spanning over two decades, Eminem has released a multitude of albums that have captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the genre.
Here’s a random Eminem’ fact: Did you know that his early work wasn’t nearly as hard hitting and provocative? He received feedback that his lyrics were too tame, so he stepped up his game …. the rest is history!
By many, Eminem is celebrated as one of the greatest rappers of all time, notably because he is a white rapper who broke through barriers and brought rap into mainstream popularity. He has broken numerous records and has received various awards throughout his career. Some of his accolades include 15 Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an MTV Europe Music Global Icon Award. Eminem’s albums like “The Marshall Mathers LP”, “The Eminem Show”, and songs like “Lose Yourself”, “Love the Way You Lie”, and “Not Afraid” have been certified Diamond or higher by the RIAA. In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
10. Infinite ( 1996 )
You won’t find this on any streaming platforms! Eminem began his solo journey with the launch of his 1996 album, “Infinite”, produced by his ex-D12 colleagues, Mr. Porter and Proof. This album garnered varied feedback from reviewers at the time. While many found faults with its production, they couldn’t help but commend Eminem’s lyrical prowess. A revamped version of the title track from the album can be streamed here and there… but the whole album survives on Youtube.
9. Music To Be Murdered By ( 2020 )
Released in 2020, this album serves as a reminder of Eminem’s dominance in the rap game. With hard-hitting beats and thought-provoking lyrics, Em flexes his storytelling abilities on tracks like “Darkness” and “Godzilla,” addressing sensitive topics like gun violence and mental health. In typical Slim Shady fashion, “Music To Be Murdered By” also features disses and clapbacks, most notably on “Unaccommodating” where he takes aim at his critics. Em collaborates with a diverse range of artists, including the late Juice WRLD on the addictive banger “Godzilla.” With standout tracks like “Yah Yah” and “I Will,” Eminem proves that he hasn’t lost his ability to deliver rapid-fire flows and razor-sharp wordplay. Let’s be real, it ain’t his best, so it’s sitting up here at #9.
8. Recovery ( 2010 )
After a period of personal struggles and artistic stagnation, Em came roaring back with an album that showcased his resilient spirit and lyrical prowess. “Recovery” was a cathartic exploration of Eminem’s battles with addiction, fame, and redemption. The album featured hit singles like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie,” both of which topped the charts and catapulted Eminem back into the mainstream spotlight. With a diverse range of production, including collaborations with frequent collaborator Dr. Dre, Just Blaze, and Alex da Kid, the album showcased Eminem’s versatility, seamlessly weaving between introspective rhymes and explosive flows. “Recovery” received critical acclaim for its raw honesty and Eminem’s technical skills. The album’s themes of perseverance and self-discovery resonated with fans, earning it commercial success and multiple Grammy Awards. It became one of the best-selling albums of 2010, solidifying Eminem’s status as one of the greatest rappers of his generation. With “Recovery,” Eminem demonstrated his ability to bounce back from adversity and evolve as an artist. The album stands as a testament to his artistic resilience and serves as a reminder of the power of self-expression and personal growth within the realm of hip-hop.
8. Encore ( 2004 )
A bit like a movie encore, this album encore didn’t live up to that which preceded it. But hey, the album’s lead single, “Just Lose It” was a classic Em controversy that jabs at Michael Jackson and has aged incredibly well. Did it cause controversy at the time? No doubt, but MTV didn’t shy away from it and always aired the video. Apart from its humorous tracks, “Encore” also delved into serious themes. The song “Mosh” was a pronounced anti-war anthem that criticized then-President George W. Bush. The music video for “Mosh” was strategically released a week before the 2004 US Presidential election, emphasizing the importance of voting. The album also touched on other political and social issues, reflecting Eminem’s evolving artistry and his response to the world around him.
7. The Marshall Mathers LP2 ( 2013 )
Serving as a sequel to his iconic album “The Marshall Mathers LP,” this project showcased Em’s lyrical prowess and his ability to captivate listeners with his raw, unfiltered storytelling. With tracks like “Rap God” and “Berzerk,” Eminem showcased his unparalleled technical skill and rapid-fire delivery. The album also featured collaborations with artists like Rihanna on the chart-topping hit “The Monster” and Kendrick Lamar on “Love Game.” Eminem dug deep into his personal life, addressing his struggles with addiction, his relationships, and the challenges of fame. Tracks like “Bad Guy” and “Headlights” demonstrated his introspective side, while songs like “So Far…” and “Survival” delivered hard-hitting bars and infectious hooks. “The Marshall Mathers LP2” solidified Eminem’s status as one of the greatest rappers of all time, showcasing his ability to evolve and stay relevant while staying true to his signature style.
6. Revival ( 2017 )
Eminem’s ninth studio effort took a politically charged and introspective approach, veering away from the raw aggression that defined his earlier work. On this album, Eminem delves into personal struggles, political commentary, and social issues, using his sharp lyricism and wordplay to make a statement. While “Revival” showcased Eminem’s technical prowess and lyrical dexterity, many felt that the album lacked cohesion and suffered from inconsistent production. Tracks like “Walk on Water” featuring Beyoncé and “River” featuring Ed Sheeran showcased the softer, introspective side of Eminem, while songs like “Chloraseptic” and “Framed” brought back the intensity and aggression that fans had come to expect. Although “Revival” faced mixed reviews upon its release, it is still an important part of Eminem’s discography, showcasing his willingness to experiment and tackle bold subject matter.
5. Kamikaze ( 2018 )
With rapid-fire delivery and razor-sharp lyricism, this album showcased a return to the raw, aggressive style that made Eminem a legend. From the scathing disses in “The Ringer” to the introspective examination of his legacy in “Venom,” “Kamikaze” was a blistering assault on critics and doubters alike. Eminem’s ferocious energy on tracks like “Not Alike” and “Lucky You” proved that despite being in the game for over two decades, he could still dominate the mic with unparalleled skill. The album’s production, helmed by frequent collaborator Dr. Dre, seamlessly blended old-school hip-hop with contemporary trap elements. “Kamikaze” was a defiant statement, solidifying Eminem’s place as one of hip-hop’s most formidable forces.
4. Relapse ( 2009 )
This album served as a raw and unfiltered display of Eminem’s lyrical prowess and dark, twisted storytelling. Drawing influences from horrorcore and using his alter ego, Eminem delves into his inner demons, addiction struggles, and psychological battles throughout the project. “Relapse” showcases Eminem’s unparalleled ability to paint vivid pictures with his words, as evident in tracks like “3 a.m.” and “Stay Wide Awake,” where he navigates through disturbing narratives and displays his mastery of intricate rhyme schemes. The album’s leading single, “Crack a Bottle,” featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, became an instant hit, dominating the charts. While some critics found fault with the album’s excessive reliance on shock value and explicit content, “Relapse” remains an important chapter in Eminem’s discography. It solidified his status as an influential figure within hip-hop and demonstrated his unparalleled lyrical dexterity and ability to delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche.
3. The Marshall Mathers LP ( 2000 )
This album catapulted him from controversial rapper to global superstar. With this project, Eminem took his lyricism to new heights, showcasing his unparalleled storytelling ability and razor-sharp wit. Tracks like “Stan” and “The Way I Am” are iconic, with Eminem delving into his struggles with fame and the dark side of his personal life. The production on this album perfectly complements Eminem’s raw and emotionally charged delivery. “The Marshall Mathers LP” solidified Eminem’s place as one of the greatest rappers of all time and remains a cultural touchstone in hip-hop history.
2. The Slim Shady LP ( 1999 )
Released on February 23, 1999, this masterpiece showcased Eminem’s raw talent and his ability to craft intricate, controversial, and often hilarious lyrics. The album, produced by Dr. Dre, features classic tracks like “My Name Is,” “Guilty Conscience,” and “Role Model.” Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady, takes center stage on this record, with his twisted sense of humor and unapologetic attitude. The album tackles various themes, including drug use, family issues, and societal pressures, all delivered with Eminem’s unique storytelling abilities. With its provocative lyrics and aggressive sound, “The Slim Shady LP” stirred up controversy and established Eminem as a boundary-pushing artist. The Expanded Edition includes bonus tracks that further showcase his lyrical prowess and artistic vision. This album stands as a cornerstone of Eminem’s discography and a testament to his undeniable impact on the hip-hop genre.
1. The Eminem Show ( 2002 )
Showcasing Eminem at the peak of his powers, both as an MC and a cultural figure, this album was an introspective journey, delving into themes of fame, family struggles, and societal issues. Em’s lyrical prowess is unparalleled as usual, with his signature rapid-fire delivery and razor-sharp wordplay. Tracks like “Without Me” and “Sing for the Moment” display his ability to craft catchy hooks while tackling heavier subject matter. The album also explores his complex relationship with his daughter, as seen in the emotional track “Hailie’s Song.” With production from Dr. Dre and Eminem himself, the album has a diverse range of musical styles, blending hip-hop, rock, and pop influences. “The Eminem Show” became one of the best-selling albums of its time, cementing Eminem’s status as a global superstar. Overall, “The Eminem Show” is a timeless masterpiece, showcasing Eminem’s unmatched storytelling ability and highlighting his impact on the hip-hop landscape. It solidified his place as one of the greatest MCs of all time.
