Eminem’s latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), has sparked mixed reactions.
The US rapper’s 12th album dramatically ends his alter ego, Slim Shady. The album cover depicts Shady in a body bag, while the music video for “Tobey” shows Eminem wielding a chainsaw against him.
Clash Magazine describes the album as “a mixed bag,” balancing fan service with disappointment. Robin Murray states, “It doesn’t feel like an ending, nor a continuation.” The album blends some of Eminem’s best rapping in years with a blunted lyrical edge. Murray highlights the intricate, fast flows that remain thrilling despite the overall muddled feel.
Before the release, Eminem informed fans that this album is conceptual and should be heard in sequence. The 19 tracks feature previously released singles like “Tobey” and “Houdini,” along with a sequel to his 1999 hit “Guilty Conscience” featuring Dr. Dre. Billboard praises this sequel as a standout track, though not matching the original. Michael Saponara comments on Slim Shady criticizing Marshall for creating him as a controversial shield.
USA Today describes the 51-year-old rapper as a “lyrical pugilist,” except when he becomes a sentimental dad rapping about his daughter, Hailie Jade.
The track “Temporary” opens with old recordings of Eminem and Hailie, making it the album’s most memorable song according to Melissa Ruggieri. This track allows Eminem to show vulnerability, asking his daughter to stay strong and promising to always be her support.
In “Fuel,” Eminem addresses sexual assault allegations against fellow rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs with provocative lyrics. Pitchfork notes that Eminem grapples with his controversies while stirring new ones. The track “Antichrist” crudely targets pronouns, woke culture, and Diddy’s 2016 hotel assault video. Though Diddy apologized for his “inexcusable” behavior in the video, he denies all sexual assault allegations.
The Independent’s review gives the album two stars, criticizing it as “punching downwards, joylessly and without inspiration.” Stevie Chick compares The Death of Slim Shady to a provocative editorial, with Eminem pressing buttons and complaining about “the PC police” and “Gen Z.” Chick concludes that the album lacks genuine inspiration, focusing more on eliciting reactions.
In summary, The Death of Slim Shady showcases Eminem’s complex relationship with his alter ego.
While some praise his rapping skills and emotional depth, others find the album lacks coherence and inspiration. Eminem’s ability to provoke remains intact, but the album’s mixed reception highlights the challenges of evolving while staying true to one’s roots. This release marks a significant yet divisive chapter in Eminem’s career, leaving fans and critics debating its place in his legacy.