Eminem’s latest album “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” has already stirred up controversy since its release on Friday, July 12.
On the opening track “Renaissance,” Eminem immediately stirs the pot by referencing other rap stars like Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West. He raps: “Soon as I quit givin’ a f**k I started to sell a bit/ 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.'”
While some have interpreted this as a direct diss towards his peers, others see it as Eminem parodying the negativity often found in fan culture, where people are quick to criticize the work of others. The verse also references his collaboration with Joyner Lucas on the track “Lucky You” and takes a jab at J. Cole’s fourth mixtape.
Eminem doesn’t hold back on the rest of the 19-song album either. On tracks like “Road Rage,” he touches on controversial topics like transgenderism and body positivity, referencing Caitlyn Jenner and Lizzo. On “Antichrist,” he takes shots at Diddy and reflects on Will Smith’s infamous Oscars incident with Chris Rock. He also addresses Megan Thee Stallion’s shooting on the pre-release single “Houdini.”
The album features guest appearances from JID, BabyTron, and Big Sean, the latter two of whom appeared on the pre-release single “Tobey,” which received a music video directed by Cole Bennett.
Overall, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” seems to be Eminem’s attempt to “cancel himself,” as he confronts the controversial persona he created with his Slim Shady alter-ego over the course of his career. The album is already generating significant discussion and debate among fans and critics alike.