MikeNUFC wrote:Really, Marshall? You did “shocking” and “taboo-breaking” so much more intelligently 10 years ago. This kind of phoned-in hatemongering, in character or out, is just boring.
That's spot-on.
The Shady that we all love (despite the fact not one member will have the same definition of him) from 1999-2001 was witty, clever, funny, ironic, subtle and often with undertones of social commentary.
This "Shady" is vulgar for the sake of it and, frankly, seems pretty desperate. I cant believe there were people on this board comparing those verses to MMLP Eminem.
It was so natural to Em back then. It was clever and groundbreaking in the way he delivered it - NO artist has, or ever will, cone close to that genius.
I think Em needs to quit the whole fascination with trying to revive Shady (along with his fans) and concentrate on trying more conceptual, broad topics.
Eminem was better than Nicki but no-one "won" because they were both awful.
I don't know if I agree that he really isn't able to do Shady (whoever/whatever that is) anymore. Wasn't So Bad a variation on that persona? And it worked brilliantly and IMO wasn't forced at all. But it was kind of relaxed and fun...and I don't know, different. It suited him. He was poking fun at himself, poking fun at the listener. It was just cool.
But yeah, that's not the same as the really hardcore psychotic stuff. IMO lots of that seemed forced on Relapse and it seems forced here. That form of Shady probably needed a certain mindset and outlook that he doesn't have anymore. It's been nearly a decade since then. And again, he's older and the drugs did damage to his abilities as a writer and rapper. What was effortlessly cutting, brilliant and critical then comes out inane when he tries to replicate it now.
About Roman's Revenge: Totally forgettable. Goes together with WBD, Seduction and Not Afraid, tracks from 2010 I don't replay. I think this collaboration is actually more annoying than the Rihanna thing for me. I mean, he asked Rihanna on his album because he had a specific concept. Now she asks him to return the favour. Because she wants to do it from the female's point of view. IMO it would be difficult to get out of that. Yes, it will probably be bad. Really bad. But that's still one excellent song out of that deal. The Nicki collabo OTOH? Yeah No. Absolutely no need for that.
