Making Every Line Count...

[EminemBase]

Em literally used to make use of every single line.

I mean, I love Recovery and think it's a classic. But for a long time, he's had a lot of... 'going through the motions' type-lines in his songs. Just sort of "yeah we both know what I'm going to say on this bit, it's the usual..." kind of attitude.

I'm just listening to SSLP again, on "Role Model" right now and just hearing that he made every fucking line work. I mean just line after line, there's no weak spots in the songs.

He goes from "I ripped her fucking tonsils out and fed her sherbet" to "my nerves hurt and lately I'm on edge" to "grabbed Vanilla Ice and ripped out his blonde dreads" to "every girl I've ever gone out with has gone lez". Just amazing, one killer line after the next. No filler lyricism what so ever. Whether it's ridiculous, serious, heartfelt, satirical, doesn't matter. As long as the quality is there.

I still feel he has a little to go to get back to this standard. Not the 'old' him as I want a new Eminem every album. That's why he remains exciting. But I just want him to smash every single line again, also... More concepts. I'd love for there to be no personal material on the next album.

He's basically done every issue to death now, but he showed great artistic growth on "25 to Life" and "Space Bound". I think it'd be fantastic if he moved into this territory, he's a genius when he dedicates himself to the concept. As he totally commits himself, he's also like a skilful voice actor in his songs. He doesn't just rap the lines, he compels you and acts out every emotion vocally. I think he could move mountains with concepts now.

Thoughts?

[Slill_Slim_Shady]

I didn't notice that before (maybe becouse i don't speak the language verry well) but you're right. In Recovery the lines are more complicate, there is filter lyricisme!!!

[timeconsumer]

youre never going to be happy. move on.

[MikeNUFC]

I agree. I think going for more "non-personal" concepts is perfect for him. I think he pulled them of on both Relapse and Recovery.

About filler lines, SSLP was just incredible for the lack of filler lines, especially in his story telling tracks. On that apsect I dont think he ever has or ever will top it. Same with multis on SSLP, especially on Rock Bottom, Brain Damage and My Fault.

[dolphi]

[clustr]

Yep,

absolutely right

but i dont know if he can still do it...

[moose35]

I think the lines you posted aren't an example of "making every line count", but punchlines. When you use punchlines, whether it's a battle or anything, it makes it seem like you've taken advantage of every line and you have no fillers. SSLP had a couple random, weak lines...don't get me wrong, they were funny, but served no purpose to the song other than to entertain/make people lol. And anybody can do that, go have a listen to Copywrite/Chino. They're capable of making a SSLP type of album.

The real genius of Eminem, to me, comes from creating tales and making his rhymes seem really genuine, like he was telling a story and the words just managed to rhyme (unlike Drake: See me at the club you know I'm bald....chemo ). That and a lot of other factors. So I get the point you're trying to prove, but using the SSLP is a bad example, at least for me.

And I have no idea how he can move forward as an artist. He's clean and is at the top of his game, but Recovery was probably worse than MMLP/TES. No doubt a great album, but he seems to be missing something, I can't put my finger on it though. It's not lyricism, it's not storytelling, but something seems to be missing.

[GenePeer]

i think he's storytelling was best on Brain Damage and As The World Turns. they were so funny and it was a consistent story. But doesn't mean i don't enjoy the new songs to me SSLP will be the album with the good stories and Recovery the album with the good punchlines lol

[clustr]

i think he's storytelling was best on Brain Damage and As The World Turns. they were so funny and it was a consistent story. But doesn't mean i don't enjoy the new songs to me SSLP will be the album with the good stories and Recovery the album with the good punchlines lol

+ My Fault

[4D]

Good post Eminembase, I really like this album too, but it's a different Eminem (Which is cool, but) there are filler lines. Even the new EMinem punchlines and metaphors, they don't sound like an Eminem line. Almost as if he's trying to conform to what the general hip-hop fan wants from an emcee, for e.g metaphor's and punches. It's cool for him to show that he can do them, but I don't think there was any doubting that, and him trying to prove that kind of shows that some of the original EMinem has gone with the drugs. The not give a fuck rapper who didn't conform to other styles in the genre, and who stood out amongst a pretty formulaic bunch of rappers with his cutting wit and dark disturbing concept rhymes.
The brilliant thing is, he's still an excellent rapper performing at the top of his game and still proving he can flow to a beat like no one else. Still the only rapper I'm constantly looking for new material from.

[slimsoxshady]

"is it gay to play put-put golf with a friend?
and watch his butt-butt when he tees off"

yea he definitely made every line count before

[shadyboymez]

"is it gay to play put-put golf with a friend?
and watch his butt-butt when he tees off"

yea he definitely made every line count before

clearly embase isn't referring to Encore, as you can tell by his example...from the SSLP!

i have to say i agree with most of his points there. that example from Role Model is spot on...every line has so many mind boggling references and not a word is wasted.

Fact is, Eminem came outa the gate with back to back to back classic albums. He never will top either of them, and it's hard to compare good music with classic music. Recovery is a solid album, but it doesn't come close to the level of SSLP, MMLP or Eminem Show. It is however miles beyond Encore and Relapse, IMO

[4D]

"is it gay to play put-put golf with a friend?
and watch his butt-butt when he tees off"

yea he definitely made every line count before

Actually I think that verse is brilliant, and every line makes it work.

[Raids-God]

Hes Probaly The best Rapper Lyrical Allong side Nas

[buffalo bill]

"is it gay to play put-put golf with a friend?
and watch his butt-butt when he tees off"

yea he definitely made every line count before

Actually I think that verse is brilliant, and every line makes it work.

Agreed