Well, we do have the right to criticize him. It's not like he's new to us and we're just hating on him; most of us have been fans for a long time and you never see anyone bashing SSLP, MMLP or TES. It's just a matter of disappointment because we know what the man is capable of. Sure, he can never be as good as he used to, that would be unfair to expect, but at least be the best you can as of now. Look at Nas, Common or Jay-Z, their verses aren't as good as before but at least they're being serious about it and their deliveries are consistent. I get that Em tries to change his style and evolve, but evolve means to improve not to degrade.
With that being said, I have low expectations for his new work and therefore I rarely put out criticism because I'm not expecting much to begin with. As for him retiring, yeah that's an idea that doesn't cheer me up; but then again, 90% of his new stuff has low replay value to me so it's not like I'll be missing much. It's just that excitement thing - like before a new album drops and we're all hyped up, speculating, waiting for a new song to leak, etc. - that makes us to want something new. But in all honesty, I don't think that we're getting as much as we like to believe we do.
Be glad the man is alive and still making music
I am very glad that he's alive and well, and I'll always be thankful for his earlier music and all the good memories and feelings that I got and still get off of it. He's my favorite artist and I'm very supportive of his legacy and what he's done for the world of Hip-Hop. However, being displeased with this new era - which is like MJ's time in Washington - doesn't make me a less of a fan and I have every right to say shit about it. Even though I really don't, but it's very important to notice and remember that this is all because
we know he can do better! It's like watching a talented athlete throwing away a scholarship. He has every right to do so, but don't expect his Mom to not get mad. And to sum it up, just watch this scene from Good Will Hunting - it exemplifies my point with perfection:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOfFkVCd ... re=related