Eminem is one of the most revered figures in hip-hop, but this new album does not enhance his reputation

★★☆☆☆

One thing has to be considered when listening to Eminem’s one big moan of a new album, surprise-released last Friday: this comes from one of the most revered figures in hip-hop. The Slim Shady LP from 1999 changed the genre for ever, bringing up a new level of self-awareness alongside rap’s trash-talking and comic boasting, all delivered in an ultra-fluid flow.

He has earned his stripes, in other words, and like other rap stars of his era — Wu-Tang Clan come to mind — he could be respected for his work while also accepting that the game has inevitably moved on. Instead he’s raging that the cheesy Kamikaze from 2018 wasn’t better received, complaining about the critics (nothing new there) and even making light