10 Music Artists Who Released Their Best Album Second
2. The Slim Shady LP - Eminem
While some will rush to the defence of Mathers' debut, Infinite, most will render it nothing more than a learning curve for the Detroit-based rapper. The Slim Shady LP is where Eminem gets good, and so began his dominance of the genre in the front half of the 2000's.
The catchy-bordering-on-annoying My Name Is stands out as a stroke of lyrical genius, despite its edgy wordplay and unapologetic sampling of past music. Guilty Conscience insists on reminding us of the phenomenal chemistry between Mathers and his music mentor Dr. Dre.
The Slim Shady LP is a breath of fresh air, offering a cheesy, sleazy spin on hip-hop. No longer is the genre dominated by the laid-back notes of De La Soul or the intensity of Public Enemy. Eminem's trailer park tones and hick reputation were charming to fans, and far less appreciated by parents: the sign of a truly great Eminem offering.
Hell-bent on reaching the quality and success of the early 21st century, Eminem has since released a smattering of fantastic songs, unfortunately nestled in some disappointingly lacklustre albums. His position in the genre is solidified, though, and it's due in part to the greatness of The Slim Shady LP.