10 Perfect Non-Single Tracks By Eminem
2. Criminal: The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
"Criminal" is the final track on Em's third album. Referring to previous controversies around his lyrical content, he opens up with a monologue explaining that much of what he says is not to be taken seriously. He then precedes to double down on the explicit themes with wildly offensive but often times contradictory lyrics.
The song reflects how he felt about his image in the media; if he was only considered a provocateur, then a provocateur is what he would give people.
It's hard to explain away his opening verse. He pretty much goes on an all out homophobic tirade, but then a few bars later exclaims “Relax, guy, I like gay men.” It's always been a point of contention for Eminem fans, you simply can't get away from the homophobic slurs in his early work. On the one hand it's near impossible to defend this stuff, on the other hand, separating what's sincere sentiment and what's obvious parody is never easy. It's always been what makes this guy so intriguing, yet polarising.
This track felt like Em purposely leaning into his negative image for shock value rather than anything else.