2. 'Til Hell Freezes Over (Detroit Underground Mixtape, cir. 1998)
This is one of Em's most unknown-known tracks that was the first thing he recorded with Dr. Dre once he was signed to Interscope/Aftermath. I say 'unknown-known' because a lot of people outside of the core Eminem fanbase aren't familiar with this song but if you've followed him from the beginning this is one of those secret gems in his catalog. The moment the song kicks into gear it grabs you by the throat with an unrelenting grip. It's smooth, funky, and haunting beat coupled with Shady's unique voice creates a sound nobody on the mainstream was putting out. Even in today's industry, the song still plays even fresher than it did back in 1998. It's more than just the vibe that makes this such an awesome song but Em's lyrical talent and presence is provocative. He delivers his rhymes with simultaneous ease and calm ferocity it's like an audible paradox. It was the true warning shot to the industry of what was the animal about to be unleashed. In the span of three-minutes Shady spits about haunted houses, getting chewed up by rottweilers, 'spacing out' on acid, and speaking less-than-respectful of Insane Clown Posse.