by Solenne de Tassigny | Staff Writer
American rapper Eminem released his 10th album, “Kamikaze,” without any prior notice on Aug. 31, 2018.
Marshall Mathers, also known was Slim Shady or Eminem, began his professional career in the world of rap and hip hop back in 1997 with the release of his debut album “The Slim Shady EP,” and has taken the world by storm ever since.
No matter what alias he is known by, Eminem’s distinct style and focus on internal strife have made him stand out against his fellow rappers, including 2018 rap icons like Lil Xan and Lil Yachty.
While Eminem’s style has remained constant throughout the years, the rap scene has not. In “Kamikaze,” Eminem makes it clear he takes issue with that.
Featuring guest appearances from artists like Jessie Reyez and Royce da 5’9, Eminem’s 10th album leaves out the influence of 2018 rap and instead explicitly calls out big names of the rap world.
The album’s very first track, “The Ringer,” opens up the album and takes shots at rappers Lil Pump and Lil Xan, calling them imitators of Lil Wayne and setting the tone for the rest of “Kamikaze.”
Eminem doesn’t just draw attention to particular rappers and the “game,” but to his own place in the industry. He commented on his last album and his image, making it clear he intends to make his comeback with “Kamikaze” and bring rap back to its roots.
Sticking to his reputation as a representation of chaos and crime, Eminem’s 10th album doesn’t stray away from his signature style.
“Kamikaze’s” 11th track, “Nice Guy,” focuses on problematic relationships and domestic abuse, topics previously featured in Eminem’s past albums.
Even with an objective to discredit 2018 rap artists, Eminem manages to stay true to his style and signature content in “Kamikaze,” allowing for the album to stand out from his past albums and his fellow rappers.
9/10