I shall be flamed mercilessly for what I am about to say but hyere goes:
I have always been a fan of Eminem.
His writing is brilliant. His rhyme schemes are some of the most complex which the first video demonstrates. His lyrics are to songwriting what Tarantino is to dialogue.
I understand how toxic hip-hop culture can be to those who take it too seriously but talent is still talent. Look past the cultural shortcomings or the fact that he doesn't speak with a slow drawl set to a twangy, whiny guitar.
Here is the first video. It's rather crappy as the producer used other videos and the audio is horribly out of synch.
However, if you skip ahead to 2:30 you'll see an academic presentation of Eminem's lyrics.
[youtube=425,350]TPHhvyHbDJQ[/youtube]
Here is the song discussed, with lyrics. It's complexity and rhythm cannot be denied:
[youtube=425,350]P4Uv_4jGgAM[/youtube]
This next song is titled, "Stan" and it is about an obsessive fan. It is chilling. It is the musical equivalent of listening to a 911 call as the crime is occurring. You should feel horrified and sickened for having heard it...
...and that is exactly what the artist wants you to feel.
Which is what makes him an artist: he can evoke emotions from you...even emotions you would rather not feel.
[youtube=425,350]0RMI_Pc4exc[/youtube]
A part of me has always wondered if Mr. Mathers wrote this song fully aware of the anti-social nature of his music and with a genuine concern that someone might try to emulate what he sings about. He makes very clear that it is not sympathetic (if only the media would show as much responsibility and stop inflating the egos of rampage killers) even to the point talking down his own work and diminishing his own tough-guy image.
BTW -- the song that is sampled is "Thank You" by Dido
Flame away.
