Year after year, we all must suffer through the dry spell of new music at the beginning of January. With no end in sight, one guy ended the drought for every rap fan and that man is none other than Slim Shady. Eminem released a surprise album called “Music to Be Murdered By.” This album has 16 songs and it’s the first Eminem album where I actually liked every song.
I didn’t think this immediately, but the songs had a way of growing on me. After the first listen through, I was hyped and every song I’ve listened to in the album since just gets me ready to do anything. Every song morphed and worked its way to fit in with every other song. Listening to the entire album in order felt like listening to one super song.
Another aspect that enhances the quality of the album is the wide variety of features. The list almost seems random and I love that.

Features on the album include Young M.A, Royce da 5’9 twice, ED Sheeran, Juice WRLD, Skylar Gray, Black Thought, Q-Tip, Denaun, Anderson Paak, Don
Toliver, Kxng Crooked, and Joell Ortiz. My favorite collab has to be Juice WRLD on “Godzilla.” After his death, there was a hole in my heart and this song helps fill this loss, even though nothing will ever be enough.
Their song was called Godzilla and it set a record of the most words said in 30 seconds in a song. The whole album has this fast-pace rhythm but this song takes it to a new level.
But it’s not just fast- it’s an actual good song with relatable lyrics that are understandable without the lyrics pulled up in front of you. Another good feature is Ed Sheeran on “Those Kind of Nights.” It’s a weird combo, but both of their styles are so different it works perfect together. Every moment of the song is so enjoyable to listen to.
Eminem got a lot of attention for this surprise release, but not for the reason he intended. In his song Unaccomodating, he references the Ariana Grande Manchester concert where 22 people were killed. Many, especially Grande fans, were upset he would take such an impactful event for the fans at the concert (and families affected) and make light of it.
Personally, I believe he made the song with good intent.