the marshall mathers lp

Today In Hip Hop History: Eminem Released His Third Album ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’ 24 Years Ago

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the marshall mathers

On this day in Hip Hop history, Eminem released his third, and most successful, studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP.

Executive produced by Dr. Dre and released under Aftermath/Interscope Records, this album sold 1.76 million copies in the first week alone, making it the fast selling album in music history (until 2015 when Adele‘s 25 smashed the record, selling 2.43 million). This success was set up well by Eminem’s previous release The Slim Shady LP, which shocked the world.

If you’ve ever listened to Eminem, you know how he rolls. If you’ve never listened to Eminem, this album may be the perfect amount of overwhelmingly violent and grotesque lyricism to either make you a life-long fan or turn to away forever (Slim Shady himself wouldn’t have it any other way). Eminem even kicks things off with a disclaimer warning any listener of what they’ve gotten themselves into listening to the album. Eminem touches subjects that a sensitive to the American public such as: depression, murder, rape, violence, suicide, mental disorder, drug abuse, homosexuality, and more. As beautifully painful as this album is, it is not for the faint of heart.

No album that speaks on what Eminem did on this project can be put out without ruffling feathers. The controversy that was met by this diamond certified album was monumental and set a precedent in Hip Hop for what you can and cannot say. Due to the ridiculous success of this project the backlash was international. Government officials across the globe had taken public stances against Eminem, his music, his supporters, and all that he stood for. US Senator Lynne Cheney was so up-in-arms against Eminem and his sponsors  that she made an official statement against him saying,

“[Eminem is] promoting violence of the most degrading kind against women …[he is] a rap singer who advocates murder and rape.”

Ontario Attorney General Jim Flaherty attempted to keep Eminem from entering the country to perform at his October 26th, 2000 Toronto Skydome show saying,

“I personally don’t want anyone coming to Canada who will come here and advocate violence against women”.

Commercially, this is the most successful rap album of all time. The album is certified diamond in the selling 12.5 million copies in the United States alone. Overseas, the album went multiplatinum in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It goes without saying that this album was also #1 on charts across the world. The album claimed top spot on music charts in three continents, appearing on charts in four. The album was nominated for two Grammy including Album of Year and Best Rap Album which it won.

The critical response to the album was just as outstanding as its sales. Eminem has been hailed as one of the holy trinity of biggest-selling rappers, the other two being 2Pac and Biggie of course. This album can be said to be the project that earned him his spot in that conversation. Regardless of how dark and twisted the lyrics may have been, the way they were put together was nearly flawless. Each bar spat was masterfully crafted. Slim Shady’s diction and syntax were unparalleled to anything out at the time. He balances both punch line concentrated rap and storytelling so well that this album is less of a compilation of songs and more of an autobiographical narrative describing what was going on in Em’s life at the time this album was written.

Following this project, Eminem went on to release two albums that were only marginally less successful that their predecessor before taking a five year hiatus from releasing music. In 2009 Eminem came back on the scene with three new albums over the next four years, none which were as successful as the first four. Nonetheless, Eminem is one of the greatest and the top selling rapper in the history of the genre. He deserves all accolades that he has been awarded. Take some time out today to listen to his greatest work.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Eminem Released His Third Album ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’ 24 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Eminem Released His Third Album ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’ 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Eminem’s “Stan” Is A Masterclass In Storytelling

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Eminem’s “Stan” is far more than a chart-topping single; it’s a timeless work of art that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Released in 2000 as part of his album The Marshall Mathers LP, this iconic track is a testament to Eminem’s unparalleled artistry and his ability to create a lasting cultural impact. Although Eminem’s lyrical aptitude is unmatched, “Stan” became an integral part of his catalog that firmly cemented his place in pop culture.

Read More: Eminem Says The Lost Take Of His 3rd “Stan” Verse Was “Way Better” Than The One Released

Eminem’s Storytelling Prowess

Eminem accepting the award for Best New Artist in a Video at the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center in New York City on September 9, 1999. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect)

Eminem has always been a lyrical genius, but “Stan” showcases his storytelling prowess at its finest. The song is a narrative that unfolds through a series of letters. Em offers listeners a window into the complex relationship between the obsessed fan, Stan, and Eminem himself. Eminem’s narrative skill is on full display as he crafts a gripping and emotionally charged tale through his lyrics.

The vividness of “Stan” is striking. Eminem paints a picture with his words, allowing us to step into Stan’s world. The obsessive fan’s character is meticulously developed, and his desperate, emotional letters pull us deeper into the story. Eminem’s verses, as he assumes both the role of Stan and himself, bring a cinematic quality to the song, transcending the boundaries of traditional music and making the narrative a central part of the experience.

Cinematic Atmosphere

What distinguishes “Stan” from a typical song is its ability to create a cinematic atmosphere. Eminem does not merely narrate; he embodies the characters, transforming the song into a dramatic dialogue. The haunting instrumental and Dido’s ethereal chorus add depth to the narrative, establishing a somber mood that is both melancholic and captivating.

The music video for “Stan” further contributes to the song’s cinematic quality. Featuring actor Devon Sawa as Stan and Eminem himself, the video blurs the lines between reality and fiction. It visually reinforces the story, making it an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.

Read More: Eminem’s “Stan” Actor Devon Sawa Still Stanning The Rapper 18 Years Later

Cultural Impact

NETHERLANDS – JANUARY 01: Photo of EMINEM (Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns)

Beyond its artistic brilliance, “Stan” has left a profound mark on pop culture. Eminem’s use of the term “stan” to describe an overzealous and often obsessive fan has become part of the cultural lexicon. The Oxford English Dictionary has officially recognized “stan” as a noun, a testament to the song’s enduring influence. It defines “stan” as “an overzealous or obsessive fan of a particular celebrity.”

The inclusion of “stan” in the dictionary exemplifies Eminem’s ability to shape and redefine language. It underscores how he can introduce a word into common usage, highlighting his impact on not just the music industry but also the way we communicate and express fandom.

Read More: Eminem’s Definition Of “Stan” Officially Added To Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Conclusion

Eminem’s “Stan” is a prime example of how music can transcend its commercial success and become a work of art that resonates with people across generations. It showcases Eminem’s storytelling brilliance and his unique ability to create a cinematic experience within a song. Furthermore, the song’s cultural impact is undeniable, with “stan” now a part of the English language. “Stan” is more than a song; it’s an enduring masterpiece that will continue to inspire and influence artists and fans alike for years to come.

The post Eminem’s “Stan” Is A Masterclass In Storytelling appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Eminem’s “The Marshall Mathers LP” Turns 23

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This year marks 23 years since the release of Eminem’s iconic album, The Marshall Mathers LP. The album was Eminem’s third studio album and was released on May 23, 2000, via Aftermath and Interscope. Dr. Dre executive produced the project, producing most of the album’s tracklist alongside Mel-Man, F.B.T., and Eminem himself. The Detroit icon is undoubtedly one of the most impactful hip hop artists ever. The Marshall Mathers LP featured artists including Dido, RBX, Sticky Fingaz, D12, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Nate Dogg. Eminem is held in high regard, widely considered among the greatest rappers ever. The Marshall Mathers LP is considered by many to be Eminem’s best album. It is one of hip hop’s most influential and definitive classics. We look back on the impact of The Marshall Mathers LP for its 23rd anniversary.

One Of Hip Hop’s Most Polarizing Albums

The Marshall Mathers LP brought listeners further into Eminem’s world that he created with The Slim Shady LP in 1999. The album builds on the lyrical content of The Slim Shady LP. He addresses relationships with his mother and ex-wife, drug use, and his place in hip hop, among other topics. Eminem provided a unique perspective that hip hop had not seen before, resulting in one of the genre’s most polarizing albums. The Marshall Mathers LP completely leaned into the controversial figure that Eminem had based the Slim Shady character around. 

The album’s lyrics were quite controversial, appalling listeners with violence, misogyny, and homophobia. The album led to further discourse over hip hop’s relationship with censorship and the effect of explicit lyrics on children. Songs like “Kill You,” “Who Knew,” “Criminal,” and “The Way I Am” were very contentious yet still very successful. Though the language was quite harsh and offended many, Eminem stunned listeners with his technical ability as a rapper, displaying some of the most impressive flows and complex rhyme schemes. The emotion and humor of the album were also highly compelling. He even stirred up controversy when dissing other white pop stars on the album, like Britney Spears and *NSYNC. 

The Marshall Mathers LP was critically acclaimed upon its release and has garnered even more praise in the years that followed. The album completely eclipsed The Slim Shady LP regarding quality, acclaim, and success. Despite its success, it was still widely condemned by religious and political organizations.

Eminem As A Cultural Icon

The shock value and the quality of the music on The Marshall Mathers LP cemented Eminem’s status as a rap superstar. He became one of the most prominent and recognizable artists at the time. The album won over both hip hop purists and casual fans outside of different age groups and demographics. The album’s broad reach sold over a million copies in its first week. The Marshall Mathers LP went No. 1 and spent multiple weeks at the top of the Billboard charts. It still remains one of the fastest-selling albums and best-selling albums of all time. The album took home the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2001. Eminem became a superstar and cultural phenomenon as a direct result of the success of The Marshall Mathers LP.

The Impact Of The Marshall Mathers LP

Twenty-three years later, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP is still one of the most recognizable hip hop albums ever and contains some of hip hop’s most iconic songs. One of these legendary tracks is the captivating “Stan.” The single is about a troubled and obsessed fan who writes to him in an attempt to connect, which takes a surprising turn. “Stan” was its very own experience within the album and is one of Eminem’s most classic songs. It was impactful to the point where “Stan” is now a term in the dictionary. Moments like this song speak to the album’s legacy. The Marshall Mathers LP influenced many of hip hop’s future greats,  inspiring the likes of Odd Future, Logic, Kendrick Lamar, and many more. 

In 2013, Eminem released his 8th studio album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, 13 years after the original. The album included a sequel to “Stan,” titled “Bad Guy.” Though it had multiple hit singles, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 was nowhere near its predecessor’s acclaim level. The Marshall Mathers LP remains Eminem’s biggest and highest-rated album. It is widely considered his best album, though one can argue that The Eminem Show and Recovery are better. The Marshall Mathers LP defined an era for hip hop and Eminem’s career—making him one of the biggest rappers ever. This album cemented Eminem’s GOAT status, and he has “always been chasing it” in terms of success and creativity.

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Eminem Is The First & Only Rapper With Two Diamond Albums

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Eminem has been all over the news this week following recent comments made by Melle Mel. The Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five rapper explained why he didn’t think Em was one of the greatest rappers alive. Though his assessment was rather surface-level, his comments came after Billboard and Vibe listed him at #5 among the greatest rappers of all time. Billboard and Vibe based their criteria on: “body of work/achievements (charted singles/albums, gold/platinum certifications), cultural impact/influence (how the artist’s work fostered the genre’s evolution), longevity (years at the mic), lyrics (storytelling skills) and flow (vocal prowess).”

It’s hard to deny that Eminem hasn’t mastered each of these aspects. As a student of the game, his flow and bars were patterned by the legends before him. Treach, Redman, and plenty of other rappers have undoubtedly influenced the unique style that Em cultivated. Then, when it comes to his cultural impact and influence, artists like Kendrick Lamar, and most recently, Kevin Gates have put him in their top 5 rappers dead or alive.

Eminem Goes Diamond Twice

Eminem during Eminem signing his new release “Marshall Mathers LP” at Virgin Record Store – Times Square in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage)

In the conversation of RIAA certifications and Billboard accomplishments, Eminem undoubtedly earned that spot at #5. This week marked the one-week anniversary since Eminem became the first and only rapper to earn two diamond-certified albums. On March 8th, 2022, the RIAA certified two of his albums as double platinum, as XXL points out. The Eminem Show officially reached 11M units sold while The Marshall Mathers LP reached diamond status on the same day.

Both The Eminem Show and The Marshall Mathers LP are two of Em’s most celebrated bodies of work. Though controversial, 2000’s The Marshall Mathers LP includes some of Em’s most revered songs, such as “Kim” and “Stan” – two songs that showcased the depth of his lyrical prowess. Meanwhile, The Eminem Show came at the height of Em’s popularity in the mainstream and largely detailed how he grappled with fame, along with a far more political commentary on songs like “Mosh.” 

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