Unlike his last two releases, this album is neither pop-leaning (with exception of one Ed Sheeran feature) nor a straight-up diss record (Machine Gun Kelly is only referenced once). (Sexist slurs and rape jokes still aren’t funny, or even shocking.) Dre, The Alchemist and Eminem himself, among others-heave beneath wordplay as impressive and elaborate as it is aggressive, sinister and, occasionally, unacceptable.
In one interlude, Hitchcock’s voice can be heard explaining the premise: “This was meant for your listening pleasure-while you are being done in.” This surprise drop, in which we’re reacquainted with Eminem’s chainsaw-wielding alter ego Slim Shady, is as cold and uncompromising as it sounds. It’s called Music to Be Murdered By, after all-a title borrowed from a creepy 1958 music compilation presented by Alfred Hitchcock.
If you were hoping that an Eminem album released in 2020 would be less offensive, violent or controversial, this album isn’t for you.
