Eminem’s Kamikaze: Review and Reaction
I like talking to people about what type of rap they listen to on a regular basis. The usual answers that I tend to hear consists of whatever is on their Spotify playlist. That's ok. When having discussions with listeners who claim to be hip-hop heads, they tend to be much more specific; they'll say that they spend their time trying to find new artists or they keep tabs on their favorite artists to find out when they'll release new projects. I relate to that. I ask because Eminem released a surprise album, Kamikaze and everything seemed fine. It easily took the first place on the Billboard Hot 100 with over 200 000 digital sales in its first week. Social media seemed to be on fire at the release of the album. What Eminem had said on the remix of his song 'Chloraseptic' seemed true: "I just add it to the fuel in my rocket pack / 'Til I'm ready to respond, then I'ma launch it at 'em".
When it comes to my personal analysis of the album, it's a refreshing 8.5 out of 10. It's a very powerful sounding album with a lot of percussions and impactful harmonies. He brought boom-bap back. In terms of Eminem's lyrical prowess, he is showing the entire world why he is one of the greatest rappers of all-time. His lyrics are very strong through the first several songs of the album. His choice of features were strong on almost every song that had one - except 'Nice Guy' with Jesse Reyes. It's an amazing album with a lot of strong points that included songs such as 'The Ringer', 'Lucky You' featuring Joyner Lucas, 'Stepping Stone' and 'Not Alike' with Royce da 5'9. While the songs sounded coherent and the lyricsm was potent during the entirety of the album, what seemed to shock people the most was that this wasn't the father that we had seen on Revival, but it was the Slim Shady of old - with fury and vengeance. He took shots at everybody in the game today that he felt like addressing.
And that's when my blood boiled.
A clear and loud portion of the internet called to 'cancel' Eminem because of the insults that were targeted at Tyler, The Creator on the song 'Fall'. Some people were quick to resort to twitter to express their disappointment, frustration and anger over the usage of the F-Word. Even the lead singer of the band Bon Iver, Jutin Vernon, who did the hook on the song, said that he was against the vernacular used.
Tyler create nothin', I see why you called yourself a (blank), b****
It's not just 'cause you lack attention
It's because you worship D12's balls, you're sack-religious
If you're gonna critique me
You better at least be as good or better
Get Earl the Hooded Sweater
Whatever his name is to help you put together
Some words, more than just two letters
But he was quoting Tyler.
Allow me to direct the following paragraph to those who didn't find it tasteful. Have you ever heard of a quote? Have you ever read To Kill A Mockingbird or Huckleberry Finn? If you have, then you should understand why the usage of the word in this specific context. The character said the N-Word, you didn't. Before going so far, what about listening to Dr. Dre or Tyler, the Creator? Do you censor everytime a racially charged word or homophobic slur is uttered? I doubt it. If he had said the word himself, then it would have been different. He goes into the line saying that he understood why Tyler called himself the word and continued by affirming why he believed this was true due to the fact that Tyler's discography is way too similar to Eminem and D12's body of work. This s a perfectly good line. I call fair play. Thank you.
Then the Internet erupted, believing that Eminem had copied Bhad Barbie on 'Not Alike'.
Allow me to direct the following paragraph to those who thought he copied Bhad Barbie. You're telling me that Eminem went on a song with a harmony similar to Blocboy JB and Drake's 'Look Alive' - even getting the same producer and beatmaker - and copied Bhad Barbie? He also copied Migos' flow from 'Bad and Boujee' on the beat to make the entire hook but spoofed them by saying a series of words as random as the Fairly Odd Parents theme song? I'm shocked. I'm appalled. If my sarcasm here wasn't noticeable, I understand if you might not have understood the song. The entire song is a satire on how even if he decided to go and do the same thing as everyone else, may that be Bhad Barbie - who copied everyone else in the game -, Drake or Migos, he's not like everyone. They're not alike and never will be; he deems himself one of the greatest. Stop comparing him to those other people. Thank you.
In conclusion, Kamikaze is most definitely his best project in the best ten years. While I am a big fan of the Marshall Mathers LP 2, I believe that this album was shorter and hit on its point quicker and better. There isn't a person who wasn't touched by this album, whether that be positively or negatively. In fact, what should be considered pejorative press might have helped propel the album to the top of the charts: people want to hear what Eminem said about Tyler the Creator or if he copied Bhad Barbie. It's genius right? If the press keeps putting his name in its publications, and by proxy into the thoughts of its readers, than those are more listeners for Slim Shady. In the end, Eminem put out a good album and had the world talking about him: that's a good day in the office.