An Analysis of Eminem's Lyrical Style on Relapse
A Dedicated Marshall Mathers Enthusiast Discusses his Newest Album
Jun 26, 2009
Eminem Releases "Relapse" and Shows the World he has Changed:
The latest artistic installment in Eminem’s musical career “Relapse” was released on March 5th 2009; four year’s after his previous release. Mathers’ evolution as a lyricist and writer becomes fully apparent in the new album which is unique from his previous installments.
Instead of hearing Eminem’s familiar angry and frustrated lyrics delivered with a vengeful attitude, the CD assumes a more solemn and thoughtful tone. Two songs on the album boast a catchy beat with lyrics to match (for radio circulation) and there are several tracks that concentrate on similar subject matter as in his previous albums.
Songs such as: Same Song & Dance, We Made You, Medicine Ball and Bagpipes from Baghdad characteristically “dis” and threaten various celebrities while joking about violence and substance abuse. However, there are songs that confront issues that the artist did not discuss in his previous albums; including his battle with drug addiction, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Whatever the subject matter, all of Eminem’s new tracks are executed in a vastly more mature and complex manner than is heard on his previous albums.
Several Examples of Slim Shady's Lyrical Devices; How They are Used and How They Have Evolved:
Many of Mathers’ earlier tracks are recognized by his extensive use of perfect and end rhyme (example: true and blue) and verses laden with consonant rhyme (example: limp and lump).
However, in his latest songs, Mathers pushes his lyrics to new height by employing multiple rhyme; where words with several syllables are rhymed together (example: generate and venerate). He also uses internal rhyme to propel his lyrical narrative to the height of poetic prominence. The following excerpt from the first verse of his song 3am illustrates the brilliance of Eminem's poetry and his ability to incorporate several types of rhyme seamlessly:
“Your walkin’ down a horror corridor
It's almost four in the mornin’
And your in a
Nightmare
It's horrible
Right there's the coroner
Waitin’ for you
To turn the corner
So he can corner ya
Your a goner
He's on-ta ya
Out the corner of his cornea
He just saw you run
All you want is to rest
Cause you can't run anymore
Your done”
Lyrics from the song 3AM written by Marshall Mathers
One cannot accurately articulate the word play and rhyme scheme’s that Mathers is able to flawlessly execute in his music. Simply reading the words on paper does not do his creative ability justice.
A significant amount of Mathers lyrical genius is only appreciated when listened to. Within each track, he delivers an intricate and virtually faultless piece of spoken poetry that is both inspiring and unsettling in its untouchable composition.
If you are interested in writing, you may be interested in reading about four ways to improve your writing.
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