Eminem - 'Encore' (Interscope) Released 12/11/04

Eminem has firmly established himself as one of the world’s elite rappers, bringing hip-hop to the masses whilst turning racial prejudice on its head.  Since his last album he has become somewhat of an entrepreneur, with a record label, a clothing line, and also making a successful acting debut.  But now he’s back to his day job, and the release of ‘Encore’ was put forward after his forth album leaked onto the Internet.

The album begins slowly, and even the appearance of protégé 50 Cent on ‘Never Enough’ still results in a mediocre track.  It’s not until the Martika-sampling ‘Like Toy Soldiers’ that it comes to life.  The sample is genius, and compliments his mature lyrics about the rivalries in rap culture over an army-style beat.  The highly publicised ‘Mosh’ follows, with its Bush-hating lyrics, and it is every bit the stomping anthem it has been made out to be.  The middle tracks are very much filler, though ‘Big Weenie’ is funny, then lead single ‘Just Lose It’ sees the return of Slim Shady in a disco groove. 

‘Mockingbird’ signals the beginning of a redeeming finale, a simple piano line laced between poignant lyrics to Eminem’s child.  He again shows his sampling skills on ‘Crazy In Love’, which borrows a rocky, screeching chorus from Heart.  The rhymes are brutally honest and quick-fire about his relationship with on/off partner Kim.  The final track brings together three of the industry’s biggest talents, with Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr Dre taking turns over a thumping beat.  It’s everything it should be, and makes sure the middle filler is tolerable.