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 prot�g� 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.