Eminem New Album 2013: 'Rap God' Lyricism Delights Fans, Leaves Critics Unimpressed (AUDIO)
Eminem's new album in 2013 is being promoted by his latest single, "Rap God," in which the rapper spits some of his most furious rhymes to date. The song was leaked Monday off of his latest album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, and already has 3.1 million views in less than 24 hours.
Eminem's new album in 2013 already had two singles, Call of Duty: Ghosts theme "Survival" and ode to Beastie Boys-era hip-hop "Bezerk." However, his latest song, "Rap God," may have garnered him the most attention— and the most controversy.
"I'm beginning to feel like a rap god, rap god / all my people from the front to the back nod, back nod," Eminem rhymes. "Now who thinks their arms are long enough to slapbox, slapbox?"
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Ignoring the increasingly gimmicky and common reference of rappers referring to themselves as deities— Kanye West capitalized on the trend with Yeezus' "I Am A God," and Jay Z was quick to follow on MCHG's "Crown"— Eminem had some of his most varying candences and lyrics to date.
"I'm out my ramen noodle, we have nothing in common poodle / I'm a Doberman, pinch yourself in the arm and pay homage, pupil," Mathers raps over a constant piano chord and relatively empty beat.
"Rap God," like some of MMLP2, is also full of throwback references, like the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky scandal, the Columbine murders, controversial speech referencing homosexuals, and older rappers like Pharoah Monche, Rakim and Run DMC.
Eminem's maniacal flow, diverse topics and dizzying speed on the track didn't impress all the critics, however. Some weren't feeling the beat, which emphasizes lyricism and flow over catchy and cool lines, while others thought his references were dated and lacked the shock value of MMLP.
"Mr. Mathers seems to know where his own legacy lies: he's great at rapping, and not necessarily much else," Spin.com wrote.
Nevertheless, most fans of Eminem seemed impressed with the track, shouting down critics on Twitter and lauding "Rap God" as an excellent song.
"Can't name a single rapper who could come with some s--- of this caliber," D Fletch wrote on HotNewHipHop.com. "The lyrics and flow is unmatched."
"Third verse might be his top 3 verses of all time," RapGeek agreed on Complex.com. "No joke. Nobody could do what he just did to this beat."
The Marshall Mathers LP 2 is due for release Nov. 5. To hear "Rap God," click below (WARNING: Strongest possible language, graphic and adult content).
