Marshall Mathers knows you’re watching. Face it, whether or not you’re a fan of his rants against plastic pop stars, his cheating wife or just the rest of the world, Slim Shady’s everywhere and impossible to ignore. After his notorious Grammy performance and right before his film debut in the semi-autobiographical “8 Mile”, Em - at the height of his powers - has unleashed “The Eminem Show”, his most intensely personal effort to date.
Those expecting the rambunctious cartoon of an MC that bounced through “The Slim Shady LP” and “The Marshall Mathers LP” might be a bit taken aback on this one, as Slim keeps the proceedings mostly serious and focused on the real life drama he’s been living through recently. More in the vein of sullen bangers like “The Way I Am”, tracks like “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” and “Cleaning Out My Closet” lay Eminem’s feelings out on the table, the source of the very vitriol that fuels his music.
Littered with guitars and twisting melodies, The Eminem Show owes a lot to seventies rock music, and proves to be better at the rock-rap hybrid that groups like Limp Bizkit attempt with mixed results. While the tone remains confessional for the most part, Em still whips out his brand of sick humor, infusing the disc with a much heartier sense of satire than his earlier work. While Eminem could have relied on the proven “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” pop formula of old, Mr. Mathers took it back to the lab, crafting an album that cements his status as one of the most captivating MCs of this era

EMINEM
THE EMINEM SHOW

SOUNDBOMBING III
VARIOUS ARTISTS

It used to be that hip-hop heads would salivate for the latest Kid Capri, DJ Clue or Doo Wop masterpiece, itching to hear their favorite MCs drop brand new freestyles and tracks which mainstream radio was allergic to. However, now that you can download the latest underground exclusive in a matter of seconds online, the mixtape has lost some of value, and even its heir - the mix CD - is losing steam.

Enter Soundbombing III, the latest in the Rawkus collection which attempts to capitalize on the nostalgia of a well blended session. Mixed by Cipha Sounds and Mr. Choc, the CD is a decent compilation of tracks from both underground and more mainstream artists. However, the excitement of previous installments in the series seems to be missing here, and a more commercial slant definitely detracts from the listening experience.

Whereas on Soundbombing I and II one there was a certain sense of discovery in unearthing little heard songs, the presence of remixes like “Round and Round” by Jonell and “My Life” by Kool G Rap slows things down. Furthermore, mediocre cuts like “Crew Deep” by Skillz don’t quite get the pulse racing. However, the CD redeems itself by including the soaring “The Life” by Styles and Pharoahe Monch, an anthemic tribute to the streets, the mic, and hip-hop itself. It’s a pity the whole CD couldn’t do the same thing.

SOUNDBOMBING III
VARIOUS ARTISTS