Customer Ratings & Reviews

Perhaps the greatest travesty this album could face is its title. Living up to the classic Marshal Mathers LP is a long shot for any artist, even the man that penned the original. By naming this the MMLP2, Eminem raised both the stakes and expectations of the record, which will invariably hinder its reaction. I will say outright that the MMLP2 is a solid rap album. It's also a strong step forward for an artist rediscovering himself in the expatriation of sobriety. Yet, it's far removed from a sequel. While the record does well to touch on old topics from the previous album -- returning to Stan through his scorned brother, tapping issues like coming to terms with fame, et cetera -- the style of Em's lyrical flow and the production of the tracks alone stand out like a sore thumb. With that said, a collaboration between Em and Rick Rubin was both inevitable and successful. Rick's influences are dotted through this amalgamation of producers and collaborators. Even with Dre being a co-Executive Producer, the album feels fresh from his established sound and is undeniably invigorating. The MMLP2 crafts a sound that strikes the ear as modern yet different; straying from the themes of the zeitgeist while still hitting the radio with a reserved seat. If taken as a standalone album, separate entirely from its namesake, the MMLP2 is adventurous, ambitious, relentless, and clear cutting; all while displaying Em's lyrical potential in a gamut ranging from vivid, rapid-fire rhymes to glimpses of his older, slower, free-style imagery. The beats are risky, from homages, to old school hip-hop, to sampling classic rock tracks like the The Zombie's "Time of the Season" in "Rhyme or Reason" and Joe Walsh's "Life's Been Good" in "So Far..."., and while nothing here feels particularly reminiscent of the original album, these tracks nevertheless standout as some of my favorites of his work to date. Perhaps the strongest element of the record is in its sense of development. It does succeed in telling the next chapter of Em's ongoing drama, with him coming to terms with his mother in "Headlights" and joking tongue-in-cheek about his resounding success in Rap God, but also returns to older struggles of his childhood by targeting his oft overlooked father, or reinvigorating the underdog with a respectful nod in "Legacy." There are macabre undertones that we've come to expect from him over the years as well, but nothing quite as campy/comedy as was commonplace in the first album. Those elements in this album feel like they're just shaking off the the remaining flakes of the freshly-sober, sincerity-creep factor found in Relapse, and there aren't quite as many laughs to be found here, whether by sincere humor or as a nervous reaction. Yet, still shining with the refreshing confidence of Recovery, Em resounds with a strong sense of identity and purpose, even if that purpose is reminding us how untrustworthy relationships can be, or how he himself may struggle with the double edged image he's crafted over the years. With all subjectivity aside, If you are looking for old school Em, you're better off hunting down Infinite. But, if you're looking for something that sounds fresh, even if it doesn't entirely break new ground, this album does the trick. I also highly recommend going for the Deluxe edition. In a move that is uncharacteristic of the industry, I found at least three of the five additional tracks as good if not better than those on the actual album.

I will admit at first when I heard the title of this album was gonna be called Marshall Mathers 2 it made me almost sick to my stomach, thinkin "great a publicity stunt just to sell the album. I clearly admit I was VERY WRONG. I had to go get the cd the day it came out and half way through track 1 I knew this was gonna be his best work in years.some of my fav tracks are,Berzerk, Rap God, & Headlights (a song that really shows ems maturity) the whole album front to back is amazing the deluxe edition only adds a few extra songs but it is well worth the couple extra bucks. Personally I dont see why they werent on the regular version.If u aare an eminem fan U WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.

This is Eminem's best Album in a long time. His best since at least "The Eminem Show". His lyrics are the best I've heard from him, since the first "Marshall Mathers LP". The production value is great, but not anything special, to make the beats or hooks stand out. The only real negative about the album is that there is not even one track produced by Dr. Dre. He is listed as an executive producer, but that just means he helped pick the songs and mix some tracks. No actual, "production" going on by Dre on this album. 4 out of 5 stars.

This may be one of his best albums since the first MMLP. I'd recommend this to anyone who is an Eminem fan and enjoys good music. especially the way music has turned now, its nice to have this instead to go back on because it's way better than most of the music that's released now.

I like Eminem's music, but I bought this cd for my daughter who is a huge fan. The music is great, he is a creative genius as usual, but this time he took it back old school style to a certain extent and incorporated classic rock songs...and Rock God has over 6,000 words in the lyrics...I don't know how he can remember every lyric rapping as fast as he does, and I don't think any other rapper can top this!

There are several recognizable 'rips' from other classic songs, and they blend seamlessly with his brand of rhyme. I originally bought it because of 'Bezerk' and 'Monster' but then, after a listen through of the whole album I was happily surprised to find many songs on repeat. But, the bonus disc with this edition was absolute perfection. I absolutely recommend getting this version, with the bonus disc!

This album is Eminem's best album since The Eminem Show in my opinion. He's had some good songs in between but as an album in general this one is great. Also the bonus disc that came with this has a couple great songs, specifically Beautiful Pain. I'm not sure how it was decided that it would get cut but if you're an Eminem fan, this album shouldn't disappoint you.

I am a big fan of what I call lyrical hip hop. Songs and lyrics with deep meanings that hit home for fans. This album definitely delivered on that end. But, the choice in beats wasn't the best for 2 or 3 songs on the album. Some beats were just strange and made the song sound awkward. It's a great album and will please hip hop and Eminem fans alike.

Eminem is still in top form here. While for me, personally, it's hard to top the slim shady and Marshall matters lp's, this has some great music on it. Took a while to grow on me but now it's stuck. Get the deluxe edition; the bonus songs are just as worthy of being on the main disc as the others are, if not more so.

This is easily eminem's best album since the eminem show. Anyone who may have gave up on him after a couple of the last albums need to come back and check this one out.

Love eminem new album all the songs are great I love track number 2 it has a beat from the zombies a old band from 1968 they have a song callex time of seasons and eminem plays the beat to hes rap love it

I love all of his music and usually buy most of his cds would recommend this cd but don't listen to some of the songs with kids in the car unless you buy the restricted cds it's inappropriate ..... so I just listen to it when I do t have my children in the car

After a few not so great albums.. Eminem returns to his origins and delivers some of the best rap songs for the mass public in awhile! Also it is interesting to note that he is the first artist since The Beatles to have FOUR #1 songs on the top of the charts!

Just another awesome album from the greatest rapper living! His art, talent and overall ablitiy is unmatched in rap today. Thank you Marshal for another awesome album! Way to represent the "Big D"! ALL LOVE! From your dedicated fans in KY- The Taylors~

This is a great LP by Eminem. Rap God is by far my favorite song, just straight rap for 6 plus mins. The bonus CD provides more great Eminem song, so get that version. Great CD by Eminem.

I was like a lot of people and got started listening to Eminem back with the Slim Shady LP and this took me back to listening to that again. Good songs with actual lyrics mixed with great beats and samples and the occasional joke thrown in.

I have been an Eminem fan since he arrived on the scene back in the late 90s, and he continues to manage to generate some of the most original songs. I love the fact that he is so transparent about his life and what he has been through.

This was one of my favorite eminem albums the other encore but Marshall Mathers 2 he gets more personal and he definitely matured!

Songs and lyrics are amazing! I love how he's matured, and atones for some things he may have put out in public. I hate spending extra money for deluxe editions, and getting a second CD with 4/5 songs. I would rather have all on one CD.

He did it again. You must get the 2.cd set. Especially if you want to here the foolishness of Ken Kaniff again. It's off the wall like usual and he goes through several different styles so it's not the same thing over and over.