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MMLP2

This week’s release of Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2 arrived with much anticipation and hype. Em’s massive marketing campaign withstanding, the title itself caused commotion amongst fans and critics, although not a sequel the idea that part two could be a revival of classic Eminem had many fans salivating its release. Em’s collaboration with legendary producer Rick Rubin as co-executive producer further cemented the hype leading up to its release. Although Dr. Dre is credited as co-executive producer his production talents are nowhere to be found on MMLP2.

Sonically Rubin’s influence can be felt heavily on MMLP2. The first single “Berzerk” has Rick Rubin’s production written all over it. Sampling Billy Squier’s “The Stroke” along with distorted guitar riffs offers a flashback to the classic rap-rock sound Rubin made famous with acts such as Run DMC and LL Cool J. The whole album is heavily sample based, a nod to the classic hip-hop era Rubin helped build nearly three decades ago. Hard drums and Mathers rapid fire rhymes fuel the album from start to finish.

The dynamics on Eminem’s vocals seem a bit tame and seem to get buried a bit in the mix on several of the cuts on the album, almost causing the listener to strain a bit to hear the lyrical assault that Em is attempting to relay. “Asshole” and “So Much Better” are good examples of this. I am guessing the idea behind this is to pull the listener in to pay more attention to the lyrics. How effective this technique will be is yet to be seen. Kendrick Lamar is the only guest emcee on the album. He is featured on “Love Game” which is more suited for a rehash of Slim Shady circa 1999 than Lamar’s soulful-introspection, instead we hear K-Dot contorting his style to fit into a Shady contortion.

The mood of the album is somewhat reminiscent of The Marshall Mathers LP, but with a tad bit more introspection. More reflection and fewer antics would have reflected more growth both lyrically and musically. The production is a reflection of Em’s lyrical content, with a fair amount of forced rants mixed with misogyny and homophobia, MMLP2 shows that Marshall Mathers is still a kid at heart and the production is a reflection of that.

Welcome all to the new home of my blog Sounds of Wizedom. In this blog I will peek inside the music production process. I will discuss both current and classic albums and productions that inspire and move us. The focus will be on the production side of things, highlighting the techniques, individuals and gear that give the production its unique sound. You can learn more about my background in the "about me" tab. To hear my production work you can click here CPHRDVN.com.
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