Dark surprise

Sheetal

Two days ago, Billboard 200 chart confirmed that Eminem’s surprise album Music to Be Murdered By is no less than a bomb dropped on fellow singers. Ranked at number one, fans have already decided it to be one of the top bidders for Album of the Year. Darkness, the eighth track from the album, alone has got 25 million views and 1.3 million likes in two weeks time.

Those who know Eminem’s style are aware of the fact that his lyrics always land in some or the other controversy. Darkness, as well as other songs in the album, includes reference to bombing at Ariana Grande’s concert, 2017 mass shooting at Las Vegas, America and Manchester, England. This isn’t the first time Eminem has used his platform to get political; 2004’s Mosh protested the Iraq War and was framed as a voting rights anthem, while his 2017 BET Freestyle was a blistering anti-Trump invective.

In the song, as he narrates the story of darkness that prevailed during the mass shooting in America, lyrics also highlight where the problem lies. Lyrics like but I’m a licensed owner with no prior convictions, so law says sky’s the limit and But if you’d like to know the reason why I did this you’ll never find a motive, truth is I have no idea strike a chord with the audiences. Eminem’s word play has once again stunned the listeners for describing how hopeless and pointless the situation is. While Eminem was also criticised for the track Unaccommodating, which references the Manchester bomb attack that killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert, he gives a befitting reply on his Instagram post and says that ‘the track is not meant for the people who are easily offended or unnerved.’

The rap God singer’s eleventh proper full-length album with total 20 tracks is produced by long-time collaborator Dr. Dre, who has worked with him since the early days of his career. It’s the rapper’s tenth album to reach the Billboard chart’s top spot and puts Eminem in the same category as The Beatles, Jay-Z, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and Elvis Presley.

The last scene where all the flat screen reporting shootings in America are displayed to make a map of America summed up the intention of the artiste that is to find the cause rather than reporting crimes. Let’s just hope that his songs not only murder the music but also the hatred that drives people to pick a gun.

Voice of the people

What I liked about the song is that Eminem is talking on behalf of everyone who feels stuck in a place and can’t seem to get out of it. It gives voice to all those who are going through difficult times and aren’t able it to put it in words. The hook is catchy and his rap tells a story. —Rushaly Beri, student BA psychology

Impressive word play

The song is the pinnacle of Eminem’s talent. Two stories are told at once without getting lost. His ability to turn words into visual images is incredible. The flow and melody of the song make you feel every word. You can’t help but imagine the pain behind the lyrics. —Harshdeep Sohi, student

Something deep

I enjoyed the song because the lyrics are pretty deep. Eminem talks about being a prisoner in one’s own head and how difficult times can drive a person off the edge. The song narrates a story with catchy beats.—Pragati Solanki, law student