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Devil's Night

by D12

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Eminem: love him or hate him? It's no surprise that Slim Shady evokes such conflicted feelings--he's easy to champion and disparage alike, and this new D12 album doesn't make the decision any easier. Though hip-hop's pale wonder is now joined by his five, conspicuously black Detroit peers, this still sounds and feels like a Marshall Mathers project. The biting disses of MTV pop figures ("Ain't Nuttin' But Music")--still there. The dark journeys into faux psychosis ("American Psycho," "Devils Night")--still there. The big middle finger at conservatives, conformists, and critics ("That's How," "Purple Pills," "S*** Can Happen")--still there. And throw in Dr. Dre's production alongside Denaun Porter's lumbering funk tracks and Em's own beats, and this is basically the third Eminem album. Besides, he's still the most interesting of the six D12 members to listen to--slicker lyrics, better flow, and just a more engaging personality. Which, of course, is telling the listener to go to hell. Bottom line: If you liked the last two Eminem albums, this one won't disappoint. And if you hated the last two, at least you have the other D12 members to distract your attention. --Oliver Wang