|
This article is nominated to be highlighted as the featured article! Feel free to review this page's entry, and voice your opinion. |
The Slim Shady LP is the second studio album—and first major-label release—by American rapper Eminem. Issued on February 23, 1999 by Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, the album introduced Eminem’s alter‑ego Slim Shady. Produced by Dr. Dre, the Bass Brothers, Mel‑Man, and Eminem himself, it debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified quadruple‑platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Background[]
After the poor sales of his indie debut Infinite (1996), Eminem crafted the darker, more provocative Slim Shady persona on his 1997 EP. His appearance at the 1997 Rap Olympics caught the attention of Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, leading to his signing with Aftermath and the start of sessions for this album.
Recording[]
Sessions ran from 1997 into 1998 at Studio 8 in Ferndale, Michigan. Eminem recalled initial nerves working with Dr. Dre—“I had never seen stars, let alone Dr. Dre”—but the freeform process (sometimes under the influence of ecstasy) yielded staples like “My Name Is,” written, recorded, and released within the album’s first week.
Music[]
Production[]
The beats blend Dr. Dre’s G‑funk style with the Bass Brothers’ layered sampling and Eminem’s own raw approach. “My Name Is” samples Labi Siffre’s “I Got The” over a funky bassline and psychedelic loops.
Lyrics[]
Written from Slim Shady’s perspective, the lyrics lampoon violence and profanity. “Guilty Conscience” casts Dre and Eminem as angel and devil, while tracks like “Rock Bottom” and “‘97 Bonnie & Clyde” explore personal and controversial themes.
Reception[]
Commercial response[]
In its first week, the album sold 283,000 copies, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and remained on the chart for 100 weeks. It reached quadruple‑platinum status, and its singles—“My Name Is,” “Guilty Conscience,” and “Just Don’t Give a Fuck”—charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip‑Hop lists. Internationally, it peaked at No. 9 in Canada (double platinum).
Critical reception[]
Critics praised Eminem’s lyrical dexterity and Slim Shady’s shock value. AllMusic awarded 5/5 stars: “Years later, it’s those lyrical skills and subtle mastery that still resonate.” Entertainment Weekly’s David Browne highlighted its “unapologetic outrageousness” as a key strength.
Aftermath[]
The album propelled Eminem to superstardom. He founded Shady Records, joined the Vans Warped Tour, and maintained a rigorous touring schedule despite a stage fall that cracked several ribs.
Controversy[]
Lyrical content drew accusations of misogyny and homophobia. Billboard editor‑in‑chief Timothy White criticized Eminem for profiting from others’ misery.
Lawsuits[]
- **Debra Nelson (his mother)** sued for $10 million over slander in “My Name Is”; settled for $25,000.
- **DeAngelo Bailey** sued for defamation over “Brain Damage”; case dismissed.
- **Harlene Stein** sued over “Guilty Conscience” sampling “Pigs Go Home”; settled out of court.
Track listing[]
| No. | Title | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Public Service Announcement (Skit)" | 0:55 | |
| 2. | "My Name Is…" | 4:28 | |
| 3. | "Guilty Conscience (featuring Dr. Dre)" | 3:19 | |
| 4. | "Brain Damage" | 2:15 | |
| 5. | "Paul (Skit)" | 0:44 | |
| 6. | "If I Had" | 4:01 | |
| 7. | "’97 Bonnie & Clyde" | 4:05 | |
| 8. | "Bitch (Skit)" | 0:46 | |
| 9. | "Role Model" | 3:48 | |
| 10. | "Lounge (Skit)" | 0:35 | |
| 11. | "My Fault" | 3:16 | |
| 12. | "Ken Kaniff (Skit)" | 0:51 | |
| 13. | "Cum on Everybody" | 4:14 | |
| 14. | "Rock Bottom" | 4:08 | |
| 15. | "Just Don’t Give a Fuck" | 4:07 | |
| 16. | "Soap (Skit)" | 0:48 | |
| 17. | "As the World Turns" | 4:15 | |
| 18. | "I’m Shady" | 4:06 | |
| 19. | "Bad Meets Evil (featuring Royce da 5'9")" | 4:32 | |
| 20. | "Still Don’t Give a Fuck" | 4:21 | |
Total length: |
59:27 | ||
Sampling credits[]
- “My Name Is…” samples “I Got The” by Labi Siffre
- “Guilty Conscience” samples “Pigs Go Home” by Ronald Stein
- “If I Had” samples “Impeach the President” by The Honey Drippers
- “Cum on Everybody” samples “Gimme What You Got” by Le Pamplemousse
- “Bad Meets Evil” samples “Me & My Girlfriend” by 2Pac and “Modaji” by Dave Grusin
- “Rock Bottom” samples “Summertime” by Big Brother & the Holding Company (with Janis Joplin)
- “I’m Shady” interpolates “Pusherman” by Curtis Mayfield and “I’m Your Pusher” by Ice‑T