OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Eminem, the legendary rapper known for his rapid-fire delivery and introspective lyricism, has an expansive catalog that spans decades and showcases his evolution both musically and personally. While his most commercially successful albums, like The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show, are often considered some of the greatest in hip-hop, many fans and critics alike argue that some of his projects are vastly underrated. Among them, one album consistently gets mentioned in discussions: Relapse.
Released in 2009, Relapse marked Eminem’s return to the rap scene after a five-year hiatus. The album was met with mixed reviews at the time, with some critics praising Eminem’s intricate wordplay and the dark themes that ran throughout the project, while others found it difficult to embrace. Despite these initial reactions, a decade later, many have revisited Relapse with a newfound appreciation, and some are even calling it his most overlooked album.
In a retrospective article for HotNewHipHop, writer Mitch Findlay dubbed Relapse “Eminem’s most underrated album,” noting its dark concept and the exceptional quality of Dr. Dre’s production. While the album’s subject matter, which includes themes of addiction, self-loathing, and dark humor, was heavy and sometimes difficult to digest, it also highlighted Eminem’s technical skills—his ability to fit complex rhyme schemes into intricate narratives. Relapse certainly didn’t shy away from being an artistic statement, and in hindsight, many fans see it as one of his more audacious projects.
But is Relapse the only underrated gem in Eminem’s catalog? That’s where opinions diverge.
Some fans argue that Recovery (2010), with its more mainstream sound and successful singles like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie,” is an underappreciated gem. Despite its commercial success, Recovery often gets overshadowed by the larger-than-life success of albums like The Marshall Mathers LP 2 or the raw intensity of Infinite. A common sentiment on various Eminem forums suggests that Recovery was crucial to his resurgence after Relapse’s mixed reception, yet it doesn’t always get the critical recognition it deserves for the growth it represented.
On the other hand, some fans believe that even Eminem’s earlier work, like his debut Infinite (1996) or the Slim Shady EP (1997), is vastly overlooked. These albums helped establish Eminem’s unique voice in the rap world, yet they never achieved the mainstream recognition of later works. Infinite, with its introspective themes and more straightforward rap style, often gets lost in the shadow of The Slim Shady LP (1999), which launched him into superstardom.
And then there’s the curious case of MMLP2 (2013). Despite its commercial success, it seems that this album isn’t as revered by many fans in the way its predecessor, The Marshall Mathers LP, is. One forum user even went so far as to label MMLP2 the most underrated of Eminem’s albums, pointing to its emotional depth and intricate lyricism.
However, it’s important to note that even Eminem himself has often been critical of his own work. In interviews during the Kamikaze (2018) era, he downplayed certain albums, such as Encore (2004), calling it a “misstep” and expressing dissatisfaction with some of his past projects. While this might suggest a lack of full endorsement for certain albums, it also opens the door for a more personal and candid evaluation of his catalog by both fans and critics alike.
Despite the varying opinions, Relapse remains the top contender for being Eminem’s most underrated album. The critical reevaluation of the album over the years, combined with its dark concept and impressive technical execution, has earned it a special place in the hearts of many fans. Its exploration of Eminem’s personal struggles, particularly with addiction, paired with Dr. Dre’s signature production, gives the album a unique texture that still resonates today.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with the idea that Relapse is Eminem’s most underrated album, or is there another album in his catalog that deserves the title? As time passes, it’s clear that many of Eminem’s projects deserve a deeper look, with different albums shining under new perspectives.