With greater overtness and satire than ever before, Eminem tackles his alter ego in a very similar manner as he has in the past with his new album. There are a tonne of “offensive” bars to gasp at, some hilarious flips to enjoy, and compelling reflections of his life and work.

“Renaissance”: F**k The Critics

Bar(s): Everything is either too tame or there’s too much anger / I didn’t like the beat, so I hated ‘Might Delete Later’ / You nerdy pricks would find something wrong with ’36 Chambers’”

The Death Of Slim Shady” opens with Eminem criticizing fake rap fans who undermine the genre’s icons. He highlights how fans often focus more on their own preferences than on the artist’s creative vision, using J. Cole’s “Might Delete Later” mixtape and Kendrick’s “7 Minute Drill” as examples. Eminem concludes by referencing Wu-Tang Clan’s timeless influence, suggesting that legendary albums will outlast the initial backlash and that the culture needs time to appreciate artistic intent.

“Habits”: His Love Of South ParkIn

Bar(s): Would this rhyme be okay if ‘South Park’ had did it? / Would it make you less angry if Cartman spit it?

“The Death Of Slim Shady,” Eminem highlights his affinity with South Park and criticizes the hypocrisy of tolerating offensive content in certain contexts but not in others. He suggests that his skill leads to harsher scrutiny of his work, despite his ability to balance serious themes and irreverence. This critique feels timely as society continues to shift its boundaries for acceptable content.

“Lucifer”: Eminem’s… Struggles?

Bar(s): Yeah, they listen to me like when Manson spoke / They say I don’t know struggle no more, that’s a joke / B***h, the f***ing elevator in my mansion’s broke / I have to walk like half a block to get a can of CokeOne of the funniest bars on “The Death Of Slim Shady” highlights Eminem’s self-awareness of his privilege and wealth. He humorously laments having to cross his vast luxury property for a soda, portraying a rich person’s trivial frustration. This bar stands out as it humorously flexes without targeting celebrities, marginalized groups, or ranting about PC culture.

“Lucifer”: Slim Shady X K.Dot?

Bar(s): As far as smoke with me, I don’t think it’d be smart, so / Might as well go looking for smoke with Lamar, bro

In “The Death Of Slim Shady,” Eminem references the biggest rap battle since Nas and Jay-Z, calling back to Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria,” which mentioned Pusha T’s beef with Drake. Eminem praises Kendrick, invoking their shared Dr. Dre lineage, and continues his combative stance against the rap game. This bar highlights Eminem’s respect for fellow lyrical talent and his ongoing competitive spirit.

“Fuel”: Diddy’s Alleged Deeds

Bar(s): I’m like a R-A-P-E-R  / Got so many essays, S-As / Wait, he didn’t just spell the word ‘rapper’ and leave out a ‘P,’ did he? / R.I.P., rest in peace, Biggie / And ‘Pac, both of y’all should be living / But I ain’t tryna beef with him / ‘Cause he might put a hit on me like Keefe D did him

In “The Death Of Slim Shady,” Eminem frequently targets Diddy, particularly in the song “Fuel” featuring JID. The bar cleverly references Sean Combs’ lawsuits and accusations, questions his involvement in Biggie and Tupac’s murders, and includes a biting “Antichrist” line muting Cassie’s name. This line combines sharp wordplay with controversial topics, showcasing the extreme lyrical depth fans appreciate.

“Head Honcho”: Slim Shady Sons The Rap Game

Bar(s): These rappers, I’m above them, but punching down ain’t beneath me / Cold as the wind chill factor, but the fact is I don’t know when to chill / But every time I come out, they expect me to f***ing reinvent the wheel / Rappers get praised for spitting bars with less than the tenth of skill

One of Eminem’s most layered bars on “The Death Of Slim Shady” critiques lesser rappers while showcasing his wordplay with “wind chill” and “when to chill.” He addresses fans’ expectations for novelty despite his consistent artistic vision and contrasts artistry with novelty, suggesting that newness doesn’t guarantee quality. Despite any aesthetic risks, Eminem’s lyrical skill remains unquestioned.

“Temporary”: Marshall Mathers’ Family

Bar(s): But don’t you dare shed a tear, what I tell you? / “Straighten up, little soldier,” them times when I held you

The emotional core of “The Death Of Slim Shady” lies in Eminem’s tribute tracks to his daughter Hailie (“Temporary”) and his family (“Somebody Save Me”). After “killing” Slim Shady on “Guilty Conscience 2,” Eminem reflects on his addiction to controversy and the struggles it caused, with Hailie saving him as echoed in a quote from “Like Toy Soldiers.” These songs serve as his final messages to his family, highlighting that while Slim Shady may die, his family revives Marshall Mathers.

Listen to the full album here.