8 Mile's music is hardcore
By EMILY TUMBRINK
Scene Music Critic
Music from and inspired by the Motion Picture 8 Mile possesses an incredible line-up of notable and somewhat notorious artists gathered by Eminem, executive producer of the soundtrack and star of the film.
The album contains three contributions from Eminem himself and features such notable rappers as Jay-Z, Nas, and Gangstarr. Eminem also uses this opportunity to promote Obie Trice, 50 Cent and D12, three up and coming artists signed to his record label, Shady Records. In keeping with the mood of the film, all of the rappers on the 8 Mile soundtrack cover dark and somewhat violent themes.
On the three tracks that Eminem lays down, which happen to be some of the best on the album, he sheds his mischievous Slim Shady alter-ego and assumes the identity of Jimmy "Rabbit" Smith, the aspiring rapper he plays in the movie.
The Eminem tracks that are included on 8 Mile are some of his most brutally intense to date. On "Lose Yourself," Eminem begins by describing Rabbit's struggle to succeed from an external point of view, but eventually switches to the first person, identifying himself with Rabbit's struggle and reiterating rumors that Rabbit's character is based on Eminem's life.
On the album's final track, "Rabbit Run," Eminem shows that writing raps is essential for dealing with the problems of everyday life.
"Some days I just wanna up and call it quits, / I feel like I'm surrounded by a wall of bricks, / Every time I go to get up I just fall in pits, / My life's like one great big ball of shit, / If I could just put it all into all I spit, / `Stead of always tryin‚ to swallow it."
Eminem's honesty comes through on these tracks in ways that were impossible during his prankster Slim Shady days.
The 8 Mile soundtrack also offers many amusing opportunities for the rappers to take cheap shots at other artists. On "Love Me," a posse effort by Eminem with his boys Obie Trice and 50 Cent, everyone from D'Angelo to Lauren Hill is criticized: "Used to listen to Lauren Hill and tap my feet, / then the bitch put out a CD that didn't have no beat."
8 Mile is also the only album that can claim to feature tracks by both Nas and Jay-Z, two rappers who are notorious for their ongoing feud over who is the king of New York. Basing the victory entirely on their performances from 8 Mile, Jay-Z should take the crown despite Nas' inclusion of "U Wanna be Me," a track whose sole purpose is to bash his rival.
New artist 50 Cent makes his presence known on "Wanksta," a song that is already an underground hit. His success, along with that of fellow Shady Records artists Obie Trice and D12, shows that Eminem is right on his way to becoming a successful music executive.
The only questionable tracks included on the 8 Mile soundtrack are Macy Gray's "Time of My Life" and Boomkat's "Wasting My Time." Although they were obviously meant to provide relief from the harsh realities of the rap tracks, all they manage to do is interrupt the flow of the album.
Despite these minor mistakes, the 8 Mile soundtrack is a strong group effort. However, listeners expecting to find danceable jams on 8 Mile like those by Nelly or Outkast should look elsewhere. This is not a pop-infused album. It is hardcore. Those longing to return to the days when Tupac reigned will be grateful for Eminem's efforts to revive gangsta rap.
Contact Emily Tumbrink at tumbrink.1@nd.edu
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, November 12, 2002
