By Mackenna Reilly, Rookie Reporter

Marshall Mathers, famously known by his stage name Eminem, or his alter ego Slim Shady, came out with his eighth studio album the Marshall Mathers LP 2 Nov 5.

Mathers’ album is a continuation of the praised Marshall Mathers LP in 2000. Marshall’s goal was to combine different styles from his past albums into his newest work. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as Skylar Grey, Rihanna and Nate Ruess the lead singer of Fun. The only rapper collaboration appearing on the album is with Kendrick Lamar, Mathers’ label mate.

Like most rappers that came from the early 2000s, Mathers’ music is rooted in poverty, drug abuse and explosive relationships.His lyrics come through speakers like poetry; even if his lines are vulgar and ruthless. Unlike the majority of rappers on the charts right now, his songs are not materialistic and autotuned. It’s not just meaning that make his lyrics great, but emotion, and passion as well.

Despite my love for Mathers’ work I felt the album to be benign. I couldn’t help feeling that the songs dragged into each other This led me to just sit and wait for the songs to be over. I found that Mathers’ anger is growing wiry, and two songs into the album, they all seemed to sound the same. If there is a silver lining of Mathers’ album it would be “The Monster” featuring Rihanna, which is Mathers’ third collaboration with the pop singer. “The Monster” is a song that is catchy in a unique way that reminded me why I listened to his album in the first place.

I was excited to hear about Mathers’ new album, but became sorely disappointed after listening to it. Although the album is decent, even his best tracks could not be great because this album felt dull. Though copying his previous work seemed to be a good concept at the time, it will not do Mathers’ any good in the long run. Mathers’ is, hands down, qualifies as one of greatest rappers, but he is now forty years old. Maybe it’s time for him to evolve. Mathers’ has been stereotyped. If he wants to become a timeless musician, he needs to adapt.