A lyrical GOAT: Ranking Eminem's discography

Jon Powell
·6 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a seminal figure in the world of Hip Hop, renowned for his lyrical prowess, contentious content, and evocative storytelling. His discography spans decades and showcases both his evolution as an artist and impact on the genre. From his debut album, Infinite, to recent releases, Eminem's vault of music is a testament to his versatility and enduring relevance in a congested industry.

Trending

Em truly burst onto the scene with his major-label debut, The Slim Shady LP, which served as a proper introduction to his alter ego and the album’s namesake. That body of work featured hits like "My Name Is" and "Guilty Conscience," establishing the now-legend as a force to be reckoned with. Eminem then released The Marshall Mathers LP, one of the fastest-selling albums in U.S. history. With tracks like "Stan" and "The Way I Am," the offering further solidified his status as a cultural icon and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

Eminem continued to push boundaries and challenge societal norms throughout his career. Subsequent albums showcased his introspective side while addressing themes such as fame, addiction, and family dynamics. The icon’s discography also included collaborations, such as his work with Dr. Dre on the iconic album 2001 and his partnership with Royce da 5'9" as the duo Bad Meets Evil.

REVOLT ranked Em’s solo discography to see how his LPs stack up against one another. Check that out below.

11. Revival

https://tidal.com/browse/album/82508202

Eminem's Revival album marked a poignant and introspective turn in the rapper's storied career. Exploring themes ranging from personal struggles to critiques about the world around him, Eminem delivered raw lyricism over a diverse array of musical styles. Tracks like "Walk on Water" featuring Beyoncé and "River" featuring Ed Sheeran delved into the complexities of fame and relationships, while politically charged songs such as "Like Home" and "Untouchable" confronted social issues with unapologetic enthusiasm.

10. Infinite

https://tidal.com/browse/album/246228286

Infinite served as a captivating glimpse into the early stages of Eminem’s career. Showcasing his prodigious talent and unyielding determination, Infinite presented a more subdued and introspective side of the Detroit rapper compared to his later work. The album's title track demonstrated his hunger to succeed in the music industry despite facing numerous obstacles. The largest criticism made about this body of work was mainly about his earlier flow, which resembled greats like Nas before Em found his own unique style.

9. Encore

https://tidal.com/browse/album/590496

Eminem's Encore was an eclectic addition to the rapper's discography. Filled with his trademark wit, high-end lyricism, and boundary-pushing production, that project showcased him at the height of his creative powers. From infectious hooks on tracks like "Just Lose It" and "Like Toy Soldiers" to the introspective depth of songs like "Mockingbird" and "Mosh," the album traversed a wide range of emotions and themes. Em's ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary was on full display throughout this album.

8. Relapse

https://tidal.com/browse/album/36309848

Relapse marked a significant return to the rap scene for the Detroit-based artist after a self-imposed hiatus. Known for its provocative lyrics and dark themes, Relapse delved deep into Eminem's struggles with addiction, relationships, and fame – topics that he brought to the surface on The Slim Shady LP. Add the fact that it was mainly produced by Dr. Dre, longtime core fans appreciated the comical and dark vibes.

7. Music To Be Murdered By

https://tidal.com/browse/album/166661964

Eminem's Music To Be Murdered By Side A and Side B albums showcased the rapper's continued relevance and artistic innovation. With Side A, Em delivered a masterful blend of introspective storytelling and impressive wordplay, addressing a wide range of topics from his own legacy to more socially charged issues. Tracks like "Godzilla" featuring Juice WRLD and "Darkness" demonstrated Eminem's dexterity on wax and ability to tackle complex subject matter with razor-sharp precision. Side B built upon this foundation, offering a potent mix of hard-hitting beats and thought-provoking lyrics.

6. Kamikaze

https://tidal.com/browse/album/95469759

Kamikaze emerged as a blistering response to critics and a defiant statement of his artistic skill. With a fiery energy reminiscent of his early career, Eminem took aim at contemporary rap trends, industry politics, and media scrutiny. The LP was essentially a sonic onslaught with rapid-fire rhymes and aggressive delivery on tracks like "Not Alike" and "The Ringer," where Em unleashed scathing critiques and assertively defended his legacy.

5. The Marshall Mathers LP 2

https://tidal.com/browse/album/23369505

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 served as a viable sequel to its predecessor, revisiting themes of fame, family, and personal demons with a more mature perspective. Eminem’s eighth studio album was a nostalgic journey for fans, echoing the raw emotion and lyrical mastery that made the original iconic.

4. Recovery

https://tidal.com/browse/album/108441385

Originally meant to be a direct sequel to Relapse, Recovery was changed to serve as a message of triumph and determination. Recovery found Eminem confronting his demons head-on and embracing a newfound sense of resilience. Through tracks like "Not Afraid" and "Love the Way You Lie," the rap icon laid bare his struggles while also championing the power of perseverance and personal growth.

3. The Eminem Show

https://tidal.com/browse/album/229904726

The Eminem Show was a detailed look into the star’s life as a musical frontrunner and how his career successes exacerbated vices and affected personal relationships. On transparent cuts like "Without Me," "Cleaning Out My Closet," and "Sing for the Moment," Em tackled everything from racism to his family – namely, his mom Debbie Nelson Mathers and daughter Hailie Jade Scott.

2. The Slim Shady LP

https://tidal.com/browse/album/50307770

The album that changed Eminem’s life. The Slim Shady LP – a full-length update of the underground release The Slim Shady EP -- offered a gritty and unfiltered portrayal of his alter ego, a vulgar and animated version of the emcee. The entire tracklist was packed with vivid storytelling and dark humor, a combination that quickly sparked widespread debate and controversy. Nonetheless, this album is considered a groundbreaking classic that further pushed the culture onto the world stage.

1. The Marshall Mathers LP

https://tidal.com/browse/album/586938

The Marshall Mathers LP was Eminem’s magnum opus. The project took everything from its predecessor, The Slim Shady LP, and turned it up to the max. His Slim Shady alter ego was thrown on the back burner for the real person, who was just coming to terms with worldwide fame and popularity. The Marshall Mathers LP shattered records, earning critical acclaim, commercial success, and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. It also earned the ire of detractors – including other artists and conservative politicians – due to some of the wildest lines heard on a rap album. To call this LP timeless is an understatement.

You Might Also Like