Eminem buries iconic alter ego with the album “The Death Of Slim Shady”

At the turn of the century, many Americans became aware of Eminem not because of his own name, but because of his alter ego Slim Shady from his second album The Slim Shady LP. Shady made his name on Eminem’s breakthrough single “My Name Is” and was a defining figure in Eminem’s music in the years that followed. But after more than two decades, the Grammy-winning rapper has officially stepped down from the role.

Eminem’s new album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) is now out and comes after months of hinting at the demise of his character Slim Shady. Back in May, he wrote an obituary for Shady in his hometown of The Detroit Free Press Mourning Shady’s death. “(Slim Shady)’s complex and tormented life has come to an end, and the legacy he leaves behind is no closer to resolution than the manner in which this figure left this world,” the obituary reads. “May he truly find the peace in the afterlife that he could not find on earth.”

The album’s first single, “Houdini,” was released shortly after, followed by Big Sean and BabyTron’s collaboration “Tobey” earlier this month. During the album’s hour-long runtime, Eminem channels Slim Shady to deliver the venomous bars that fans have since come to expect from the alter ego. The Slim Shady LPOther artists such as Jelly Roll, JID and Skylar Grey join the party. Even his daughter Hailie Jade appears on the project on “Temporary”, a love letter dedicated to her with old recordings of her as a girl.

Advising fans on how to best consume the album, Eminem shared on social media how the project should be consumed to Death of Slim Shady Narrative.

“Public Service Notice: The death of Slim Shady is a concept album, so if you listen to the songs in the wrong order, they might not make sense,” he said. “Have fun.”