On Friday, January 17, 2020, Eminem released his 11th studio album. It was released over a year since the release of his albumKamikaze in the summer of 2018. It features other artists such as Anderson .Paak, Don Toliver, Ed Sheeran and more as well as a remarkable collaboration from the late Juice WRLD who passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2019.

The album’s name and cover are directly inspired by director Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock’s voice can be heard in the interlude and outro of the 20 song album. Within the album’s 64 minute length, Eminem takes shots at everyone, from critics to other artists and even to his ex-wife Kim Mathers.

As to be expected, Eminem’snewest album is filled withvulgarity and mature themes. In his track “Stepdad,” he takes the point of view of a child abused by his stepfather. Then, in the next track, “Marsh,” he proceeds to talk about the opposite point of view and being the abuser.

Eminem does not hold back and touches on some sensitive topics within this album. One example being referencing various killers like the suicide bomber from the 2017 Ariana Grande concert bombing in his track “Unaccommodating.” He also includes the man behind the Las Vegas shooting from 2017 in his track “Darkness” and most notably, within the accompanying music video.

The music backing up the lyrics to his songs bounces around just as much as the points of view. One of his tracks, “No Regrets,” has more of a trap vibe to it while Eminem touches on his career throughout his life. Another track, “Farewell,” which is my personal favorite, has a slight reggae feel to it while supporting lyrics detailing the tension of a toxic relationship and addiction.

Overall, Music to Be Murdered By proves that Eminem is still able to make albums of mostly decent appraisal all around despite touching on some sensitive areas. It proves that he is able to adequately bounce from “New Eminem” with more of a hip-hop orientation and “Old Eminem,” being able to spit bars like a machine.

Eminem is not going anywhere and now it is time to listen to his newest work and wait for his next album drop, whenever that may be. I give Music to Be Murdered By a 3.5/5.