by Tracy Heck

Created on: May 20, 2009

It's been five years since controversial rapper Eminem released his last album Encore, a lackluster effort that had many declaring the King of hip hop's career over. It seemed that Eminem had run out of material and was finding it hard to connect with an audience looking for fresh blood. However, over the last five years a number of things happened in the rappers life that have become the central focus of his latest CD, Relapse, a hard hitting album that harkens back to Eminem's early material.

Relapse does what Eminem does best: examine his own life or as his hit single once said, cleaning out his closet. In his time off Eminem had another public falling out with his mother, attempted another reconcilation with on again off again wife Kim, lost his close friend and hypeman Proof to gun violence and fought an addiction to painkillers. Although he surely would have liked to skip all of the above, the situations became a inspiration for the new CD.

Relapse is a return to the wicked wordplay that Eminem became famous for on his first few albums. Many of the tracks on the album would fit in well with his 1999 fiery debut The Slim Shady LP. On his last couple of albums Eminem often let numerous guest appearances overshadow his work but besides a small appearance by 50 Cent and a couple of verses from his mentor Dr. Dre, Relapse is all Eminem.

The album jumps right in to controversy with its opening skit Dr. West. The skit revolves around Em's last visit with his doctor before he is released from rehab. As he discusses his sobriety and the 12 step program the doctor tells him, "Take a drink. Take the edge off." It is obvious that Eminem is about to take his fans on another bumpy ride and he uses the deranged doctor to showcase this.

The CD's first track is the second single released 3am. The track is a dark free fall into the macabre world of a insane serial killer with a nod at Em's hit single Stan. "I remember the first time I dismembered a family member, December I think it was." The perversity of the song's lyrics, the catchy chorus and the single's quick flow add up to a single that appeals to both fans who enjoy Eminem's dark side and those who like his comedic side. The song stands out for its vivid imagery.

Next up is another dig at Eminem's favorite target: My Mom. This time he is addressing his drug use and his mother's role in the situation. "My mum loves Valium and lots of drugs. That's why I am like I am cause I'm like her." The song is a hilarious

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