by Rebecca Saint

Created on: November 26, 2010   Last Updated: May 14, 2012

The controversy surrounding Eminem’s lyrics is a major factor that has kept him topping the charts since My Name Is was released as a single in 1999. Surface listening reveals abrasive lyrics typical of the genre. If the time is taken to really listen and interpret those same lyrics, meaningful messages can be found.

Many of the songs you will read about here are not songs that have seen much mainstream airplay on television or radio. These are the songs I feel will immortalize Marshall Mathers III the same way “Dear Mama” and “Keep Ya Head Up” have immortalized Tupac Shakur.

10) Ain’t Nuttin But Music (with D12; Devil‘s Night, 2001)

The music industry has been rife with conflict for many years. In classic Eminem/D12 fashion, the song is filled with pop culture references and hilarious insults directed towards singers and celebrities alike. You might wonder why pop icons like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake didn’t fire back at the group, but the song says it all. After all, it ain’t nuttin’ but music.

9) Sing For The Moment (The Eminem Show, 2002)

Around the time The Eminem Show was released, there were many acts of violence around the world that were supposedly spurred by the violent nature of music today. Suicides and murders around the globe were being blamed on the lyrics of various musicians, and Eminem was no exception. This song was his response.

8) Crazy In Love (Encore, 2004)

Eminem’s autobiography, Angry Blonde, talks about the tumultuous relationship between Mather’s and his wife, Kimberley Scott. This song turns quickly from Eminem telling the world how Scott drives him insane to professing the love and lust of their relationship and back again. The speed and rhythm presented in the rap are a true testimonial to Mathers’ talents.

7) The Way I Am (The Marshall Mathers LP, 2000)

Since Eminem’s music was introduced to mainstream entertainment in 1999, the artist has constantly been criticized by parents and censors. Again, he holds no reservations in telling the world that musicians are not responsible for the acts of their fans and uses no uncertain terms in stating that he will not change. A spirit so strong as to reject the kind of pressure Mathers has endured is certainly one to be admired and remembered.

6) Stan (ft. Elton John, performed live, Grammy Awards, 2001)

Lyrics in many songs released by Eminem were construed as homophobic

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