Eminem "Infinite"

Posted on 03.28.1996

3 comment(s)

Eminem
"Infinite"
Release : 1996
Label : Interscope Records

Review Eminem "Infinite" :

Even an infant knows who Eminem a.k.a. Slim Shady is, but I’m going to tell you anyways. He is the white rapper that everybody seems to hate for his controversial lyrics. At times, it just seemed that all he cared about was starting controversy, (listen to ”Kim” and you will have an idea of what I’m talking about) but did he ever put out an album with minimal controversy. For the answer, you would have to look before the birth of Slim Shady in 1998, and look on his slept on debut Infinite which was released in 1996. When you listen, you will truly be amazed at Eminem’s lyrics.

“Infinite” opens with the title track, which is a jaw dropping battle track. Eminem proves himself as a battle rapper with some incredible lyrics. Even though at times he just seems he is just playing with words, he sounds better than his first three LPs. As for the beat, it is the best of the entire album, using a drum loop, a light bass loop, and some horns, and some piano keys every now and then. This could be the best song Eminem has ever done in his career.

The first song that seems very different from the Eminem we know today is “It’s Okay.” As we know, the Eminem of his next three LPs loves to complain about any obstacle thrown against him constantly to the point that you could get tired of it. Although this song does talk about his childhood, the subject Eminem loves to whine about the most, he doesn’t really complain that much, saying that everything is alright. Despite the fact that the beat is nothing special, I love Eminem’s new subject matter.

In my opinion, the best Eminem collaboration he has ever done was with Eye-Kyu on the song "313". Many say that Eye-Kyu outshined Eminem on this song, and I would lean towards Eye-Kyu if I had to pick. However, when Eminem spits “Cause you can be quick, jump the candlestick, burn your back and f*ck Jill on a hill, but you still ain’t Jack,” it makes it a difficult decision to pick Eye-Kyu over Eminem. The beat may be nothing special, but the lyrics are incredible.

The first problem with Infinite is obviously “Maxine.” This beat is actually very boring. Eminem spits pretty well, although unfortunately I cannot say the same for Denaun Porter and 3. I wish it was another Eminem solo song, or that it was collaboration with Eye-Kyu. It might have salvaged the song. Instead, it is truly average.

”Open Mic” brings back the extraordinary battle lyrics of Eminem. After hearing him on this song, I started wishing that he did more battle tracks in his career than a bunch of “complaining while not giving a f*ck” tracks. He truly dominates this track with wordplay and punch lines. Also the production improves with a harder drum loop and some synthesizers.

The most interesting song on Infinite would be “Searchin,’” mainly because the Eminem we know would never do a serious love song. Well, he actually does a love song here, and great one at that. The beat is quite good, featuring a drum loop and some effects that give you a relaxing feeling. Even though Denaun Porter brings the song a bit down again, there are enough touching yet witty lines here to make this track truly memorable (well, Eminem doing a serious love song is pretty memorable itself).

I always thought Eminem was a very skilled rapper, but after hearing Infinite, I think I have underrated him. Yes, this is Eminem’s best lyrical display by far. It is a shame that production brings this album down to the fact I can’t rate it 5 stars. However, if you are just looking for a lyrical show, it is imperative that you bootleg or buy this album as soon as possible. The lyrics are truly amazing. Epinions.com

Track Listing :

01. Infinite
02. WEGO
03. It’s OK
04. 313
05. Tonight
06. Maxine
07. Open Mic
08. Never Too Far
09. Searchin’
10. Backstabber
11. Jealousy Woes II