Whatever You Say I am: The Life and Times of Eminem - A review

A close up examination of the rise of Marshall Bruce Mathers III, the author delves into the underlying circumstances of what made him into a formidable rapper - relentless, unforgiving, barrage of verbal assaults coupled with the ability to weave narratives and a unique rhyme and musical style. The focus of his music often an assuage on the harshness of childhood, teenage and later years; also, his often explosive relationship with his mother and wife.

The book is somewhat sycophantic a quarter ways in, but the rest is a fairly accurate appraisal of the musical scene holistically, its evolution and influences on Eminem in particular. The book also showcases the landscape of rap from its birth to its darkest hour in the gangland style shooting of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur to the resurgence of rap as a materialistic grandioseness to the nihilistic, incendiary tendencies found in Eminem’s verses.

Midway through, the particular issue of proliferation and gratuity afforded him by his race and ability are drawn out and perused, amongst social awareness, barriers and the trials and tribulations of segregation versus integration endemic in the Mid West.

The later half focuses on the socio-economic rise and fall of Detroit – The Motor City. The backdrop of Marshall Mathers’ life, home to the once booming automotive industry to its decline and decrepitude, also on a cultural level as Motown moved house.

The personal level of connection the author has with Eminem adds credence and some of the narratives are reminiscent of the story telling style of ‘Guilty Conscience’ in light of the author’s first few encounters with the rapper and his life. Also reveals the man behind the masks (Eminem, Slim Shady), the true Marshall Mathers past the streetwise, witty, entrepreneur, the deeper, calmer persona, doting father, someone who just wants to be left alone and free from the repressive economic drudgery and enslavement. In his ability to translate that to verse while transcending and achieving his goals lies the ubiquitous appeal he has garnered in his loyal fans. This book is an excellent read for fans of Eminem as well as a primer for the uninitiated to the hip-hop scene.

Disclaimer: This excerpt taken from my previous posting elsewhere online.