Member-only story
Slim Shady aka Eminem, Top Five Rapper?
Melle Mel says — nah
The hip-hop artist, Eminem has this song called “Stan” that is one of the greatest Hip-hop songs ever recorded. Hip-hop is the lyrical art form where rappers (MC’s) brag bodaciously about their rapping skills. They battle with other MC’s for lyrical superiority. This forms a key component of the art form.
On “Stan,” Eminem takes that idea a step further. He doesn’t brag about himself, he creates a fan named Stan who brags about Eminem. It is dark song but it is brilliant and dark. It is one of hip-hop’s shining moments as art.
Despite amazing songs like “Stan,” and many years of recording and promoting hip-hop music and culture, I do agree with Melle Mel’s recent statement about Eminem. There is an element of whiteness working magic for him and helping him rise high in pop culture and hip-hop. Here is what Melle Mel, the legend of hip-hop, said:
“Obviously, he’s a capable rapper. If you was talking about sales, he’s sold more than everybody. If you were talking about rhyme style, okay, he got a rhyme style. But he’s white. He’s white!”
There is more to the statement but this is the crux of Melle Mel’s view. My view is more nuanced but still I agree.
