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"The views and events expressed here are totally fucked." Anytime an album opens with a statement such as this, you must know that what follows is going to be shocking to say the least. I know one of my personal concerns was that Eminem's albums was going to be strictly for the shock value and not concerned about skills and good hip-hop (Bushwackass or Hoodratz anyone?) I needn't have worried, as Slim Shady brings his own sick and twisted brand of humour and social commentary in a most innovative and clever way.

Most of you have probably heard "My Name Is" on BET, eMpTV or whatever a million times by now, but rest assured that this is only the beginning of the trip through the depraved mind of Marshall Mathers. There is no filler on this album. The skits are hilarious (especially when he's taking shots at Cage -- there's a battle to watch for), the beats bump and lyrically, Eminem is well above average. This may surprise some when they see that he's white, but look beyond and check the click he runs with. The Outsidaz consist of some of the illest lyricists in the game, Young Zee, PaceWon (of "I Declare War" fame), Rah Digga (also of Flipmode Squad), and the as yet untested Slang Ton, Loon One, D.U., Aziz and Yah Lovah.

WARNING!!! This album is not for the weak hearted or easily offended. Some of Eminem's subject matter is ... risque to say the least. In my opinion, he's trying to push the envelope in order to point out how ridiculous many things in our society are, but some may not agree with me.

Tracks to watch for: "Guilty Conscience," featuring Dr. Dre, "97 Bonnie and Clyde" (formerly "Just The Two Of Us" which flips the sample WAAAAY better than Will Smith), "My Fault," and "As The World Turns."

Guest lyricists are understandably limited, because not everyone can exist in Em's twisted world. Beats are provided mostly by Marky and Jeff Bass, with guest beats from Dr. Dre & Mel Man.

The final verdict: If you're open minded enough to deal with some sick imagery and can appreciate the irony of "A Clockwork Orange," then this album is definitely something worth checking out. It's a BIG step up from the average gangsta shit.

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