The Marshall Mathers LP 2
by Eminem
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 1386 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,227 out of 1386
  2. Mixed: 77 out of 1386
  3. Negative: 82 out of 1386
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  1. adhamhany
    Nov 12, 2013
    8
    Perhaps his best album since The Eminem Show. The humor is back, though not as unpredictable as it was in his first outings. His rapping is super awesome, the lyrics are great, and the production is top-notch (in some tracks, not all of them). The album is very long and can get quite tiresome, especially if your listening to the deluxe edition.

    If you're a devoted Eminem fan, you will    Perhaps his best album since The Eminem Show. The humor is back, though not as unpredictable as it was in his first outings. His rapping is super awesome, the lyrics are great, and the production is top-notch (in some tracks, not all of them). The album is very long and can get quite tiresome, especially if your listening to the deluxe edition.

    If you're a devoted Eminem fan, you will immensely enjoy this album. If not, there is also something here for you.

    My favorite tracks are: "Bad Guy", "Rap God", "Berzerk", and "Evil Twin".    … Expand
  2. addtheKILL
    Jan 19, 2014
    10
    Loved this album! Just superb! Bad Guy is amazing , Headlights is one of the best songs i've ever heard by Em. However , my favorite song from this album is Beautiful Pain. :D
  3. ludidarko
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    MMLP 2 is a classic. MMLP 1 was the first album I ever bought, so the second one in my opinion had to live up to those expectations I had from listening to "kill you" "remember me" "criminal" which are all classics. MMLP 2 is amazing from both a lyrical and a production point of view. while some of the songs ex "love game" "the monster" has a Pop beat to it. I still love it as it showsMMLP 2 is a classic. MMLP 1 was the first album I ever bought, so the second one in my opinion had to live up to those expectations I had from listening to "kill you" "remember me" "criminal" which are all classics. MMLP 2 is amazing from both a lyrical and a production point of view. while some of the songs ex "love game" "the monster" has a Pop beat to it. I still love it as it shows Eminem's progression as an artist. this album has everything from dark beats "Brainless" sick lyrics "Rap God" throwbacks to the first album. I love it all. Thank you Eminem… Expand
  4. joeg1216
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    I can't believe he actually made an album as good as the original MMLP, but he sure did. From beginning to end Eminem once again takes you on an emotional journey from awe, laughter, sadness, excitement and elation. The true musical genius of our times.
  5. joeblufc
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    I wasn't sure at first, but it's grown on me with every listen! Production is slightly disappointing but much better than Relapse and Recovery, lyrics are as always brilliant. This really is the perfect last album if it is to be his last.
  6. cadengem
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Eminem returns to his roots for MMLP2, a sequel to his best rated album, MMLP. He delivers with great rhymes and a great flow. Songs that are great: Bad guy, Rap God, Headlights, So much better, The Monster, So Far...,Legacy. Songs that are good: Berzerk, Survival, Rhyme or Reason, Love Game, Brainless, Stronger than I was. Songs That are mediocre or bad: Evil twin,
  7. WN2014
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    This Album is perfect, Slim Shady Is back and better than ever.. His Lyricism is superb, his comedy is on point, His story telling is jaw droppingly amazing: Case and Point: "Bad Guy".. This Record I believe may be better than its predecessor.. Reason I say this is because of the Raw lyrics he brings forth in each song, as well as the versatility.. Each song is pure genius without aThis Album is perfect, Slim Shady Is back and better than ever.. His Lyricism is superb, his comedy is on point, His story telling is jaw droppingly amazing: Case and Point: "Bad Guy".. This Record I believe may be better than its predecessor.. Reason I say this is because of the Raw lyrics he brings forth in each song, as well as the versatility.. Each song is pure genius without a doubt.. I urge any fan of Hip Hop or just music in general to purchase this album (Preferably the Deluxe Edition)… Expand
  8. Keithnicity
    Nov 11, 2013
    6
    Eminem is one of the greatest there is. This album is a mess though. He keeps saying it's "not a sequel" that makes NO sense what so ever then. Why call it MARSHALL MATHERS LP 2? The beats are unbelievably bad for about half the album. If you're an actual hip-hop fan and a fan of Eminem do yourself a huge favor and get the deluxe album cause the bonus tracks are better than just aboutEminem is one of the greatest there is. This album is a mess though. He keeps saying it's "not a sequel" that makes NO sense what so ever then. Why call it MARSHALL MATHERS LP 2? The beats are unbelievably bad for about half the album. If you're an actual hip-hop fan and a fan of Eminem do yourself a huge favor and get the deluxe album cause the bonus tracks are better than just about anything on the actual album. Getting back to the actual album the samples are just confusing and irritating half the time... A LYNARD SNYNARD SAMPLE??? REALLY MARSHALL? What are you Kid Rock? Or maybe Eminem thinks he's Drake (Stronger Than I Was) whoever he thinks he is, he needs to stop it. How do you screw up a track with a Kendrick Lamar feature? Eminem figured it out, that song is unbearable. It sounds like a Smash Mouth song. However it's not all bad... Evil Twin, Brainless, Rap God, and even The Monster will all remind you why you like Marshall, and make you wish the rest of the album was like them.… Expand
  9. TheRealStan
    Dec 3, 2013
    10
    Always been a fan of Eminem, through his good and bad times. This is definitely one of the best times. Great style, lyrics and back to old school Eminem.
  10. edvard
    Nov 7, 2013
    9
    have now listened to the whole thing and my score went from an 8 to a 9. Definetely in my top 5 favorite albums of the year! Listen through the album, not once, not twice, but when you actually understand the lyrics.
  11. Hel
    Nov 7, 2013
    8
    This is mainly based off of the single "The Monster" but from this single I can tell that Eminem is back and he is back for blood. There is a reason why he is hailed as an amazing artist and a constant threat to all those opposing.
  12. geedup
    Nov 5, 2013
    6
    MMLP2 was supposed to be a re-vistitation to the classic MMLP, and in some regards I can see that. Especially considering/comparing the content (or lack there of) would be one similarity. But that would be about it. The Rick Rubin tracks stick out like eye-sores (sounding almost like Kid Rock songs), songs with the singing hooks all sound the same and the reliance on the "me against theMMLP2 was supposed to be a re-vistitation to the classic MMLP, and in some regards I can see that. Especially considering/comparing the content (or lack there of) would be one similarity. But that would be about it. The Rick Rubin tracks stick out like eye-sores (sounding almost like Kid Rock songs), songs with the singing hooks all sound the same and the reliance on the "me against the struggle" theme was done to death on his previous albums. Even Kendrick Lamar's appearence on a track couldn't save that pile of steaming poop. So whats left? Eminem's lyrical skills mostly save this album. 4 tracks are nice. Overall a bit disappointed.… Expand
  13. NAQURATOR
    Apr 2, 2014
    0
    I understand as a critic you have to look at different elements/aspects brouht into the song, BUT...

    As a long time eminem and bigtime rap fan for about as long as I can remember, this is the most digusting album ever made. Em has changed, and not for the better (well, for the better for the financial aspect, I guess). Even tho I like the lyrics what the hell are these intrumentals????    I understand as a critic you have to look at different elements/aspects brouht into the song, BUT...

    As a long time eminem and bigtime rap fan for about as long as I can remember, this is the most digusting album ever made. Em has changed, and not for the better (well, for the better for the financial aspect, I guess). Even tho I like the lyrics what the hell are these intrumentals???? Rapgod on traplike electro bass music, man it's like one of the most oldschool rappers just singed the death certificate for real rap. If there's one eminem verse that's applicable here: "And when your run is over just admit when it's at its end"

    For me this album made eminem a **** modern day I try to hard rapper instead of like the biggest legend in white rap.

    how does Dillon cooper - state of elevation, or prof - gampo or kool g rap and necro'l last album get under 500.000 views on youtube and such a mediocre score??? Rap god has like 60 million views, this makes me think I'm the only one who dislikes this album. He has certainly gone mainstream radio music, but I don't like it and I know the rap community doesn't either... So yeah it maybe deserves a 82 but not in the rap category

    Just my opinion though...    … Expand
  14. TylerPatrick
    Nov 10, 2013
    5
    Rap god?? Not quite. Try again eminem. It seems he's trying to fit in. The samples are classics but they don'y fit. He's trying too hard and failing....hard!!!
  15. zevcitron
    Nov 6, 2013
    3
    A real shame. Now I don't blame Eminem for the majority of this record. Let's face it. He can rap and is definitely one of the best lyricists out there. But the outdated references and poor samples and production from Rick Rubin really sinks this LP in my opinion. He did wonders with artists in the 80s but he is really losing touch with the current rap scene and wasn't able to do much goodA real shame. Now I don't blame Eminem for the majority of this record. Let's face it. He can rap and is definitely one of the best lyricists out there. But the outdated references and poor samples and production from Rick Rubin really sinks this LP in my opinion. He did wonders with artists in the 80s but he is really losing touch with the current rap scene and wasn't able to do much good for this record. Both Eminem and Rubin should maybe read up on some current trends in society to improve whatever they're going to do in the future.… Expand
  16. tybizkitleigh
    Nov 8, 2013
    0
    this album is very misleading. Berzerk does not fit in this album whatsoever. This album is painful to listen through. Was hoping for a lot better. All i got was disappointment. Dont waste your money
  17. Soldier
    Nov 8, 2013
    6
    I gotta say this has been one of the most highly anticipated albums by far, since 2011 maybe... Because when you're talking about Eminem you always wonder "what's next?"

    Eminem is a lyrical genius indeed, he has always been so talented, but ever since his comeback in 2009, his technique has been skyrocketing, raising the bar of competition record after record. so when the news came that    I gotta say this has been one of the most highly anticipated albums by far, since 2011 maybe... Because when you're talking about Eminem you always wonder "what's next?"

    Eminem is a lyrical genius indeed, he has always been so talented, but ever since his comeback in 2009, his technique has been skyrocketing, raising the bar of competition record after record. so when the news came that his album is coming close, I believe every fan and critic in this industry has been patiently waiting for something that's gonna blow his minds up... Relapse was really great compared to Encore (his last album before his hiatus), Recovery blew everybody's minds up, he excelled in his Bad Meets Evil EP; so coming to know MMLP2 was, you had to be excited.

    Eminem chose to do a sequel of his greatest of all time, best selling album "The Marshall Mathers LP", I always have a bad feeling about sequels to epic art masterpieces, specially in music, because you can never separate the sequel from the original one, you'll always find yourself comparing. Take Raekwon for instance, he tried this in "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Part II" which is a very good album, but every time you compare it to the 95 "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..." you'll find the sequel lacking.

    Here Eminem is not just doing a sequel for this particular album, you can actually find him "sequel-ing" every hit he did, whether it was on Marshall Mathers LP (Bad Guy is a sequel to Stan, "Rhyme or Reason" is a sequel to Criminal) or on other albums (Brainless Brain Damage, Stronger than I was Kim, So Far every track he did about his mother)

    But on the other hand, this album is different than the original Marshall Mathers LP; instead of embracing his own alter-ego, he's trying to battle it, being more apologetic about it and about the tracks that he did back then, specially the ones regarding his own personal life... Eminem's a very clever artist, because he knows that right at this stage of his life, right now, nobody would want to hear a 41 years old rapper clowning about his mother and toying with murdering his wife, in the tracks "Headlight" and "Stronger than I was" you get to witness a more mature version of Eminem (often apologetic), so it was actually nice and unexpected.
    But if you kinda miss the old crazy version of Eminem, you won't miss it too much (Brainless Rap God)

    Eminem is not only reinvesting in his legacy, but the choice of Rick Rubin as a producer made him also reinvest in the legacy of hip-hop in general, Rick Rubin has provided Eminem with those throwback beats that will always get you back to an era of legends like Beastie Boys or Run D.M.C, Eminem is clever enough to use this just to make sure that all the nowadays rappers know where he's coming from.

    On the last album (particularly the track "You're Never Gone"), he promised his deceased friend Proof: instead of mourning your death, I’d rather celebrate your life
    Elevate to new height, step on the gas and accelerate, I'mma need 2 mics", A promise which he have totally fulfilled, with his mastery of the wordplay, and his sick multi-syllabic rhyme schemes, and an incredible flow that'll blow your minds off (check how he reached the Nirvana of flow in Rap God, and he did that as easy as flexing a muscle), he has -unlike Kanye West's I am God- proven that he's the best lyricist in this business by far.

    Yet, the album is still lacking something, the production is not as you might expect it to be, take one of the most anticipated tracks for instance "Love Game", you expect this to become a mash-up of two of the best rappers in this business, some kind of a torch-passing.. but all you get is a swaying, 1950s-era rockabilly beat consisting of a Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders sample, which is completely out of context, the track is completely trash, the kind of music, the emphasis on music themes from his old albums were alright, but not really impressive.

    So put simply, the album is okay, but you have to expect more from a rapper like Eminem, but you're never really sure of what exactly to expect because what you get from this album is basically a great man who's facing an identity crisis: he knows he's the best but he's still afraid of being too out-of-date, he knows that his legacy and his background made him what he is, yet he wants to start fresh and clear the past. And you get this feeling because he's such a great songwriter. You'll get to enjoy his lyrical skills and his lacerating wordplay, yet you'll hate most of the production mixed to that.

    The highlights of the album are tracks like "The Monster", the flow of "Rap God", the throwback in "Berzerk", the crazy beat on "Brainless", the power in "Rhyme or Reason", the DJ Khalil rock laced beat in "Survival". That's about it, you can't be that impressed about the rest of the album.    … Expand
  18. blogfirstlast
    Nov 6, 2013
    6
    With this new album I can't do it as a whole, but it was not what I would be expecting in 2011/2012 time. I will do a breakdown of every song.

    Bad Guy: Bad beat okay rap weak lyrics 5/10 Rhyme or Reason: Good beat good flow okay lyrics 7/10 So Much Better: Bad beat okay rap okay lyrics 6/10 Survival: Good beat good rap bad    With this new album I can't do it as a whole, but it was not what I would be expecting in 2011/2012 time. I will do a breakdown of every song.

    Bad Guy: Bad beat okay rap weak lyrics 5/10
    Rhyme or Reason: Good beat good flow okay lyrics 7/10
    So Much Better: Bad beat okay rap okay lyrics 6/10
    Survival: Good beat good rap bad lyrics 7/10
    Legacy: Bad beat bad rap good lyrics 5/10
    **** Bad beat bad rap okay lyrics 3/10
    Bezerk: Okay Beat okay rap okay lyrics 5/10
    Rap God: Okay Beat good rap okay lyrics 7/10
    Brainless: Good Beat okay rap good lyrics hook) 7/10
    Stronger Than I was: Bad beat what rap?? bad lyrics 4/10
    Monster: Bad Beat Bad rap Bad lyrics 1/10
    So Far: Good Beat Bad Rap Bad lyrics 6/10
    Love Game: Bad Beat Bad Rap Okay Lyrics 2/10
    Headlights: Okay Beat Okay Rap Good Lyrics 7/10
    Evil Twin: Okay Beat Bad Rap Okay Lyrics 4/10

    In Conclusion meh

    I'm really sittin' on a 5.5 but i'll round it up because I'm an Eminem fan    … Expand
  19. taxi
    Nov 7, 2013
    5
    some good tracks, a lot of awful tracks. the production is lacklustre and far too many tracks are ruined by generic pop hooks that are far too recovery-esque and not the "vintage slim" that was promised. whilst many of the songs demonstrate em's technical ability and flow, he isn't really talking about anything new and for 41 year old the album sounds very immature and puerile.
  20. xPublius
    Nov 7, 2013
    5
    Update: I'll say after listening to this album on day one on iTunes, this album from Marshall Mathers is definitely a treasure for all those veteran fans and something new for recent fans who discovered him through the "Recovery" LP. This album is by far very creative in its instrumentals and quite lyrical in all the tracks, including the deluxe edition. It shows how Eminem hasn't lostUpdate: I'll say after listening to this album on day one on iTunes, this album from Marshall Mathers is definitely a treasure for all those veteran fans and something new for recent fans who discovered him through the "Recovery" LP. This album is by far very creative in its instrumentals and quite lyrical in all the tracks, including the deluxe edition. It shows how Eminem hasn't lost touch at what he's good at regarding to his musicianship. But, there are flaws in this album and those flaws are the badly transitioned tracks which would of served better if there were skits like the "Parking Lot (Skit)" track to bridge between different tones, or themes. There is that occasional mismatch in the choruses in nearly every song on this album, and it must be taken as an experiment.… Expand
  21. Tobin2000
    Dec 18, 2013
    5
    oh man this iffy ok. well the lyrics are somewhat powerful but some are so boring and lame! the good ones are berserk hole and headlights and the monster, berserk is rad and old school, is a great take on the album and with Skylar grey, headlights is my favorite its about that he loves his mom but that she did up and its powerful as hell. but lets be honest there are some STUPIDoh man this iffy ok. well the lyrics are somewhat powerful but some are so boring and lame! the good ones are berserk hole and headlights and the monster, berserk is rad and old school, is a great take on the album and with Skylar grey, headlights is my favorite its about that he loves his mom but that she did up and its powerful as hell. but lets be honest there are some STUPID SONGS!!!!!! such as everything I did not just list. there are some mean lyrics im not offended by his music but he is calling people and retards for no ****ing reason. he used to have deep meaning full insults, but we just got screwy crappy bully lines. ok for example Im 13 I get called names like and retard but I don't expect a 40 year old ****ing man too say it its stupid with no rhyme or reason get it? I guess its well produced though but most of this is garbage and its a terrible buy. WTF IS THIS … Expand
  22. Royoboat
    Nov 8, 2013
    6
    The best Eminem album since "The Eminem Show." Unfortunately, it doesn't reach the levels of lyricism and personality that "TES" and the first "MMLP". Eminem still hasn't gotten back the talent for storytelling that made him a rap superstar. But, on the bright side, some of the tracks on this LP like "Bad Guy" or "Rhyme or Reason" wouldn't feel out of place next to "Stan" and "Real SlimThe best Eminem album since "The Eminem Show." Unfortunately, it doesn't reach the levels of lyricism and personality that "TES" and the first "MMLP". Eminem still hasn't gotten back the talent for storytelling that made him a rap superstar. But, on the bright side, some of the tracks on this LP like "Bad Guy" or "Rhyme or Reason" wouldn't feel out of place next to "Stan" and "Real Slim Shady." On the flip side, singles like "Survival" and "Rap God" wouldn't feel out of place on "Recovery." In fact, the first single, "Berserk," is one of the worst Eminem songs since "Mockingbird" cheesed up "Encore." While MMLP2 hasn't made an impact on me at all, it's still interesting to listen to, despite Mather's unfruitful attempts to "take it back to straight hip-hop."… Expand
  23. vaneeshjha
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    Best album since The Eminem Show, almost 15 years in industry and still he can come up with something good rap about. Lyrically its a superb album. Bad Guy in my opinion is the best opening song i have ever heard on any album. His flow is DOPE, no one in the industry can come close to it. 6000+ words in 6 minutes and he wrote in 6 minutes too. You can see his skills there. Production wiseBest album since The Eminem Show, almost 15 years in industry and still he can come up with something good rap about. Lyrically its a superb album. Bad Guy in my opinion is the best opening song i have ever heard on any album. His flow is DOPE, no one in the industry can come close to it. 6000+ words in 6 minutes and he wrote in 6 minutes too. You can see his skills there. Production wise the album is good too. MMLP2 justifies its title as well as its predecessor's creativity which is regarded as all time classic. Though its too early to judge whether MMLP2 is as good as MMLP but still it is one of the best Rap Albums past 2010. Rhymes Rhymes and a lot of Rhymes. He manages more rhymes in a single then most rappers in their whole album. Do check this album out… Expand
  24. Masonicmadness
    Nov 14, 2013
    10
    Exceptional lyricism, wit and creativity. Terrific production. Weight of the content leaves a little to be desired. I'd put this at number 4 behind his first 3 releases
  25. TheReviewerGuy
    Feb 1, 2014
    5
    Where do you start with Eminem career... It has its ups and downs. Sure he's one of the best diss rappers out there but lacks direction on most of his tracks other than his emotional ones. Unfortunately when Eminem releases a poor album his army of fans will defend it to the end of the earth. Here's the thing. This album is good. It is nowhere near the best album of 2013, no matter howWhere do you start with Eminem career... It has its ups and downs. Sure he's one of the best diss rappers out there but lacks direction on most of his tracks other than his emotional ones. Unfortunately when Eminem releases a poor album his army of fans will defend it to the end of the earth. Here's the thing. This album is good. It is nowhere near the best album of 2013, no matter how much his fans say it is. This feels like what should have been an EP, because Eminem doesn't have a consistent and solid track list. The singles and the intro are the best part of the album. The rest ranges from sub par (for Eminem) to the deafeningly awful "Stronger than I Was". I know this is a new Eminem and this isn't gonna be SSLP Eminem, but I feel like this album, similar to Relapse, was rushed to shelves. All that said, this album is dope, flow wise. The beats, lyrics, and production... I just was not feeling it. This is his best work since TES, but I just expect more… Expand
  26. Bruce3222
    Dec 28, 2014
    10
    Best rap album you could expect from Eminem in 2013. This album is absolutely amazing. Rap God is the best rap song i have heard in years. Evil Twin is amazing. Legacy is breathtaking. Berzerk is an unrepeatable throwback. and so on......
  27. kellenryan90
    Dec 21, 2014
    9
    Eminem back in tip top form, and so is Slim Shady. Very good production, though occasionally too poppy for its own good (and does Eminem have to insist on singing so much on choruses?), the album never ceases to be entertaining and filthy and also, dare I say, meaningful. He works rhyme schemes that are pretty extraordinary and even the weaker songs on the album shouldn't be skipped.Eminem back in tip top form, and so is Slim Shady. Very good production, though occasionally too poppy for its own good (and does Eminem have to insist on singing so much on choruses?), the album never ceases to be entertaining and filthy and also, dare I say, meaningful. He works rhyme schemes that are pretty extraordinary and even the weaker songs on the album shouldn't be skipped. Highlights are Bad Guy, Legacy, Rap God, Love Game and Evil Twin. And just about every song on the DX Edition Bonus Disc.… Expand
  28. aftermath96
    Feb 4, 2018
    10
    when i see the tracklist, i was kinda disappointed but in the first listen it really surprass my expectations, this album makes you feel the nostalgic of his past work, yet he's still here to hold the crown, best album from 2013
  29. KripBop
    Aug 7, 2017
    10
    years after i can undoubtley say its classic this album topped no wonders because em really has deep **** he goes now 13 years later with perspevtives of the monsters with his life after the whole scenarios of 05
  30. Connorcox1997
    Mar 14, 2019
    10
    Eminem dropped another classic album from the Rap God himself called The Marshal Mathers LP 2, although I still love The Marshall Mather LP album, this sequal to his classic album is cool though. I highly recommend it.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2013
30
#30 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 7, 2014
    60
    Even though his wit and word patterns still dazzle, they need a livelier canvas if the Eminem nostalgia experience is to be the thrilling one it should be. [Jan 2014, p.122]
  2. Mojo
    Dec 18, 2013
    60
    The music is almost secondary, his production' often leaden beats a mere sideshow to mind-bending internal rhyme pyrotechnics that jab hard at the surreal dial. [Jan 2014, p.92]
  3. PopMatters
    Nov 21, 2013
    80
    Eminem might not be making “shock rap with Doc” like he used to be, but The Marshall Mathers LP 2 takes turns as equally bold and unpredictable as anything in his discography.
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