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. JrsMwn
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    One of Eminem’s best albums, it’s insane how good this is and how much replay value it has. It’s a classic album to me..
  2. Grrrsta
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    One of my faves from EMINEM. ..............................................................................
  3. Buyhands
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    One of the most slept on albums in Eminem's entire discography. Classic Eminem displaying his lyrical talent.
  4. Barlog
    Jan 28, 2020
    10
    The album which established Eminem as the Rap God. Great lyricism, highest quality rap.
  5. slimshady99
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    This album shout every one facking mouth its was pure fire thanks agian em ❤️
  6. Ryanscaggs
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
  7. Coolguymandude
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Just like the 1st it's great personally I'd say it's even more great it's the best!
  8. vindydc
    Jan 27, 2020
    10
    greatttt albummmmm why be a king when you can be god? wooow one of the best album
  9. Ghostt
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    absolutely amazing. Recommend to anyone, em is an amazing artist... new or old album it’s good.
  10. BRiiAN_24
    Jan 26, 2020
    10
    At first I didn't like, maybe because the name but after really listening to it I really enjoy it!
  11. AliAbdullah
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    This is great album and shows how Eminem has grown as person. He is not bashing his wife/mother doesn't mean it is not good hip-hop album. Lyrically this is one of the finest album. He also understands and addresses hate towards him in the songs like He shows his rap skills in "Rap god".
    Best storytelling in "Bad guy". other songs are also very great. He takes Slim Shady responsibility .    This is great album and shows how Eminem has grown as person. He is not bashing his wife/mother doesn't mean it is not good hip-hop album. Lyrically this is one of the finest album. He also understands and addresses hate towards him in the songs like He shows his rap skills in "Rap god".
    Best storytelling in "Bad guy". other songs are also very great. He takes Slim Shady responsibility . Overall this is great album    … Expand
  12. Shenossih
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    It's slept on so much. But definitely not on the level of it's first chapter. And still he was being poppy too.
  13. Macrofficial
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Underrated, I'd even go as far too say that this is Marshalls best album. It's kind of like The original MMLP with a Recovery sound too it, making it sound amazing lyrically. My favourite songs on this project would probably have to be: Bad Guy, So Far... , and Headlights. This album does not get the love it deserves.
  14. Goorman1996
    Jun 23, 2022
    10
    It was the first his new album that was released when I first started to listen his art. It's a brilliant classic, without a doubt. If someone would ask me: what's your best Em's album so far, I'd probably say: Recovery and MMLP2. In my humble opinion — it is his last best album.
  15. behumblebtch
    Nov 26, 2022
    10
    Em's best album of the 2010s. After a decent album (Relapse, 6.5/10 for me), a really good one (Recovery, 7,5/10 for me), we get an amazing album like this one. 10/10 for me.
  16. todaywasagooday
    Dec 1, 2022
    10
    This deserves more. 8.5/10 is not enough considering that it was one of the best hip-hop albums of 2013 and this can't just be rated as some Denzel Curry or JID **** No opinions, just straight facts. New artists can't be compared to Em.
  17. vichy97
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    I'm a massive Eminem fan since 2002 when The Eminem Show came out. It's my favorite album of him by far with Encore close second. MMLP and SSLP are classic albums but they never really hit my heart. Relapse was average and Recovery was great at first but it got old too soon.
    I was waiting for MMLP2 to drop out and didn't know what to expect. The result is better than i would ever    I'm a massive Eminem fan since 2002 when The Eminem Show came out. It's my favorite album of him by far with Encore close second. MMLP and SSLP are classic albums but they never really hit my heart. Relapse was average and Recovery was great at first but it got old too soon.
    I was waiting for MMLP2 to drop out and didn't know what to expect. The result is better than i would ever imagined. Before I start, I want to say, that I have the Deluxe version of MMLP2.

    The album starts with BAD GUY which is the sequel of "Stan" and the first 4 minutes are decent. But when the beat changes, Eminem drops probably his most powerful verse of all time which makes this song an instant classic. (10/10)
    PARKING LOT is the only skit on the album, which is great because, well, we got more songs!
    Then we got RHYME OR REASON which samples "Time of the Season" by The Zombies. The song has references to his father he never met. (8/10)
    SO MUCH BETTER is some kind of revisit to "Kill You" from MMLP1 with a heavy beat. It seems to be one of the worse songs of the album. (6/10)
    We got SURVIVAL next. Powerful guitars and angry Eminem. The chorus is weaker and got overplayed soon. (7/10)
    LEGACY is one of the second gem of the album. Eminem escalates throughout the album and tells a story which will serve as a motivation for people. (10/10)
    **** can't keep up the pace of Legacy and is one of the few skippable songs. (6/10)
    We all know BERZERK pretty well. It's crazy and unique but serves as the "first funny single" and MMLP2 has better songs. (7/10)
    RAP GOD is a work by a Rap God. 100 words in 16 seconds? I don't have to say more. The beat is a little bit repetitive but the song is awesome! (9/10)
    BRAINLESS is not that great for the first listen but I found it really interesting. The lyrics are great and Eminem spits them in his typical rapid speed. (9/10)
    When I first heard the STRONGER THAN I WAS it left me completely speechless. Eminem isn't a great singer but the emotion make it up. Awesome!!! (10/10)
    THE MONSTER is similar to "Love the Way You Lie" but it's not that repetitive and it will have a huge success in radio. (8/10)
    SO FAR... is a unique song with a rock beat and Eminem makes fun of technology he doesn't understand. I've never heard anything like that from him before and I like it. (9/10)
    Everybody was waiting for LOVE GAME because it features the prince of hip-hop Kendrick Lamar. The song is a surpise because Eminem and K.Dot didn't battle for a #1 MC in the world but enjoyed a work together and the result is good. (8/10)
    HEADLIGHTS is probably the because surprise because Eminem tries to settle the relationship with his mother. The most emotional song on the album. Nate Ruess doesn't ruin it as much as I expected but I would have done it without him. (8/10)
    EVIL TWIN is a pure hip-hop. The style of this song reminds me "Underground" or "Soldier". Great lyrics but not a big fan of the beat. (8/10)

    Bonus tracks:

    BABY (6/10)
    DESPERATION (8/10)
    GROUNDHOG DAY (6/10)
    Then there is BEAUTIFUL PAIN which is one of the three best song on MMLP2. Love the chorus by Sia and Eminem's verses are even better. Should have been on the normal version. (10/10)
    WICKED WAYS is a great closing to a great album. Eminem drops one of the best verses here and then there is the return of Ken Kaniff at the end. (9/10)

    Overall the album is awesome! I expected a good work but it exceeded my expectations. The final chapter of a saga is a return to a top form and for me it's better than the original because he matured.    … Expand
  18. CityOfGodPulpF
    Nov 7, 2013
    9
    Considering he's a 41 year old living legend it's very refreshing to hear him focus so much on his pen game. Bad Guy, Rhyme or Reason, Legacy, Rap God, Brainless, So Far, Love Game, Headlights, Evil Twin, Baby, Beautiful Pain, Groundhog Day, Wicked Ways are all standouts! Should of had the COD bonus "Don't Front" on there as it was a boom bap beat. One complaint is he needed some moreConsidering he's a 41 year old living legend it's very refreshing to hear him focus so much on his pen game. Bad Guy, Rhyme or Reason, Legacy, Rap God, Brainless, So Far, Love Game, Headlights, Evil Twin, Baby, Beautiful Pain, Groundhog Day, Wicked Ways are all standouts! Should of had the COD bonus "Don't Front" on there as it was a boom bap beat. One complaint is he needed some more raw production from someone like Alchemist who IS HIS TOUR DJ or DJ Premier (Primo). Eminem (go back and listen to his underground ish and Rawkus 99 track "Anyman") slays boom bap 90s grimey east coast hip hop beats. Would love some features from other lyrical titans like Elzhi (from Detroit and criminally slept on), Pharoahe Monch (who he shouts out and had a lot of dope name drops not forced like Game), Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, Black Thought (Roots), Nas, Slaughterhouse, etc. Easily his best album since 2002 Eminem Show/8 mile timeline (granted his last 3 have been definition of hit and miss). BUY DELUXE… Expand
  19. Brosman
    Nov 8, 2013
    9
    Eminem is back. Although a few songs fall flat, its safe to say the embarrassing years of 2004 are behind him. So glad to have him back. You rock man.
  20. shyts_7
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    Being an Eminem fan since I first heard "My Name Is" way back in late '98/early '99, I've seen Em have great albums (MMLP & TES), good albums (TSSLP & Recovery), an average album (Encore), & a bad album (Relapse). Upon listening to MMLP2 a few times, I think he has crafted another great album. The way Em uses classic songs such as The Zombies "Time of the Season", Joe Walsh's "Life's BeenBeing an Eminem fan since I first heard "My Name Is" way back in late '98/early '99, I've seen Em have great albums (MMLP & TES), good albums (TSSLP & Recovery), an average album (Encore), & a bad album (Relapse). Upon listening to MMLP2 a few times, I think he has crafted another great album. The way Em uses classic songs such as The Zombies "Time of the Season", Joe Walsh's "Life's Been Good", Billy Squier's "The Stroke", Beastie Boys "You Gotta Fight For Your Right", & Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders' "The Game of Love", are nothing short of genius. The flow on "Rap God" shows why he is one of the greatest rappers ever (especially the 6 words a second part). "The Monster" with Rihanna has pop radio smash written all over it. "Love Game's" back and forth with Kendrick Lamar is a hit in the making. Two songs near the end are the highlights for me. "Headlights" has Em spitting with such fire and ferocity that he hasn't had really shown but a few times since "The Way I Am" all the while hitting the point with heartfelt and honest lyrics. "Beautiful Pain" is another highly introspective song that has radio crossover appeal. For me as of right now, MMLP2 is the album of the year. It feels like Em has the fire back that he lost after TES and hopefully is only a glimpse of great things to come.… Expand
  21. solecookie18
    Nov 27, 2013
    9
    This is an excellent album that shows Eminem still has it and will never lose it. Eminem continues to prove why he is a lyrical genius and shows that he is also a little bit more mature.
  22. RealHipHop
    Apr 30, 2014
    9
    Eminem is back with a great comeback, bringing back the lyricism, creativeness and wordplay we loved about him during his prime years 1999-2003. You will already notice the album starts off with a pure classic track "Bad Guy", it is a sequel to the critically acclaimed track "Stan" from the first MMLP. MMLP2 continues where the first MMLP left off, with Bad Guy then a "Parking Lot" skit, aEminem is back with a great comeback, bringing back the lyricism, creativeness and wordplay we loved about him during his prime years 1999-2003. You will already notice the album starts off with a pure classic track "Bad Guy", it is a sequel to the critically acclaimed track "Stan" from the first MMLP. MMLP2 continues where the first MMLP left off, with Bad Guy then a "Parking Lot" skit, a that is continues where Criminal, the last track on MMLP left off. Rhyme or Reason has great lyricism, it along with "Bad Guy" is one of the best tracks. "Legacy" is also a great track talking about his childhood. Rap God is an amazing track filled with insane lyricism, wordplay, speed and he also pays homage to other rappers. On "Love Game", Eminem collaborates with Kendrick Lamar. Another Highlight of the album is "Headlights", where Eminem apologizes to his mom. Overall this is Eminem's best project since The Eminem Show that he released back in 2002.… Expand
  23. JaboyKoi
    Nov 15, 2013
    9
    A great success for Eminem. While I was never the greatest Eminem fan, I feel that MMLP2 really brings Eminem back up to par with today's rappers. His tracks sound more aggressive than ever, and that's all we could have ever asked for. Plus it is way better than Recovery.
  24. CCooombs
    Dec 15, 2013
    9
    On MMLP2, Eminem seems more aware than ever of his public image, his career, and the history that his name brings to the music industry. Lines such as '...see if I get away with it now that I ain't as big as I was' suggest Eminem is fully understanding of his place in hip-hop.

    The album plays very much with older listeners nostalgia, even sampling brief beats from old songs. The result    On MMLP2, Eminem seems more aware than ever of his public image, his career, and the history that his name brings to the music industry. Lines such as '...see if I get away with it now that I ain't as big as I was' suggest Eminem is fully understanding of his place in hip-hop.

    The album plays very much with older listeners nostalgia, even sampling brief beats from old songs. The result is an album that is both refreshing and familiar.    … Expand
  25. 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.
  26. Vanbiguous
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    I listened to Em's entire discography in the last few days while listening to this album through 4 times. After slogging through Encore, Relapse, and Recovery (which granted was solid but still had a lot of filler) it becomes glaringly obvious that MMLP2 is a great album. I already knew it but reviewing the lull in his career just felt like night and day. MMLP is a classic and it'sI listened to Em's entire discography in the last few days while listening to this album through 4 times. After slogging through Encore, Relapse, and Recovery (which granted was solid but still had a lot of filler) it becomes glaringly obvious that MMLP2 is a great album. I already knew it but reviewing the lull in his career just felt like night and day. MMLP is a classic and it's different. They aren't really comparable, but like Em said the nostalgia is there. If you had never heard Eminem and MMLP2 was your first experience with Slim Shady your mind would be blown. Generally it seems that this album is being well received, but there are a select few haters out there (hiphopdx's review is GARBAGE they gave it a 4/5 but the review reads negatively and they say it tarnishes the legacy of the first LP) and these said haters I'm not sure what they expected. There are several songs that could fit right in with some of Em's old material, lyrically and sound wise, there are elements that made his new feel on Recovery fresh and intense, and then there are some completely new concepts and surprises. It's a great album, anyone who tries to say this isn't a unique and rewarding listening experience I think has some kind of ax to grind or is willingly just closing their mind and ears. PEACE… Expand
  27. JacksReviews
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    'The Marshall Mathers LP 2' is absolutely wonderful to me, the best rap album this year so far. Does it stand up to the likes of 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'? Probably not, but it's a finely produced album none-the-less.

    The standout tracks were clearly 'Bad Guy', a callback to Stan, and a harrowing introduction to the album; 'Rhyme or Reason', which exhibited Mathers' top form in    'The Marshall Mathers LP 2' is absolutely wonderful to me, the best rap album this year so far. Does it stand up to the likes of 'good kid, m.A.A.d city'? Probably not, but it's a finely produced album none-the-less.

    The standout tracks were clearly 'Bad Guy', a callback to Stan, and a harrowing introduction to the album; 'Rhyme or Reason', which exhibited Mathers' top form in lyricism; 'Love Game', featuring hints of reggae and RnB, a fantastic collaboration between Mathers and Kendrick Lamar the latter of which provided the best hook on the album. Finally we have 'Headlights', a souly colab between Nate Reuss of Fun. and Mathers, a soul-searching tune in which Em apologises to his mom for his disses towards her throughout his career ("But I'm sorry mama for Cleaning Out My Closet, at the time I was angry Rightfully maybe so, never meant that far to take it though").

    I was quite disappointed with the final track, Evil Twin based on the title and intro of the song, I was expecting a final confrontation between Mathers and Slim Shady, but instead we get a tune full of 'No Holds Barred' call outs and disses, much on the same line as Big Sean's Control. It's still a good track, just not as good as it could have been.

    A, 9/10    … Expand
  28. ExSidius
    Jan 24, 2014
    9
    Eminem has made the comeback that everybody expected and more. With his re-entry into the world with old school hip-hop on Bezerk, people were unsure as to what to expect on his new record. But as soon as they got to the 4th verse on Bad Guy, they knew that he was back, bigger and better than ever before. He takes us through the album with minimal filler. Bouncing back from slower, moreEminem has made the comeback that everybody expected and more. With his re-entry into the world with old school hip-hop on Bezerk, people were unsure as to what to expect on his new record. But as soon as they got to the 4th verse on Bad Guy, they knew that he was back, bigger and better than ever before. He takes us through the album with minimal filler. Bouncing back from slower, more personal songs with upbeat tracks such as So Far... He concludes the album with Evil Twin, where he even explains his journey so far - I've Got no backstreet boys to make fun of. All in all, he has given us the record we wanted with his incredible mechanical rapping skill and unbeatable storytelling ability.… Expand
  29. theslayer
    Nov 6, 2013
    9
    Beautiful... a worthy send-off, to arguably the greatest rapper of the generation, one of the greatest of all time. There were a handful of songs on this album I did not enjoy (Berzerk, Monster, Stronger than I was... which was dogsh*t) but for the most part, he has finally 'opened that can of "whoop-ass" with the shady aftermath lid' which he promised us for a while. The best Em album inBeautiful... a worthy send-off, to arguably the greatest rapper of the generation, one of the greatest of all time. There were a handful of songs on this album I did not enjoy (Berzerk, Monster, Stronger than I was... which was dogsh*t) but for the most part, he has finally 'opened that can of "whoop-ass" with the shady aftermath lid' which he promised us for a while. The best Em album in the last decade (only surpassed by MMLP 1 and TES). He delves into the character of Eminem and truly shows us he still has his incredible "lyrical acrobatic abilities" as he puts it. He melds pure rap with some fantastic old soft rock melodies, a feat only the Rap God is capable of. This album is very indicative of his first three major studio releases (SSLP, MMLP, TES). Honorary Mention: I was nearly in tears by the last verse of Bad Guy (The sequel to Stan). Goodbye Eminem, you will forever be remembered as the Sinister Minister...… Expand
  30. koolaid12
    Nov 8, 2013
    9
    "Modern classic" was all that popped into my head as I listened to the dying seconds of 'Evil Twin.' Let's be honest, at the age of 41, no one is on Eminem's level. That being said, we tend to expect so much more from Eminem and those expectations grow following every release. Now Relapse and Recovery respectively were exceptional albums, however, the expectations exceeded the albums"Modern classic" was all that popped into my head as I listened to the dying seconds of 'Evil Twin.' Let's be honest, at the age of 41, no one is on Eminem's level. That being said, we tend to expect so much more from Eminem and those expectations grow following every release. Now Relapse and Recovery respectively were exceptional albums, however, the expectations exceeded the albums themselves. Releasing an album named after his most acclaimed/successful work to date raises the expectations for the MMLP 2 through the roof. I was a bit too nervous going into the album, but Eminem really proved a point this time. 13 years after the release of his masterpiece Marshall Mathers LP, he revisits unclosed topics with MMLP 2. He solidifies his positions in the rap game and provides a meaningful insight into his life as a grown man. The beats were absolutely outstanding and fresh. Without any doubt, the beats ranged from creative, old-school, new, hardcore and at times, odd. But this time, thanks to Rick Rubin, we were rewarded with a catalogue of beats so different and lavish, every time I put my headphones on I got a feeling that I just couldn't quite put a finger on. Marshall again surprised us with the lyrical wordplay that he's mastered, but somehow managed to top his unsurpassed lyricism. Overall, ask and ye shall receive, the real Slim Shady was lost, but now is found and he has relieved the fans with a musical gem.… Expand
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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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