A year and a half after announcing a new album, Eminem bursts back onto the music scene with the energetic single “Berzerk.”
“Berzerk” is quickly climbing towards the top spot on “Billboard Hot 100” and already has reached #1 on “Billboard US Rap Songs.” Music bloggers and critics predict this single to be a milestone in Eminem’s career because of its rapid success.
But as usual with Eminem, success comes with controversy. In the curse-laden song, Eminem calls Khloe Kardashian ugly and heavily samples the Beastie Boys’ songs “The New Style” and “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!).”
Eminem is known for calling out and mocking celebrities, so him targeting Khloe Kardashian simply files her in the long line of celebrities he has offended. Some critics note that this callout is particularly harsh though because he calls Khloe “the ugly Kardashian”– an insult she admits she still struggles with ignoring. Time will tell if Eminem’s insult shall start a “feud” between him and the Kardashian family.
The song’s sampling of two well-known Beastie Boys’ songs also struck a sour note with some critics. While others say “Berzerk” is a fantastic and different direction for Eminem, some say the song lacks originality and uniqueness when compared to the rest of his discography. They worry that they may have to pen Eminem down as another rapper who borrows the music of others to back his own weak rhymes.
However, given Eminem’s track record, most critics doubt “Berzerk” will be the only type of song offered on the upcoming album.
Eminem’s new album, “The Marshal Mathers LP 2,” will be released November 5, 2013 . If “Bezerk” and the album’s title is of any indication of the album’s tone, fans may be jamming to a very nostalgic and wild Eminem.