The Game’s new diss track aimed at Eminem is finally out, and it’s causing quite a stir. Promised as a lyrical onslaught, “The Black Slim Shady” was announced four months ago, leaving fans eagerly waiting to hear what The Game had in store for Eminem.
In this musical tete-a-tete, The Game seems to be challenging Eminem’s status as an unbeatable rap god. Known for his continuous admiration for Eminem’s talent, The Game now claims that Slim Shady is no longer insurmountable and aims to prove his own lyrical prowess.
The song is a lengthy ten minutes, crafted to mimic Eminem’s alter ego while simultaneously dissing him. This approach leaves listeners questioning whether it’s a homage or a direct attack. Despite the apparent contradictions, The Game spends the first half of the track imitating Eminem’s style with great familiarity despite claiming he doesn’t listen to his music.
While the initial verses seem scattered and without focus, they build up to the main event. The Game takes jabs at Eminem’s career and legacy, even touching on the artist’s relationship with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. However, the criticisms seem diluted in a plethora of references and playful mockeries.
The track employs a narrative technique similar to Eminem’s famed storytelling, with The Game seemingly embracing Shady’s eccentricities. Some listeners appreciate the creativity, while others are disappointed by what they see as a lack of substantial beef.
As the diss progresses, The Game brings Eminem’s race into the conversation, a recurrent theme in rap battles against him. He accuses Slim of using black culture to advance in the music industry while simultaneously disparaging him for being a ‘white guy.’ The contradictions in The Game’s arguments make the diss less biting.
The most striking part of the track is when The Game indicates a deep personal criticism of Eminem’s past and choices. Yet, despite promising an earth-shattering diss, these personal digs come off as recycled ideas from previous diss tracks aimed at Eminem by other artists.
From the moment the first beat drops, the track struggles to maintain a consistent tone. Produced by Hit-Boy, the song’s dark undertone seems ill-suited for the energy expected of a diss track. This divergent energy leaves the audience split between admiration for The Game’s lyrical feats and disappointment in the track’s overall impact.
As the lyrics unfold, The Game touches on countless stories and past beefs, even throwing shade at other rappers close to Eminem. He references and revisits some well-worn themes like Eminem’s relationship with his daughter and the rapper’s own notorious history with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.
The most anticipated part, the actual dissection of Eminem, doesn’t occur until the latter part of the song, taking a substantial four minutes to get there. By that time, the much-needed explosive energy is absent, with many feeling it’s a missed opportunity for The Game.
In one of the final verses, The Game adds personal and cultural critique, commenting on Eminem’s struggles and alleged lack of authenticity in the hip-hop world. Yet, the intensity and context leave some listeners hungry for a more direct and confrontational delivery.
The Game’s diss track, despite its build-up, feels more like an homage wrapped in friendly fire. While it showcases his lyrical dexterity, the lack of direct confrontation diminishes its impact. It poses an interesting episode in hip-hop rivalries, sparking debate about respect, imitation, and lyrical prowess.
