Eminem: Overrated or Underrated

The issue of whether Eminem is overrated or underrated came up on TV today. I realize some people here at DU might not like the subject, but I would like the opinions of DU members. Do you think Eminem is overrated or underrated?

Even though I have not heard all of his music and may not have heard his best music I at least slightly think he is overrated. I contend he has some good songs, but others just are not that good. To some degree I contend that at least some of the songs written and rapped by Eminem were just stupid. In addition, I do not think he is one of the best rappers to ever have rapped. One of the people talking about Eminem earlier on TV said they would put him in their top 10. I do not agree with that. I contend there are too many people who are better than him.

i like his vocal style, and i think most of his lyrics are pretty smart. he could try to go for less of the obvious shock-factor, though.

which top 10 is that? Top 10 rappers? Top 10 musical artists? Or what?

He's decent... didn't like his later stuff so much.

He's rated about right.

say for $1000 Alex.

"And the Academy Award goes to....Eminem."

I think he does have a real gift for poetry. But I think his defining work, whatever that is, is still in him and hasn't come out yet.

For me, he's neither here nor there. Nothing to hate, but nothing to really get worked up about.

While others here have corrected me about his pre-fame career, i always saw him as something of a Johnny Bravo of rap. I think Dre's shrewed enough to have pulled that off.
The Professor

is overstating his talent or appeal. He's easily among the best selling rap acts of all time. On top of that, his skill as an emcee is truly unique. He's amazingly agile, and while his content might be juvenile and crass, it's also lucid, complex and funny. On top of that, clearly people like juvenile and crass music. He knows how to make a saleable product. Maybe a purist doesn't consider this a true talent in the musical sense, but as a one-time semi-professional musician, I KNOW how important it is that your work has commercial appeal, even if only to a niche audience.

Just curious, you mentioned you wouln'd rank Eminem in your Top 10 (rap acts, I assume). Who would you put above him?

I don't like some of his lyrics though.....
the song he did about his daughter and the time he spent away from her was spot on......

hell even my 74yo mother liked him


lost

way over-fucking-rated.