After breaking out in 1999 with the Grammy-winning and multi-Platinum The Slim Shady LP, Detroit MC Eminem had high expectations for his follow-up album, The Marshall Mathers LP, which dropped 19 years ago today. Eminem excelled under the pressure, channeling his anger into lyrics aimed at his critics, then-wife, and mother. The album won him a second straight Grammy for Best Rap Album while earning critical acclaim and breaking multiple sales records. However, it also drew controversy from politicians and GLAAD over his lyrics, which were deemed misogynist and homophobic.
Dr. Dre handled the majority of the production on The Marshall Mathers LP and was assisted by Mel-Man. Eminem and his longtime collaborators, the Bass Brothers, produced the rest of the songs—with the exception of “Stan,” which is credited to DJ Mark the 45 King. Featured guests include Eminem’s longtime crew D12, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Nate Dogg, Sticky Fingaz, RBX, and British singer-songerwriter Dido, whose vocals are featured on “Stan.”
In a February 2019 interview, Eminem revealed that he feels like he’s “always been chasing The Marshall Mathers LP,” but no longer has the same emotions expressed on the album.
“That captured a moment, it’s kind of like a time capsule when I look back at it… I was spiraling out of control and I had a lot of rage. When people say they miss the old Eminem, I feel like it’s probably that,” he said. “You miss the rage. I don’t have the rage anymore that I used to have, but I still have the passion.”
