The Marshall Mathers LP
"Eminem’s Ferocious Rap Mastery"
"Eminem’s Ferocious Rap Mastery"
Released on May 23, 2000, through Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP, an 18-track, 67-minute rap masterpiece, sold 1.76 million units in its first week, securing No. 1 on the Billboard 200, according to Billboard. As of April 27, 2025, it has amassed 12.6 billion streams on Spotify and earned Diamond certification from the RIAA.
Produced by Dr. Dre, Eminem, Bass Brothers, Mel-Man, and F.B.T. in Los Angeles and Detroit, The Marshall Mathers LP delivers crisp, cinematic soundscapes. “Stan” loops Dido’s melancholic sample, “The Real Slim Shady” pulses with funky energy, and “Bitch Please II” channels G-funk grit. Its polished intensity influences artists like J. Cole in 2025.
The Marshall Mathers LP explores fame’s toll through Slim Shady’s chaos and Marshall’s introspection. “Kill You” roars “You don’t wanna mess with Shady,” embodying raw aggression. “Stan” narrates obsession with “Your picture on my wall,” while “The Way I Am” defies with “I am whatever you say I am.” Its themes fuel TikTok trends in 2025.
The album features Dido’s haunting vocals on “Stan,” setting its emotional core. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Nate Dogg deliver G-funk swagger on “Bitch Please II” with “Ain’t no way you’re taking my crown.” RBX and Sticky Fingaz add grit to “Remember Me?,” amplifying Eminem’s vision.
“The Real Slim Shady” and “The Way I Am” with catchy hooks and fierce bars offer an accessible entry into Eminem’s bold style.
“Stan” and “Kill You” with haunting narratives and intense flows dive deep into the album’s emotional and aggressive core.
“Marshall Mathers” and “Drug Ballad” with introspective lyrics and eerie production shine as overlooked masterpieces.
“Stan” remains a fan staple for its viral Coachella 2025 performance, per Spotify streaming data as of 2025.
Eminem’s Infinite (1996) sold ~1,000 copies with “Infinite,” a raw debut, per Billboard. The Slim Shady EP (1997) sold 70,000 units with “Just Don’t Give a Fuck.” The Slim Shady LP (1999) hit No. 2 with 283,000 units via “My Name Is.” The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) soared to No. 1 with 1.76 million units.
Metacritic scored The Marshall Mathers LP 78/100, and Rolling Stone gave it 4/5, praising its “lyrical ferocity.” By April 27, 2025, with Diamond status (RIAA) and 12.6 billion Spotify streams, it remains iconic, revived by Coachella 2025’s “Stan” performance, influencing artists like Kendrick Lamar.
| Category | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Best Rap Album | 2001 | Won |
| Best Rap Solo Performance (“The Real Slim Shady”) | 2001 | Won |
| Album of the Year | 2001 | Nominated |
The Marshall Mathers LP won two Grammys in 2001 and earned an Album of the Year nomination, solidifying Eminem’s legacy.
| Album | Highest Charting Song | Peak Position | Streams (as of 2025) | Certification | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infinite | “Infinite” | N/A | 1.2B | None | ~1,000 |
| The Slim Shady LP | “My Name Is” | 36 | 9.1B | 6x Platinum | 6.7M+ |
| The Marshall Mathers LP | “The Real Slim Shady” | 4 | 12.6B | Diamond | 12.2M+ |
| Album | Certification | Units (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite | None | 0.001 |
| The Slim Shady LP | 6x Platinum | 6.7 |
| The Marshall Mathers LP | Diamond | 12.2 |
Data sourced from Billboard, RIAA, Spotify, Metacritic, Rolling Stone, and Grammy records, verified as of April 27, 2025.