The Slim Shady LP
"Eminem’s Savage Spark Unleashed"
"Eminem’s Savage Spark Unleashed"
Released on February 23, 1999, through Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records, Eminem’s The Slim Shady LP, a 20-track, 60-minute rap masterpiece, sold 283,000 units in its first week, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, according to Billboard. As of April 27, 2025, it has amassed 9.1 billion streams on Spotify and earned 6x Platinum certification from the RIAA.
Helmed by Dr. Dre, Bass Brothers, and Eminem, The Slim Shady LP was recorded in Los Angeles and Detroit. It blends West Coast funk with Midwest grit, crafting a distinctive sound. “My Name Is” samples Labi Siffre for quirky venom, “Brain Damage” features eerie bass, and “Role Model” delivers funky defiance. Its raw edge influences modern rap artists like Tyler, The Creator.
The Slim Shady LP introduces Slim Shady’s unhinged persona, weaving rage, dark humor, and Detroit struggles. “My Name Is” taunts with “Hi, kids! Do you like violence?,” setting a provocative tone. “Guilty Conscience” debates morality with “Take advice from somebody who slapped Dee Barnes?,” while “Rock Bottom” laments “Minimum wage got my adrenaline caged.” Its bold themes resonate in 2025 via TikTok trends.
The album keeps features sparse, emphasizing Eminem’s vision. Dr. Dre’s commanding “You gonna rob it” on “Guilty Conscience” creates a moral tug-of-war. Dina Rae’s playful “Come on, everybody” on “Cum on Everybody” adds flair. Skits featuring Zoe Winkler and Aristotle, like “Ken Kaniff,” enhance the album’s chaotic texture.
“My Name Is” and “Role Model” with catchy hooks and sharp bars offer an accessible entry into Eminem’s provocative style.
“Guilty Conscience” and “Brain Damage” with dark production and intense storytelling delve into the album’s raw core.
“Rock Bottom” and “If I Had” with bleak beats and emotional depth stand out as introspective moments.
“My Name Is” 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 but overlooked debut, per Billboard. The Slim Shady EP (1997) sold 70,000 units with “Just Don’t Give a Fuck,” catching Dr. Dre’s attention. The Slim Shady LP (1999) soared to No. 2 with 283,000 units, setting the stage for The Marshall Mathers LP (2000).
Metacritic scored The Slim Shady LP 88/100, and Rolling Stone gave it 4/5, lauding its “rap inferno.” By April 27, 2025, with 6x Platinum status (RIAA) and 9.1 billion Spotify streams, it remains a cultural touchstone, revived by Coachella 2025’s “My Name Is” performance, influencing artists like Kendrick Lamar.
| Category | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Best Rap Album | 2000 | Won |
| Best Rap Solo Performance (“My Name Is”) | 2000 | Won |
| Best Rap Performance by a Duo (“Guilty Conscience”) | 2000 | Nominated |
The Slim Shady LP won two Grammys in 2000 and earned a Duo nomination, cementing Eminem’s early 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+ |
| Album | Certification | Units (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite | None | 0.001 |
| The Slim Shady LP | 6x Platinum | 6.7 |
Data sourced from Billboard, RIAA, Spotify, Metacritic, Rolling Stone, and Grammy records, verified as of April 27, 2025.