Eminem at 50: How “Music to Be Murdered By” Proved He’s Still on Top of the Rap Game
Introduction
Eminem, one of the most influential and technically skilled rappers of all time, has spent decades proving his dominance in the hip-hop industry. Even as he reached the age of 50, his music remained as sharp, intense, and thought-provoking as ever. In 2020, he surprised the world once again with the release of Music to Be Murdered By, an album that not only showcased his lyrical brilliance but also proved that age is just a number when it comes to true artistry.
At a time when younger rappers dominate the charts, many might have expected Eminem to slow down or fade into the background. Instead, he did the opposite—delivering one of his most lyrically complex and critically acclaimed albums, silencing doubters and reaffirming his status as a rap legend. But how exactly did Music to Be Murdered By demonstrate that Eminem remains an unstoppable force in hip-hop, even at 50?
A Surprise Release That Shocked the Industry
On January 17, 2020, Eminem shocked fans by releasing Music to Be Murdered By without any prior announcement. This move mirrored the surprise drop of Kamikaze (2018), proving that Em had embraced the modern trend of unexpected album releases.
The album, inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 spoken-word album of the same name, was a bold statement. It was dark, introspective, and packed with intricate wordplay, rapid-fire flows, and controversial subject matter—all trademarks of Eminem’s style. Despite being in the game for over two decades, he showed no signs of losing his edge.
The album immediately debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making Eminem the first artist in history to have 10 consecutive No. 1 albums. This alone proved that his influence had not diminished. Even in an era dominated by trap beats and mumble rap, his ability to captivate audiences remained unparalleled.
Lyrical Mastery: Eminem’s Unrivaled Skill
One of the biggest reasons why Music to Be Murdered By was such a success is Eminem’s technical skill. Over the years, his ability to construct complex rhyme schemes, deliver multi-syllabic rhymes, and experiment with different flows has set him apart from his peers.
1. Record-Breaking Speed on “Godzilla”
The standout track “Godzilla”, featuring the late Juice WRLD, showcased Eminem’s insane rapping speed. On the third verse, he set a new world record by rapping 7.5 words per second, breaking his previous record on “Rap God.” This wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a statement. Even after 20+ years, his technical abilities were still evolving.
2. Deep Storytelling on “Darkness”
Beyond rapid-fire rapping, Music to Be Murdered By also highlighted Eminem’s ability to tell gripping stories. The song “Darkness” was one of the album’s most shocking tracks, providing a chilling retelling of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting from the shooter’s perspective.
The song’s social message about gun violence demonstrated that Eminem wasn’t just making music for entertainment—he was using his platform to shed light on real-world issues, something many rappers today shy away from.
3. Complex Rhymes and Wordplay on “Premonition” and “Yah Yah”
Tracks like “Premonition” and “Yah Yah” (featuring Royce da 5’9”, Black Thought, Q-Tip, and Denaun) showcased Eminem’s ability to weave intricate rhyme schemes with clever wordplay. His verses were packed with references to hip-hop history, criticism of the industry, and self-awareness about his own career and critics.
With these tracks, he proved that he could still out-rap almost anyone in the industry, regardless of age.
Addressing Critics and Embracing Evolution
Despite his legendary status, Eminem has always had his fair share of critics. From younger rappers who dismiss him as outdated to music journalists who claim he no longer fits into today’s hip-hop landscape, Eminem has been under constant scrutiny.
Instead of ignoring them, Music to Be Murdered By saw him addressing these criticisms head-on.
On “Unaccommodating”, he mocks those who say he’s irrelevant, pointing out that his commercial success speaks for itself.
On “No Regrets”, he acknowledges past controversies but makes it clear that he doesn’t dwell on them.
On “Premonition”, he calls out hip-hop media for their double standards—criticizing him for not evolving while also attacking him when he experiments with new styles.
Rather than conforming to industry trends, Eminem used the album to show that he has nothing to prove—but he can still dominate when he wants to.
A Blend of Old and New: Collaborations with Younger Artists
Another way Music to Be Murdered By demonstrated Eminem’s continued relevance was through his collaborations with younger artists.
Juice WRLD on “Godzilla” brought a fresh energy to the track while also connecting Eminem to a new generation of fans.
Don Toliver on “No Regrets” added a modern touch to Eminem’s introspective track.
Young M.A on “Unaccommodating” showed that Eminem was willing to work with rising female rappers in the industry.
By working with newer artists, Eminem bridged the gap between generations, proving that he wasn’t stuck in the past—he was evolving while still staying true to his core.
Commercial and Critical Reception: Still a Heavyweight
Despite some critics dismissing Eminem as “outdated”, Music to Be Murdered By performed incredibly well:
Billboard 200: Debuted at No. 1
Spotify Records: Became one of the most streamed albums upon release
Platinum Certification: The album quickly went platinum, adding another major success to Eminem’s career
While some hip-hop purists criticized the album for being “too dark” or “too aggressive,” most fans praised Eminem’s technical ability, deep storytelling, and refusal to conform to trends.
This showed that despite being 50, he was still competing at the highest level—something few rappers of his era can claim.
Conclusion: Eminem’s Legacy Remains Untouchable
With Music to Be Murdered By, Eminem proved why he is still one of the greatest rappers of all time. Even at 50, he continues to:
Break records Push lyrical boundaries Tell powerful stories Address social issues Adapt without compromising his artistry
His refusal to fade into obscurity, combined with his unmatched dedication to his craft, ensures that Eminem’s place in hip-hop history remains untouchable.
While other artists slow down as they age, Eminem continues to shatter expectations, evolve, and dominate the rap game—proving once and for all that true greatness has no expiration date.
