Eminem returned with 12th solo studio album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), first since 2020’s Music To Be Murdered By. The title, of course, references the Detroit legend’s troublemaking alter ego, Slim Shady, who runs wild on many of Marshall’s biggest hits.
The Death of Slim Shady features the previously released singles “Houdini”—which rode a Steve Miller Band sample to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on Billboard Global 200 —and “Tobey,” with fellow Detroit rappers BabyTron and Big Sean. Guests on the LP include White Gold, Bizarre, Sly Pyper, Dem Jointz, Skylar Grey, Jelly Roll, and Ez Mil.
The Death Of Slim Shady is a concept album and Eminem warned fans to listen to it in order to make a complete sense: “Public service announcement: the “death of slim shady” is a conceptual album, therefore, if you listen to songs out of order they might not make sense. Enjoy.” he tweeted on X (formerly Twitter). Supposedly, Eminem kills Slim Shady but if you listen to the album in reverse, it’s a different story.
One of the fans on X, @Pecora_boy123, posted a theory that the entire album is in reverse. “TDOSS BACK TO FRONT TELLS A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY!!!” he said. Then he continued: “Somebody Save Me – foreshadowing Marshall’s death. Guess Who’s Back- foreshadowing the return of Slim Shady. Tobey- sometimes s–t just does not pan out, Shady shadow shows up. Bad One – “one minute you are here the next you are gone” it seems like Marsh’s job is done he pulled off his stunt. Temporary – his letter to Hailie before he dies (hint). Head Hancho- “writing is on the wall” “Ezekiel” the story of Ezekiel, and remembrance on creation day, Marshall’s creation day would be Slim Shady! “you’ll be a Stan till I die, though (Dido)”
The theory continues with: “Guilty Conscience 2 – Slim Shady laughs after Paul hangs up on him, showing it wasn’t a dream. Breaking News- Slim Shady is showing Marshall all the s–t he has just started. Slim Shady laughs viciously at the end. Houdini- Paul calls back and says good luck. This is his rebuttal to Marshall calling him and he thinks that Marshall is f–king with him because he’s on this tangent again. “What you thought you saw ain’t what you saw” this will come back into play later. Road Rage – Slim dyes Marshall’s hair blonde again. Hence Marshall rapping like a blonde hair version of himself the rest of the way. Fuel – “the reapers coming to heathen and I need it from ME”. Antichrist- “cobain put the gauge to his brain I’m goin out with a bang aye”(Marshall voice)
Lucifer – (switching between Marsh and Slim) first I must weave rhymes, then I’mma leave eyes in a state of disbelief.” A set up for the finale of this all. (STARTS TO GET REALLY GOOD). All You Got- Slim telling Marshall he ain’t s–t without him. (notice Marshall’s weariness and tone) at this point Slim has completely taken over. Hence the opening of Evil – “woke up with an attitude today, Not in the mood to play.” Stuck in my ruthless ways I refuse to change, nothing to lose or gain, GUESS I JUST CHOOSE TO STAY”(BIG FORESHADOW). BRAND NEW DANCE – Shady just said he’s so evil, so he’s gonna show it by making a whole song s–tting on reeves. TROUBLE SKIT – “ALRIGHT HERE, DRINK THIS.” DRINK IT B–CH.” He just drugged Marshall!! “LET ME GO YOU B–CH” Marshall says as he’s tied up. THEN SHADY SAYS. ”LITTLE PU-SY WHATS WRONG? THOUGHT YOU WERE DREAMING HUH?”
BINGO!!!!!!!! HABITS – you can hear Marshall struggling as he’s tied up and gagged. Slim is telling him to eat a pill of some sort to knock him out. RENAISSANCE – SLIM BURIES MARSHALL!!! SPITS ON HIS GRAVE!!! Slim proceeds to spit his first song, without the person that started it all for him, Marshall Mathers. Straight vintage Slim Shady on the track, teasing what’s about to be unleashed on the world with SIDE B! Listen to the album in reversed order below. What y’all say?!
