With his sophomore release, Marshall Mathers, rap star Eminem continues his attack on celebrities, social groups, and family members.

His first album, Slim Shady, was a controversial album that pales in comparison to the razor-sharp lyrical assaults that have spawned protests and lawsuits against the 27-year old Detroit MC. Both his mother, Deborah Mathers-Briggs, and his estranged wife, Kim Mathers, have filed $10 million lawsuits against Eminem for defamation of character because of interviews and songs that Eminem released. "What's the Difference," a collaboration with Dr. Dre on his last release, Chronic 2001, is one of the songs in question that depicts Eminem's murder of his wife.

"But if I do decide to really murder my daughter's momma," the lyrics read. "I'm a sit her up in the front seat and put sunglasses on her, and cruise around wit her for seven hours through California, and have her waving at people then drop her off on the corner at the police station."

Eminem is also in the middle of a legal battle with his wife that involves the custody of their 4-year-old daughter, Hailie. The couple reached a settlement for joint custody on Aug. 28, but continue to fight over the family's estate.

Eminem may also face jail time because of two incidents that apparently occurred on June 4. He was arrested for allegedly attacking a man he saw kissing his wife with an unloaded handgun outside the Hot Rocks Café in his hometown of Warren, Mich. A few hours before his arrest, Eminem was involved in another altercation with a member of his long-time rivals, the Insane Clown Posse. He is charged with illegally possessing and brandishing a concealed weapon in a confrontation with Douglas Dial of ICP, whom Eminem and crew has been at war with since 1995.

Yet aside from all the drama and scandals in Eminem's life, his new release went platinum in a short time. It further proved his proficiency as a rapper and presence in the world of hip-hop. In a genre dominated by African-American pioneers, Eminem proves that white rappers can flow hardcore and not be categorized with the likes of Vanilla Ice.

"All my life I've been dealing with my race because of where I grew up and being in the rap game," Eminem said. "No one can help their color and no one can help where they grew up. If you grew up in the suburbs be proud and don't pretend you came from somewhere else."

Marshall Mathers contains 15 blistering tracks that attack society, homosexuality, his childhood, and enemies within the music industry. Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, portrays a violent streak towards his mother and wife in the album's first track, "Kill You."

"Okay,I'm ready to go play," read the lyrics. "I got the machete from O.J. I'm ready to make everyone's throats aches."

"Stan," the album's second song is a ballad about obsessed fans and the disturbing fan mail that he receives. It chronicles a correspondence with a despondent fan who slowly deteriorates throughout the song, until ultimately taking his girlfriend's and his own life in a similar fashion to the Dr. Dre/Eminem song, "What's the Difference."

Other attacks on the record target homosexuals, 'N Sync, the Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguliera, Britney Spears, and most notably, the Insane Clown Posse. The track "Ken Kaniff" simulates the two frontmen of ICP performing sodomy on Detroit rap rival Ken Kaniff a.k.a. Cage. This feud has been burning since 1998 when Cage accused Eminem of stealing his style and lyrics on his debut release, Slim Shady.

One of the most heard songs from the album conquered both radio and television alike. "The Real Slim Shady" was Eminem's "dis" of most everyone in the industry and remains in high rotation on MTV.

Other songs on the album show Eminem's introspection. "Drug Ballad" delves into his continual battle with addiction while songs like "Who Knew" and "Marshall Mathers" show how he copes with his new found fame and eventful life. The album is also packed with collaborations with heavyweight rappers such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, RBX, Xzibit, Stickey Fingaz, and D-12.

The album is not for those light of heart. The stinging verses and dark themes can easily offend and is not recommended for everyone. However, rap aficionados will appreciate the intensity captured on Marshall Mathers.

"I do say things that I think will shock people," Eminem said. "But I don't do things to shock people. I'm not trying to be the next Tupac, but I don't know how long I'm going to be on this planet. So while I'm here, I might as well make the most of it."

Published by The Chart on 09-08-00.