Eminem and Rihanna Release New 'The Monster' Video, Proving the Old Slim Shady is Gone

What happened to the old Eminem? The original Slim Shady? The one who used to harass Christina Aguilera, who lived in a trailer home in Detroit, and who, despite his harsh upbringing and brash attitude, was revered as one of the greatest rappers of the decade? He’s gone. The Eminem who created “My Name Is,” “The Real Slim Shady” and “‘97 Bonnie and Clyde,” a song depicting the murder and disposal of his wife, has passed. We now enter a new realm of Eminem’s legacy. No longer do his tracks carry the same raw audacity or misguided vanity. Now he’s a rapper who blends in with the conglomerate of most Top 40 rappers, with nothing unique or outlandish to offer.

However, he’s still here and he’s still making music, which is more than most rappers who have been in the game for nearly 20 years can say. The creative drive behind his music has faded in recent years, but he’s still kicking. And it’s not to say that his new music is terrible. It’s not. It simply hails in comparison to his earlier albums.

One stark difference between then and now is his impressive collaborations with high caliber artists. Sure, he rapped with Dr. Dre on his “Slim Shady LP,” but he’s since paired with names like Rihanna on multiple occasions. First on his track “Love the Way You Lie” and now again on his new single “The Monster.” In fact, you can check the brand new video below.

Slim Shady may have digressed into the normality, but his music still appeals to the masses. There is still some redeeming quality. He’s an artist, and he always will be.