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Bad Meets Evil, the rap collaboration between Detroit rappers Eminem and Royce, re-united nearly a decade on to release their sophomore album, Hell the Sequel.
Plenty of time has passed since the pair fell out over a beef involving Em’s group D12. But since Royce’s Slaughterhouse crew signed to Shady Records, it seemed inevitable that the two would get back in the booth again.
The EP serves as a springboard for Eminem’s resurgence after last year’s Recovery and for Royce to prove he can hang with the best of them.
Crackling fire and haunting chords create an eery and slow beginning to the opening track, Welcome to Hell.
The two MC’s quickly shatter the silence with quick-fire, pass the mic verses; showcasing two emcee’s full of confidence and capabilities.
Fast Lane, Above the Law and Take From Me follow in the same vein; a bombardment of syllables and witty one liners that leave you having to rewind 20 times just to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
Bruno Mars lends his crooning voice to Lighters, which will undoubtedly be the pair’s Top 40 hit. The song itself doesn’t fit with the rest of the album, with it’s airy and softer production, and critics will pick at Bruno’s inclusion as being too Pop.
But Slim lays down one of his most lyrically complete rhymes in a long time and it’s sure to get plenty of radio play.
The 8-Mile star seems to be back on top form, poking fun at popular culture and celebrities with his usual care free manner.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Em gets at Gaga on A Kiss spitting, ‘Tell Lady Gaga she can quit her job at the Post Office/She’s still a male lady.’
Slaughterhouse jump on the final non-bonus track, Loud Noises, a Mr Porter produced instrumental and at least one of them must of passed out on the mic, with each MC giving a can’t-catch-your-breath verse.
Hell: The Sequel is a well polished effort that showcases Em’s lyrical ability and will push Jay-Z’s and Kanye’s upcoming album, Watch the Throne, all the way for the title of best rap collaboration.
Hell: The Sequel drops June 13th