Bozza has already written a biography of Eminem, so this is a continuation of the story, but it is also a passionate look at the Detroit rapper’s music during the subsequent years ... The author addresses the usual criticism of Eminem as a white man 'in an African American game,' provides a history of white rap, and considers the singer as a reflection of contemporary America, with all of its divisiveness and flaws ... An expert and thoughtful assessment.
[Bozza] builds a convincing case for his legacy as the top rap lyricist of all time—despite past controversies over his misogynistic and homophobic lyrics. Bozza offers elegant analyses of the rapper’s albums ... Bozza’s eloquent tribute to Eminem will resonate with fans of hip-hop and enthusiasts of popular music biographies.
... uneven, hagiographic ... Bozza turns from biographer to adoring music critic, cataloguing albums, collaborations, and professional beefs. Filled with lucid dissections of rap technicalities, the book does a solid job of placing Eminem in the modern hip-hop scene, but too often the author falls back on lavishing kudos ('the greatest wordsmith rap has ever known,' for example) and tiresome breakdowns of sales figures and critical blurbs of each record. While there are sparks throughout, this ends up feeling like a rote account of the otherwise electrifying career of Eminem.
