It's tempting to dismiss D12's debut album, Devil's Night, as exploitative juvenilia, similar to how fellow Detroit hardcore rap acts such as ICP and Esham had been treated in the past. In fact, it's hard not to dismiss this album as shock rap because that's exactly what it is -- there's no denying it. As witty as Eminem may be -- and he's by far the most creative member of the group -- the countless forays into theatrical perversity far outnumber the more literate moments. But to dismiss the album strictly because of its themes would be unfortunate. As challenging as it may be for many to stomach the constant and incredibly explicit sex, violence, and drug references, there is a stunning album lurking beneath that deserves recognition. Functioning as the album's executive producer and as the producer for most of the album's beats, Eminem has done a wonderful job crafting this album and its foreboding feel. Influenced by the style of sparse beats Dr. Dre employed on Eminem's past solo hits, the troublemaking MC's beatmaking steals the show here, particularly on the album's standout moment, 'Purple Pills.' In fact, Eminem's beats often contest the couple equally impressive tracks that Dre contributes. Besides the remarkable production, Eminem also showcases his songwriting genius on several of the song's hooks, bringing a catchy pop-rap approach to hardcore lyrics. Yet no matter how accomplished this album is from a production and songwriting angle, it's impossible to look past the disturbing lyrics, especially those of Bizarre, and also Eminem's moments of unnecessary instigation. This album is obviously targeting those with a taste for perversity. If that means you, then you'll love this; if that doesn't mean you, then the album is still worth investigating, if only for Eminem's show-stealing performance as not only an MC but also as an adept producer and songwriter.

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• D12 Devil's Night

Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for Devil's Night - D12 on AllMusic - 2001 - It's tempting to dismiss D12's debut album.

Label: Interscope/Shady
Producers: Dr. Dre, Eminem, Denaun Porter, Scott Storch, DJ Head, Jeff Bass, Mike Elizondo, Luis Resto
Features: Dr. Dre, Obie Trice, Truth Hurts, Dina Rae, Rondell Beene
Sales: 2x Platinum
El sindrome de ulises libro pdf el. Despite the commercial success of D12's debut—most often attributed to fans willingness to buy anything with Eminem's name attached to it—is an underrated album. Even if you choose to fast forwarded through all of Proof, Kuniva, Swifty McVay, Bizarre, and Kon Artis' contributions, Devil's Night features some of Eminem's best 16s. Riding high off the huge success of The Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem's rapping is more confident than ever, here was an artist at the height of his powers.

Riding high off the huge success of The Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem's rapping is more confident than ever, here was an artist at the height of his powers.

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Thematically and stylistically, Em picks up where MMLP leaves off. But since he isn't labored with carrying an entire song, his verses are laced so tight they're simultaneously effortless and intricate. 'Ever since I spit some shit/On Infinite/I been giving it/A hundred and ten percent,' he says on 'Shit Can Happen.' And yet, strangely, Em is absent from the best song on the album, 'That's How,' where all the other group member take turns telling stories in four bars. Like this one, from Kuniva: 'Choking your wife all in front of your peeps (bitch!)/She toss a brick through the window of your Jeep/Get back together by the end of the week, that's so sweet/(Slim and Kim argue too much.)'

D12 Devil's Night

The thing is, as overshadowed as they'll always be by Em, the rest of the D12 are perfectly solid rappers. Especially Proof and Swifty. (Kon Artis has also had a successful career as a producer, under the moniker Mr. Porter.) These guys have a lot to say, even when they're not just speaking of the devil. —Insanul Ahmed