In his eighth album, 41-year-old Eminem revisits his past in Marshall Mathers LP 2. The album was highly anticipated after the rapper’s most recent 2010 album went quadruple-platinum. Before the album was released, all four singles made it within the top 10 of the iTunes charts and the album presale reached number one. The 23-track album brings the rapper back to his third album, MMLP, from 2000 which established him as one of the great rappers.

Eminem brings his usual intense sound with high speed verses while talking about struggles with his mother, father and ex-wife that affected him during his earlier work. When listening closely you can hear excerpts from his earlier songs that seamlessly blend in with the new work. The album also features Rihanna in the more pop-based song “Monster,” Nate Ruess from Fun. and Skylar Grey who has appeared on Eminem’s recent albums. Kendrick Lamar, whose style has often mimicked that of early Eminem, also appears on the track “Love Game.” Overall, MMLP2 let the rapper revisit his earlier work with his improved skills. Eminem showed everyone he is better than ever.