March 13/17 - Eminem - Encore

Fifth Studio Album released on Shady/Aftermath on November 12, 2004

Producers: Dr. Dre, Elizondo, Eminem, Resto, Mark Batson, Featuring: Obie Trice, 50 Cent, Nate Dogg, Stat Quo, D12, Dr Dre.

This album sold 1.5 million copies in the first two weeks. The cover work and album art were very interesting and inline with the theme of the album. I bought the Deluxe edition that came with three bonus tracks. This album takes place during the beef between Ja Rule/Source and Shady/ 50 Cent. A sample from this album was used in Immortal Techniques "Bin Laden" and one song remains censored on both the censored and uncensored editions. My favorite tracks on the album are "Never Enough" with 50 and Nate Dogg, "Rain Man" and obviously "Toy Soldiers" that addresses the recent beef situation....also to the list I really enjoyed the concept and storytelling in "One Shot 2 Shot."

"I’m cool with probably half that album. I recorded that towards the height of my addiction. I remember four songs leaked and I had to go to L.A. and get Dre and record new ones. I was in a room by myself writing songs in 25, 30 minutes because we had to get it done, and what came out was so goofy. That’s how I ended up making songs like “Rain Man” and “Big Weenie.” They’re pretty out there. If those other songs hadn’t leaked, Encore would’ve been a different album." -Eminem