May 23rd marks the 20th anniversary of @Eminem’s second studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP.

@DreamzRreal looks back on the racial politics of the certified hip-hop classic and the Detroit rapper’s legacy at large. http://read.medium.com/IDq888v 

The Marshall Mathers LP, largely scored by Dr. Dre, took a different tone than Eminem’s debut project.

The lyrically acclaimed, diamond-certified album merged punk, bluegrass, and subterranean hip-hop and gave life to a singular brand of Americana rap.
http://read.medium.com/IDq888v 

In 2000, credibility eluded most White rappers, especially after punchlines like Vanilla Ice and Mark “Marky Mark” Wahlberg.

Before the Marshall Mathers LP, XXL took a mocking editorial stance against the rapper, which prompted an on-wax retaliation. http://read.medium.com/IDq888v 

Although Eminem was already a multi-platinum Grammy winner by 2000, he knew that his work wasn’t platinum in the streets.

This battle for respect precedes Em’s record deal. At predominantly Black ciphers, he was marginalized—until he began rhyming. http://read.medium.com/IDq888v 

One aspect of the album’s cultural significance, argues @DreamzRreal, is how it took aim at the very establishment that gave him autonomy.

It was tremendously scrutinized by GLAAD, religious figures, politicians, and even the entire country of Canada. http://read.medium.com/IDq888v 

Ultimately, it was Eminem's lyricism that granted him respect in the hip-hop world. http://read.medium.com/IDq888v 

Scrutiny and controversy aside, The Marshall Mathers LP went on to deliver the status and credibility the rapper spent his entire life chasing.

And, by extension, significantly impacted the conversation around racial politics of hip-hop.

Full story: http://read.medium.com/IDq888v