Legendary rapper Eminem shocked fans around the world on Friday morning by releasing a surprise album and a teaser to the soundtrack for upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie “Venom.”
The Detroit-based rapper released the album titled “Kamikaze” at midnight in the United States, much to the surprise of the hip-hop world.
Unlike Eminem’s previous release “Revival”, the ten-track midnight release came without any prior publicity. The album features three comedy skits as interludes and collaborations with up-and-coming artists Joyner Lucas, Royce 5’9 and Jessie Reyez as well as singer-songwriter Justin Vernon of acclaimed indie folk band Bon Iver.
The 45-year old rapper from Detroit also dropped a teaser of a song he recorded slated to be part of the soundtrack for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie on the comic book anti-hero Venom.
Fans are thrilled and shocked with the veteran MC’s unexpected releases.
Initial reviews say that the newly-released album tackles topics such as the Trump administration and Eminem’s problems with the Grammy Awards and the press.
“Kamikaze” is the tenth studio album released by Eminem. “Revival”, released just eight months prior in December 2017 was met with mixed reviews from fans and critics.
While “Kamikaze” came as a complete surprise, “Revival” prior to its release was the subject of a publicity campaign.
The artist born Marshall Mathers III has been consistently nominated in annual music awards such as the Grammys and the MTV Awards since breaking out in the late 90s with hit albums “The Slim Shady LP” and “The Marshall Mathers LP”.
The movie “Venom” set to premiere in October 2018 will also feature the musical scoring of Ludwig Gorannson, who was praised for his work on “Black Panther.”
Eminem has been successful for previous work in a movie. His track “Lose Yourself” won the 2003 Academy Award for Best Original Song for the movie “8-mile”, a film based on his life story and which he also starred in.