With rapper Eminem being the main character in “8 Mile,” you might expect the album to be full of songs from Eminem and his crew, D-12.
Eminem, however, only appears on three of the 16 tracks, with members from D-12 appearing on just three more.
That’s a good thing. For anyone who’s into rap lyrics, the album is on point.
There was also a strong diversity in the rappers as well. The soundtrack mixed old school rappers like Rakim and Gangstarr, with new school rappers like Jay-Z and Freeway, Nas and Xzibit.
Speaking of Xzibit, his track, “Spit Shine”, had some of the best lyrics on the album.
“I’m gon’ be here after the smoke die down/Insomnia style I won’t lie down/ fight the good fight don’t need no help/ keep your hands up defend yourself/ move like I move and live lifelong/ can’t move up if your hearts not strong /get your own s-t cause this s-t’s mine / every time I spit, I shine.”
This album is probably not for pop lovers. There isn’t one song on the album that will be heard at The Moon.
Several of the songs have been getting radio airplay, however. Everyone already knows about Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”, which is played heavily on radio and video.
Another song that’s a personal favorite that is getting mediocre radio play is “Wanksta” by 50 Cent.
However, the soundtrack does have its moments where you want to move to the next track.
Even though Macy Gray is cool, “Time of My Life” just did not fit in with the rest of the soundtrack. Gray’s edgy R&B
“Wasting My Time” by Boomkat was a sleeper as well. These two songs probably belonged on some stupid teen movie, but got thrown onto the “8 Mile” soundtrack.
Besides that, the soundtrack offered something that rap is missing a lot of anyway: lyrics.
This isn’t an album for the Nelly and Will Smith fanatics. But hard core hip-hop lovers can get into it.