Eminem's five finest moments (+playlist)

Rap star Eminem.

What are Eminem's five greatest songs? Chris Schulz composes his list.

My Name Is (1999)

The song that announced Eminem's arrival pairs slurred Dr Dre beats with celebrity-bashing rhymes about Kris Kross, Pamela Anderson and Usher. At one point Em threatens to impregnate a Spice Girl. Potent stuff that was inescapable.

Stan (2000)

Eminem's finest moment comes as he impersonates a deranged fan who stuffs his girlfriend into the boot of a car then drives off a bridge while Dido sings mournfully in the background. Eminem's fourth verse, an attempt to reason with Stan, still hits emotional buttons nearly 15 years on.

The Way I Am (2000)

"I'm not Mr Friendly, I can be a prick," declares Eminem on his angriest five minutes that serves as a direct attack against his critics. Media, radio DJs, family members and fans who ask him for autographs in toilets all get a serve on his ultimate middle finger anthem.

Lose Yourself (2002)

The Grammy-winning song from Eminem's 8 Mile movie is a battle cry for anyone who has stared fear in the face and survived. One of Em's most uplifting moments, it details his character's rise from a mobile home battle rapper to a globetrotting superstar. Hmmm, remind you of anyone?

Rap God (2013)

The best moment on last year's The Marshall Mathers LP 2 album came in the frenetic fury of Rap God which finds Eminem showing off his split personalities over a blistering six minutes. "I'm beginning to feel like a rap God," declares Em on the hook.

Listen to Eminem's Five Finest Moments + Songs From Rapture Festival

Today's playlist was curated by TimeOut writer Chris Schulz. Follow nzherald on Spotify for more playlists.

Warning: Some songs contain explicit language.

Check out iHeartRadio's 2014 Rapture Festival playlist.

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- nzherald.co.nz