By REBECCA BARRY
Herald rating: * * *
There would be perks, but it must be difficult being in Eminem's band. The rapper kept his promise when he returned to his Detroit posse after gaining superstardom, but even a collaboration with them as D12 on 2001's Devil's Night produced mixed results - and sounded largely like he was doing his mates a favour.
Not much has changed on their second album, despite the self-deprecating first single: "These chicks don't even know the name of my band ... " There's no doubting the talent of D12's Kon Artis or Proof, but it's Marshall Mathers who steals the show, whether on the playground-style chanting of Git Up or the effortless lyrical funk of In the Morning.
He also contributes some fairly drab production, the majority of tracks possessing his trademark dark, synthetic beats and punchy off-key jabs.
Even acclaimed guest producer Kayne West can't save the title track from repetitive mediocrity. Thankfully it's D12's sense of humour that keeps this album going. Just Like U and Bitch poke fun at the stigmas attached to their lifestyle, while How Come? takes a dig at hip-hop politics, said to be a nod to former friend Royce Da 5'9". But it's still the Eminem Show.
(Shady Records)
<I>D12:</I> World
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