We are in for a nostalgic treat as the Em revives his infamous character, Ken Kaniff, in his latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)”.
Eminem’s long-lost character, the flamboyant and hilariously inappropriate manager, has crawled his way out of obscurity for a guest spot on the new album. This marks the first official Kaniff appearance interpreted by Em since “The Marshall Mathers LP 2”.
Ken Kaniff made his debut on Eminem’s second studio album, “The Slim Shady LP”, in 1999. The character, initially voiced by Aristotle, became a recurring comedic element in Em’s early work. After a falling out with Aristotle, Eminem took over the character, incorporating Ken Kaniff into albums like “The Marshall Mathers LP” and “The Eminem Show”.
In the new album, the Ken Kaniff skit kicks off with a tail of a “Tobey” beat. It carries on to quoting the original “Abracadabra” lyrics, interpolated in the DOSS lead single, “Houdini”. The skit provides a comical relief, serving as a callback to “Curtains Close (Skit)”, the outro of 2002’s “The Eminem Show”.
Ken Kaniff’s return is a delightful nod to long-time fans. It blends Eminem’s signature humour with a sense of nostalgia and the intricate storytelling of his latest concept album. “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” not only explores new artistic territory but also pays homage to Em’s rich musical history.
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