The Bottom Line
On "You Don't Know," the lead single from the upcoming Shady Records compilation album, The Re-Up, Em recruits (surprise!) G Unit generals 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks (with Tony Yayo making his infamous rants), along with newcomer Cashis.
Pros
- An overall solid track
Cons
- Droning production
- Sub-par lyrics
Description
- "You Don't Know" is the lead single from Eminem's upcoming compilation album, The Re-Up.
- The song was produced by Eminem himself.
- The single affirms the solid relation between 50 Cent's G-Unit and Eminem's Shady Records.
Guide Review - Eminem, 50 Cent, Ca$his, Lloyd Banks - "You Don't Know " (Shady)
50 Cent is the best and worst thing that happened to Eminem. I'll explain. In the absence of Dr. Dre, Mr. Curtis Jackson filled in as a fitting substitute; 50 and Em (or Gatman and Robbin) compliment each other quite well on their few collaborations. On the flip side, however, 50 Slump (get it?), and the whole G-Unit atmosphere (Ja Rule beef etc.) he brought along with him, sidetracked Em's tried-and-true success and focus, pulling him out of his forte: making eccentric and outlandish songs that, while labeled violent, homophobic and misogynistic, still possessed substance and passion. Eminem reached his peak between 2000 and 2002 when he released The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show, respectively. Since then, he hasn't been the same.
On "You Don't Know," Em and crew team up and trade verses focusing on and exalting the Shady / G Unit alliance. From 50's usual gun-talk to Banks' typical pimp-talk, "You Don't Know" is standard G Unit protocol. The verses by Eminem and Cashis, however, are ones to look out for. Though not hip-hop quotable-worthy, Em's contribution shines with an energetic flow: "It's Shady, Aftermizath, back in that a**, you wiz-a**/ Come izon, what kind of fiz***ing quizestion izat?" The hard-as-nails verse by newbie Ca$his stands out as well, revealing some potential: "H.K. to ya chest plate, cave/ I will ride to the death, do you rep that way?" Though it has its flaws, "You Don't Know" is an overall solid track that delivers what it offers.
