Various: Shady XV

As vanity hip-hop imprints go, Shady has had a decent enough run over the past 15 years.

Aside from label founder Eminem's various releases, it's also had a part to play in the commercial development of 50 Cent, Obie Trice, D12 and a few others. Shady XV introduces us to new material from the current roster and dusts off some of the label's biggest hits.

As has been the case since the get-go, Eminem himself dominates proceedings, snarling, shouting and shoving his way into nine of the 12 new tracks. The Em of old has long left the building and there’s little wit, majesty or fresh ideas to be found on any of his various contributions.

The greatest hits selections are also Slim-heavy, though there can be few out there at this stage who need to purchase this to acquire Lose Yourself or 50 Cent's In Da Club. Strictly for the completists.

[ shadyrecords.com ]