You could line the other five members of D12 up against a wall and challenge the most dedicated D12 fan, if such a person exists, to differentiate between Kon Artis, Proof, Kuniva and Swifty. They’d fail.  Granted, the larger-than-life Bizarre is not so difficult to spot.  So, the continuous vertical structure in question would have to be none other than the Great Wall of China if it’s not to be eclipsed by this man-Everest.

Lest anybody be in any doubt, Marshall Mathers is the de facto leader of D12.  The first single to be released from D12 World established this, titled as it was as transparently as a ho’s see-through thong, ‘My Band’.  And when Em’s on the mike, he demands attention.

’How Come’ catches this son of Detroit in pantomime mood once more.  But this song is a shade darker than its predecessor with Marshall brooding, seemingly, for Michigan.  More importantly, it allows Eminem to show off his nonpareil MC prowess.  Let’s hope rumours of a Dr-Dre-style withdrawl from holding the microphone to take up a position behind the mixing desk prove to be premature.
(3½/5)

Release Date: 26 July 2004

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How Come