“The Death of Slim Shady” and Why Rap Careers Can’t Last Forever

Despite an undisputed mastery of rhymes and epithets, Eminem finds career revival an increasingly impossible task

Album produced by Aftermath Entertainment and distributed by Interscope Records

There are few occupations with more clearly cut expiration dates than those of hip-hop artists. Like the professional sports player whose career expires as soon as their athletic prowess does, the world of hip-hop centers largely around masculinity and youthful energy.

As athl…