Track of the Day: Eminem – “Kim”

There exists a song in the universe of hip-hop that no one can dance to. A rational person will never be witnessed blasting this from their dorm room or their car. It is a song that, in hip-hop, occupies a level of insanity all its own. That song comes from the warped and sadistic mind of Eminem in the form of “Kim,” a track off his 2000 release “The Marshall Mathers LP.”

There’s nothing positive to say about “Kim” other than it does what it’s meant to do, and that’s make you feel sick to your stomach and scares the hell out of you.

In it, Eminem acts out a jealous fantasy on ex-wife Kim Mathers over an infidelity issue.

Now, Eminem is unquestionably one of the most talented emcees to ever pick up a microphone. That makes this particular song a fine example of how a brilliant person’s mind can sometimes be as equally destructive and unpleasant as it is productive and innovative. And even when it is innovative, it can be in the wrong vein.

There is no narrative in “Kim.” The song is merely a horrid event that the listener is eavesdropping on. The Detroit-based rapper uses his own voice even to portray his frightened and pleading significant other. This track is genuinely terrifying, and not in a good way.

An artist must know they’ve crossed the line between making a piece of expression and venturing into territory that is simply disturbing.