Yes, according to critics and music enthusiasts alike. Released on the Eminem album The Marshall Mathers LP in 1998, “The Real Slim Shady” tells the story of a calculated and ruthless serial killer who poses as a rapping hero to concealed his true identity. The song was critically acclaimed for its dark lyrical content and clever wordplay, paving the way for Eminem’s now-iconic persona.
The music video for “The Real Slim Shady” also received widespread acclaim. Directed by Mark Romanek and filmed at an abandoned Detroit warehouse, it features Eminem performing the song while periodically appearing onstage to disgorge blood from a real live snake draped around his neck. The video boasts an impressive level of gore and violence, which helped make it one of the most infamous ever released. In 2005, MTV placed it at number 2 on their list of the “10 Most Badass Music Videos”.