The second version was on I am...it did not feature Rakim..Buddy, You might want to check up on that again. Criminal was Shock Value as I reiterate. Shock value does not need catchy beats or sing song hooks. Example: Kill You. Would that have been a hit? No. Is it lyrical? No. Same with Criminal. - posted by SkiddZ

I didnt know NY State Of Mind part 2 was on it... i was thinking of streets of new york, since it used the same beat as NY state of mind.. you got me there... but still, 2 songs do not make a classic

And Kill You was a moderately successful single. Not because of shock value. Do you forget the catchy chorus?

"You dont.... wanna fuck with shady! Why?
Cos shady... will fucking kill you!!"

when he says that, it can easily be swallowed by pop-fans since its sing song. Criminals chorus is:

"Cos everytime i write a rhyme these people thinks its a crime
To tell them whats on my mind...."

He just says that, no sing song, nothing. In addition, Criminals beat is a loop with soft pianos, while Kill You is a fast paced classical piano sample with Dres G-Funk. That means kill you's beat is more suited for a pop fan.

And it is lyrical. Throughout criminal, eminem strings 3-4 syllable multis together, with pure emotional anger, although it is comical. Just because you dont like his style doesnt mean hes crap. Eminem rapped about what he wanted to do and what he was thinking... shit its better than rapping about your ice and jewels and how many benz' u got