Eminem’s Slim Shady Persona Rests In A Body Bag On ‘The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)’ Album Cover

Eminem’s new album, The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), is getting closer and closer to release, and after sharing a pair of singles — the jovial “Houdini” and the more boastful “Tobey” — the Detroit rapper has shared the cover imagery. This time, his face is prominent displayed; the only catch is that it’s while he’s apparently being zipped into a body bag, echoing the theme of the title.

While the comedic “Houdini” video received a mixed reaction from fans who weren’t sure they liked the direction the album appeared to be headed in, the more innovative and tightly focused “Tobey” has been getting rave reviews, reflecting an Eminem hellbent on proving doubters and critics wrong. After many rappers, such as Skilla Baby, reflected the view that Eminem isn’t the best rapper — or even the best rapper from Detroit — Eminem has a few thoughts about where he ranks on lists of the best rappers of all time.

He has already said that his goal is to be the best rapper, not necessarily to make the best songs, so it makes sense that such assessments rub him the wrong way. He’ll probably have plenty of chances to reset expectations on his new album, which drops this Friday, July 12 via Shady/Aftermath/Interscope.