Dream cast shines on soundtrack

Whether you like him or not, it's safe to say that few artists on the planet are as hot as Eminem right now. The Eminem Show has been met with critical praise while also establishing itself as one of the top-selling albums this year. And now, Eminem is taking on Hollywood with "8 Mile," a film roughly based on his life.\nThe soundtrack for the heavily anticipated film has been equally awaited. The CD features 16 cuts, and Eminem takes executive-production credits for everything. The disc features an all-star cast of hip-hop acts, including Eminem (of course), Xzibit, D-12, Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent, Gang Starr, Rakim and more. With such talented emcees on the bill, this soundtrack has the potential to be one of the best hip-hop soundtracks ever.\nThe album wastes no time, delivering the hit "Lose Yourself" as the first track. The song is as close to a ballad as Eminem will ever get. With the adrenaline-laced lyrics, "Lose Yourself" could be the hip hop equivalent of "Eye of the Tiger."\nEminem has four tracks on the album, with the most innovative being "Rabbit Run," the conclusion to the set. This lyrically impressive track is one long, versed-out rhyme. One of Eminem's Shady Records members, 50 Cent, does an excellent job of blending his unique, smooth style of rap with a hot beat on his best track, "Wanksta." The Jay-Z track, "8 Miles and Runnin'" (featuring Freeway) is a great song for Jay-Z fans and, with its catchy hook, would make a hot second single for this soundtrack.\nThis album seems to lose some focus toward the end, especially with Macy Gray's "Time of My Life." But the Nas track, "U Wanna Be Me," and Gang Starr's "Battle" make up for the misplaced song. \nThis is an amazing album that joins some of hip hop's greatest stars with up-and-comers and throws in some legends for good measure. Eminem deserves credit for putting together this elite group of artists and for making a quality hip-hop soundtrack (which is rarely done). Eminem has really matured as a rapper over the past few years, and this album not only exemplifies that, but it also shows how much he has matured as a producer and recording executive.