Before 2020 took a plummeting nosedive into chaos and tragedy, it seemed to be kicking off on a high note — at least within the rap game, as came through with the surprise album Music To Be Murdered By. Viewed by many as  for the legendary emcee, Em’s Hitchcock-inspired project proved doubly exciting thanks to a musical reunion with his longtime friend and mentor . Boasting tracks like “Darkness,” “Godzilla,” “Marsh,” and the assisted “Lock It Up,” Em’s tenth studio album provided something for everybody.

Christopher Polk/Getty Images

It’s no wonder the album has gone on to become a fan-favorite, and while Em has always been a commercial juggernaut, it’s insane to see the numbers he’s still running after twenty-years deep. According to the findings of Chartdata, Music To Be Murdered By has officially surpassed over a billion streams on Spotify. Given that’s only one of the digital streaming platforms, the statistics are all the more impressive; expect platinum plaque certifications to follow, further decoration for Em’s already stacked wall.  

Given that the current cultural climate is rightfully somber, it’s difficult to imagine that Em will be releasing any further singles from Music To Be Murdered By anytime soon. Still, many fans have been circling back to a Revival track, “Untouchable,” which covers themes of police brutality and systemic racism. Clearly, the people still hold Em’s word in high regard, to the point where he remains one of hip-hop’s biggest draws. Have you been keeping his latest album on steady rotation?