WITHOUT the input of Eminem it's difficult to see how D12 could ever have made it. But with him, the six-strong Detroit Hip Hop crew managed to shift more than 3.3 million copies of their debut album, Devil's Night.

D12 World has already undeservedly shot to the top of the charts. Admittedly it does have its moments, but predominantly on the tracks Mr Slim Shady is rapping on. Set to an infuriately catching chorus, My Band, sees Eminem - tongue firmly in cheek - goading the rest of the crew about his popularity and star quality compared to theirs. They respond with some entertaining exchanges. The savage 6 In The Morning also shines. Much of D12's lyrical content is very unpleasant, particularly towards women, with whom they express a tendency towards violence and even rape. Just Like You is especially nasty and has them dishing out some less than appropriate advice to their children. The running time is also yawningly self indulgent at nearly 80 minutes.

Updated: 10:02 Thursday, May 13, 2004