eminem life biography

Eminem is an American rapper, record producer and actor known as one of the most controversial and best-selling artists of the early 21st century.

1972-present

Who Is Eminem?

Rapper, actor and music producer Eminem is one of the best-selling musicians of the 21st century and one of the most influential rappers of all time.

Born Marshall Bruce Mathers III in 1972 in Missouri, Eminem had a turbulent childhood. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade and worked odd jobs until finally making it as a rapper upon the release of The Slim Shady LP in early 1999. The album went multi-platinum, garnering Eminem two Grammy Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards.

In 2000, Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP , which was noted as the fastest-selling album in rap history. Two years later, he delivered the Academy Award-winning song "Lose Yourself," from the semi-autobiographical drama 8 Mile .

In 2010, he released the Grammy-winning album Recovery , a highly autobiographical attempt to come to terms with his struggles with addiction and experience with rehabilitation.

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013) also garnered numerous accolades, and the rapper later followed with Revival (2017), Kamikaze (2018) and Music to Be Murdered By (2020).

Eminem's Mom and Dad

Eminem never knew his father, Marshall Mathers Jr., who abandoned the family when Eminem was still an infant and rebuffed all of his son's many attempts to contact him during his childhood.

As a result, Eminem was raised by his mother, Deborah Mathers. Eminem has been scathingly critical of the way his mother raised him. Through his song lyrics, he has publicly accused her of being addicted to prescription drugs as well as subjecting him to emotional and physical abuse.

Deborah has vehemently denied all such accusations, and in 1999 she filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against her son. They settled the case for $25,000.

In 2008, Deborah published My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem: Setting the Record Straight on My Life As Eminem's Mother , a memoir recounting her side of the story and their complicated relationship. In the book, she claims to have never exploited her son, and that her only concern was for her children.

Early Life and Education

Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Eminem's mother never managed to hold down a job for more than several months at a time, so they moved frequently between Missouri and Detroit, Michigan, spending large chunks of time in public housing projects.

"I would change schools two, three times a year," Eminem later recalled. "That was probably the roughest part about it all."

This itinerant lifestyle left a large impact on his personality. He had no close friends, kept almost entirely to himself and was treated like an outcast at each new school. "Beat up in the bathroom, beat up in the hallways, shoved into lockers," he remembered.

Eminem attended Lincoln High School in Warren, Michigan, where he failed the ninth grade three times and eventually dropped out at the age of 17. Yet despite being a poor student, Eminem always had a deep affinity for language, devouring comic books and even studying the dictionary.

"I found that no matter how bad I was at school, like, and no matter how low my grades might have been at some times, I always was good at English ... I just felt like I wanna be able to have all of these words at my disposal, in my vocabulary at all times whenever I need to pull 'em out. You know, somewhere, they'll be stored, like, locked away."

Ex-Wife and Daughter

Eminem was just 15 when he met 13-year-old Kim Ann Scott at a house party. Kim, who claimed that she didn't know her father and had been sexually abused by her stepfather, came to live with Eminem and his mother Deborah.

Eminem and Kim soon began dating, but their relationship was turbulent from the start. Deborah threw the couple out when Eminem dropped out of school. In 1995, the couple had a daughter named Hailie Jade Scott. The couple broke up and got back together many times, finally marrying just before Eminem left on his first major tour in 1999. They divorced in 2000.

Kim and Eminem continued to maintain a tumultuous off-and-on relationship until remarrying in 2006, then divorcing again several months later. Following their second divorce, the exes began a protracted, ugly and highly public custody dispute over their daughter Hailie.

Eminem has rapped about Hailie throughout his career, including on the 2004 song "Mockingbird" and throughout his 2017 album Revival. Hailie graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in psychology and has become an Instagram influencer.

Although at the time rap music was almost exclusively produced by Black people, Eminem, who has pale white skin and bright blue eyes, nevertheless entered into the Detroit rap scene as a frequent competitor in rap "battles"—competitions in which two rappers take turns insulting the other through improvised rap lyrics. Eminem proved highly skilled at such verbal sparring and, despite his race, quickly became one of the most respected figures in Detroit's underground rap scene.

He recalled, "I finally found something that yeah, this kid over here, you know, he may have more chicks, and he may, you know, have better clothes, or whatever, but he can't do this like me. You know what I mean? He can't write what I'm writing right now. And it started to feel like, you know, maybe Marshall's gettin' a little respect."

This period in Eminem's life—working odd jobs to make ends meet while participating in rap battles and desperately attempting to land a record contract—was later dramatized in Eminem's semi-autobiographical film from 2002, 8 Mile .

Eminem went on to become one of the most acclaimed rappers in the genre's brief history. As much as any other individual artist, he is responsible for rap's transformation into a mainstream music genre.

Albums and Songs

'infinite' (1996).

Inspired by the birth of his daughter Hailie to make a living as a rapper, Eminem released his first independent rap album, Infinite , in 1996.

Though the album displayed flashes of his verbal prowess, biting wit and flair for storytelling, the low-budget record failed to turn a profit or attract more than local attention.

'The Slim Shady EP' (1997) & 'The Slim Shady LP' (1999)

In 1997 Eminem released The Slim Shady EP , which was discovered by Dr. Dre , the legendary rapper and former producer of Eminem's favorite rap group N.W.A.

After Eminem traveled to Los Angeles and became runner-up in the 1997 Rap Olympics MC Battle, Dre listened to the rapper's cassette in the basement of executive Jimmy Iovine's home. Dre was so impressed that he signed Eminem to his Interscope Records label. In 1999, after two years of working with Dre, Eminem released The Slim Shady LP .

The heavily hyped record became an instant success, going on to sell over three million copies. Eminem's first single, "My Name Is," mixed a childish humor and energy with rampant profanity and flashes of violence — a potent and fascinating combination that felt different from anything else in rap.

'The Marshall Mathers LP' (2000)

Eminem released his second studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP , in May 2000. The album showed off Eminem's poetic talents as well as his emotional and artistic range. His songs vary from manically funny ("The Real Slim Shady") to heartbreakingly poignant ("Stan") to explosively violent ("Kim") to disarmingly self-critical ("The Way I Am").

The Marshall Mathers LP sold over 19 million copies worldwide, won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, received a nomination for Album of the Year and is widely considered among the greatest rap albums of all time.

Nevertheless, The Marshall Mathers LP also came under a firestorm of criticism for its excessive profanity, glorification of drugs and violence and its apparent homophobia and misogyny.

While Eminem attempted to mitigate such criticism by maintaining that his raps simply use the rough language he has been surrounded by since childhood, and later by performing a duet with Elton John at the 2001 Grammy Awards to demonstrate his openness to the gay community, Eminem nevertheless remains reviled in some quarters for his offensive lyrical content.

'Devil's Night' (2001)

In 2001, Eminem reconnected with several of his friends from the Detroit underground rap scene to form the group D12, recording an album called Devil's Night featuring the popular single "Purple Pills."

'The Eminem Show' (2002)

In 2002, Eminem released a new solo album, The Eminem Show , another popular and critically acclaimed album highlighted by the tracks "Without Me," "Cleaning Out my Closet" and "Sing for the Moment."

That same year, the artist was all over the airwaves with the 8 Mile track "Lose Yourself," which went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

'Encore' (2004)

Eminem's next album, 2004's Encore , was less successful than his previous efforts. It still featured popular songs such as "Like Toy Soldiers" and "Mockingbird."

For the next several years, Eminem recorded very little music and was largely consumed by personal problems. Following his second divorce from Kim in 2006, Eminem slipped further into alcoholism and addiction to sleeping pills and prescription painkillers. In December 2007, he overdosed and nearly died. "If I would have got to the hospital two hours later, that would have been it," he said.

'Relapse' (2009)

By early 2008, Eminem had managed to kick his addictions to drugs and alcohol and returned to recording music. He released his first album of new music in five years, Relapse , in 2009, featuring the singles "Crack a Bottle" and "Beautiful."

'Recovery' (2010)

In 2010, Eminem released another album, Recovery , a highly autobiographical attempt to come to terms with his struggles with addiction and experience with rehabilitation. His most acclaimed album in years, Recovery struck a somewhat gentler and more inspirational tone than his previous music, with the popular song "Love the Way You Lie."

Eminem said, "I don't want to go overboard with it but I do feel like that if I can help people that have been through a similar situation, then, you know, why not?" The revealing album won Eminem a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

After 10 years and seven albums, the rapper who shocked, appalled and fascinated the music world with the unbridled rage of his youthful music is reinventing himself as a mature artist.

"I started learning how to not be so angry about things, learning how to count my f---ing blessings instead. By doing that, I've become a happier person, instead of all this self-loathing I was doing for a while," Eminem said. "The music, I wouldn't say it's gotten happier, but it's definitely more upbeat. I feel like myself again."

'MMLP2' (2013)

Eminem released his eighth album, MMLP2 , on November 5, 2013. The announcement for the future Grammy-winning album, formally titled The Marshall Mathers LP 2 , was made during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.

On the awards show, Eminem leaked a snippet of the first single from the album, entitled "Berzerk." He went to reach of the top of charts with "The Monster," a track that also featured Rihanna and earned a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

'Shady XV' (2014)

In 2014, Eminem celebrated the 15th anniversary of his Shady Records label with a special two-CD set called ShadyXV . The collection features the label's most popular songs as well as some new material. The single "Guts Over Fear" quickly rose up the charts after its late October debut.

'Revival' (2017)

At the end of 2017, Eminem released his ninth studio album, Revival . Its first two singles, "Walk on Water" and "River," featured collaborations with pop superstars Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran .

The album as a whole divided critics and failed to garner the accolades notched by his previous efforts. None of the songs reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 100, while each of his three previous albums resulted in at least one No. 1 hit.

'Kamikaze' (2018)

While nearly four years passed between Eminem's eighth and ninth albums, fans only had to wait a few months before he dropped his next studio effort, Kamikaze , on August 31, 2018.

The surprise album kicked off with "Ringer," which featured the rapper diving right back into his disdain for President Donald Trump . In October 2017, Eminem had made headlines for a freestyle segment taped for the BET Hip Hop Awards, in which he ripped into Trump.

The single "Not Alike" attacked rapper Machine Gun Kelly, known as MGK, for lewd comments he had made several years before about Eminem's then-underage daughter, Hailie. After MGK replied with the track "Rap Devil," Eminem followed up with the single "Killshot," a barrage of insults about MGK's talents and lack of success, which shot to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album helped Eminem rebound from Revival. However, beyond the album's successes, Eminem was criticized for homophobic insults on the tracks "Killshot" and "Fall."

'Music to Be Murdered By' and 'Music to Be Murdered By – Side B' (2020)

As with Kamikaze , Eminem dropped Music to Be Murdered By with no advance warning in January 2020. The 20-track album was accompanied by the release of a video for "Darkness," which recalled the deadly mass shooting at the 2017 Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas and urged viewers to vote to change gun laws.

The following month, the rapper made a surprise appearance at the Academy Awards to perform his winner from the 2003 ceremony, "Lose Yourself."

In December 2020, the rapper released the follow-up album, Side B .

QUICK FACTS

• Birth date: October 17, 1972
• Birth State: Missouri
• Birth City: St. Joseph
• Astrological Sign: Libra

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us !

• There's obviously a limit to what people want to know, but I've pretty much put most of it out there.
• The emotions in a song, the anger, the aggression, have got to be legitimate.
• I think my first album opened a lot of doors for me to push the freedom of speech to the limit.
• My father? Never knew him. Never even seen a picture of him.
• I'm not afraid to take a stand.
• Opportunity comes once in a lifetime.
• Anything I've ever said I certainly meant at the time. But I think I've calmed down a bit.
• Whoever likes my stuff, likes my stuff. But just know that 'Slim Shady' is hip-hop. I grew up on hip-hop. It's the music that I love and the music I respect.
• A lot of my rhymes are just to get chuckles out of people. Anybody with half a brain is going to be able to tell when I'm joking and when I'm serious.
• There's a difference between realness and an act, and they're an act and they know they're an act. And they even say they're an act. They even say they're cornballs. They admit it."[On hip-hop group ICP.]

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• Born October 17 , 1972 · St. Joseph, Missouri, USA
• Birth name Marshall Bruce Mathers III
• Height 5′ 8″ (1.73 m)
• Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Deborah R. (Nelson) and Marshall Bruce Mathers, Jr., who were in a band together, Daddy Warbucks. He is of English, as well as some German, Scottish, and Swiss-German, ancestry. Marshall spent his early childhood being shoved back and forth from Kansas City and Detroit. He settled on the Eastside of Detroit when he was 12. Switching schools every two to three months made it difficult to make friends, graduate and to stay out of trouble. Marshall attended Lincoln High School in Warren, Michigan, 1986-1989. Being a rap fan for most of his life, Marshall began rapping at the early age of 4. Rhyming words together, battling schoolmates in the lunchroom brought joy to what was otherwise a painful existence. At the age of 14, he began to get very serious about his rapping but it wasn't until he was 17 that he actually made a name for himself, becoming M&M, which he would later respell as "Eminem". Being rejected by most fellow rappers because of his race, Marshall grew an anger that flows through his music to this day. After failing the 9th grade for three times in a row, he quit school, but has remarked that he does not consider himself stupid and does not advise that people should follow his example. He says that it just wasn't for him. Forcing himself on radio shows, freestyle battles, Marshall threw himself head first into the rap game, where he was swallowed up most of the time. His very first album was titled "Infinite" and, while the album sold less than a thousand copies, it was the gearing up stages for the rapper who became a millionaire. It was then that his daughter, Hailie Jade Scott, was born on December 25th of 1995 with long time girlfriend Kim Scott. Having nothing to lose at all, flat broke and not knowing where he would be living the next week, Marshall set out to rant about life in general, the set quickly caught the ear of hip-hop's difficult-to-please underground. What came out of this was the Slim Shady EP, the early work for the later Dr. Dre revised Slim Shady LP. Down to nearly his last dime, he went into the 1997 Rap Olympics in Los Angeles, basically hoping to win the $1,500 cash prize which he badly needed. After battling for an hour and throwing back every race diss thrown at him, Marshall made it to second place losing in a slip up. Furious that he had lost, Marshall didn't even notice that he had been spotted. In the crowd were a few producers from Interscope, and they were handed a copy of the "Infinite" tape by way of a demo. Dr. Dre got to hear it and eventually tracked him down. The two instantly hit it off, recording four songs in their first six hours of working - three which made it to his first LP. After the album was finished, Dr. Dre asked Marshall to come work with him on his new album. He helped produce several tracks and was on the best songs of the album. Now officially making it, Marshall and Dre set to make his second LP. The album became the Marshall Mathers LP and won 3 Grammies and was the first rap album ever to be nominated "Album of the Year", selling more than 8 million records in the United States alone. He also stunned critics when he shot down all homophobic remarks by performing "Stan" with Elton John . Eminem made a movie, 8 Mile (2002) . Though 2001 was a rough year for the rapper, being charged with weapon offenses, divorcing his wife, and almost going to prison, Marshall has explained his life in one word: "Claimer". - IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous and Rod Reece
• Eminem is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record executive and actor. He is one of the most successful artists of the 21st century. In addition to his solo career, Eminem was a member of the hip hop group D12. He is known for collaborations with Detroit-based rapper Royce da 5'9"; the two are collectively known as Bad Meets Evil. Eminem starred in the drama film 8 Mile (2002) playing a fictionalized version of himself, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself", making him the first hip hop artist to ever win the award. He has made cameo appearances in the films The Wash (2001), Funny People (2009), and The Interview (2014), and the television series Entourage (2010). Eminem is among the best-selling music artists of all time. The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, "Lose Yourself", "Love the Way You Lie" and "Not Afraid" have all been certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Eminem has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, an Academy Award and a MTV Europe Music Global Icon Award. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Tango Papa
• Spouses Kimberly Anne Scott (January 14, 2006 - December 19, 2006) (divorced) Kimberly Anne Scott (June 14, 1999 - October 5, 2001) (divorced, 1 child)
• Children Alaina Scott Mathers Whitney Scott Mathers Hailie Jade Mathers
• Parents Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr. Deborah R. Nelson
• Relatives Nathan Kane Samara (Half Sibling) Sarah Mathers (Half Sibling) Michael Mathers (Half Sibling) Michigan Colo (Cousin)
• Dark brown hair and bright blue eyes
• Dying his hair blonde
• Dark and twisted lyrics
• Often mentions his mother, ex-wife Kim Scott and his daughters in his songs
• Known for bending words in his rhymes to be more creative
• Adopted his ex-wife's, Kimberly Anne Scott , other daughter with another man. Her name is Whitney (b. April 16, 2002).
• In his interview with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes (1968) , he admitted he does not allow the same amount of profanity he uses in his songs in his house.
• Has custody of his niece Alaina Marie Scott , Lainie for short. Lainie and his daughter Hailie Jade Mathers have been brought up together and are considered sisters and he refers to both as his daughters. Lainie was mentioned in the song Mockingbird on the "Encore" album.
• Adopted niece, Alaina Marie Scott , giving her his last name.
• Has said that he would like his daughter, Hailie Jade Mathers , to become an actress.
• I don't want them once they turn 18 - On Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera .
• At this point, I'm like "Come up with something new. I hate the same old questions. But it seems like "white" magazines such as Spin and Rolling Stone focus on my "whiteness" more than Black magazines" --On his colour
• Why is it so hard for people to believe that white people are poor?! I wouldn't say I lived in a ghetto, I'd say I lived in the 'hood. The same friends I had back then are the same people on tour with me now
• There's a difference between realness and an act, and they're an act, and they know they're an act, and they even say they're an act, they even say they're cornballs, they admit it. --On Insane Clown Posse
• My family has never been there for me. They expect things because we're blood. --On his family
• 8 Mile (2002) - $3,000,000

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Eminem Biography

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, 17 October 1973, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. This white rapper burst onto the US charts in 1999 with a controversial take on the horrorcore genre. Mathers endured an itinerant childhood, living with his mother in various states before eventually ending up in Detroit at the age of 12. He took up rapping in high school before dropping out in ninth grade, joining ad hoc groups Basement Productions, the New Jacks, and D12. The newly named Eminem released a raw debut album in 1997 through independent label FBT. Infinite was poorly received, however, with Eminem earning unfavorable comparisons to leading rappers such as Nas and AZ. His determination to succeed was given a boost by a prominent feature in Source’s Unsigned Hype column, and he gained revenge on his former critics when he won the Wake Up Show’s Freestyle Performer Of The Year award, and finished runner-up in Los Angeles’ annual Rap Olympics. The following year’s The Slim Shady EP, named after his sinister alter-ego, featured some vitriolic attacks on his detractors. The stand-out track, “Just Don’t Give A fuck”, became a highly popular underground hit, and led to guest appearances on MC Shabaam Sahddeq’s “Five Star Generals” single and Kid Rock’s Devil Without A Cause set. As a result, Eminem was signed to Aftermath Records by label boss Dr. Dre, who adopted the young rapper as his protege and acted as co-producer on Eminem’s full-length debut. Dre’s beats featured prominently on The Slim Shady LP, a provocative feast of violent, twisted lyrics, with a moral outlook partially redeemed by Eminem’s claim to be only “voicing” the thoughts of the Slim Shady character. Parody or no parody, lyrics to tracks such as “97 Bonnie & Clyde” (which contained lines about killing the mother of his child) and frequent verbal outbursts about his mother were held by many, outside even the usual Christian moral majority, to be deeply irresponsible. The album was buoyed by the commercial success of the singles “My Name Is” and “Guilty Conscience” (the former helped by a striking, MTV-friendly video), and climbed to number 2 on the US album chart in March 1999.

Eminem subsequently made high profile appearances on Rawkus Records’ Soundbombing Volume 2 compilation and Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott’s Da Real World. He was also in the news when his mother filed a lawsuit claiming that comments made by the rapper during interviews and on The Slim Shady LP had caused, amongst other things, emotional distress, damage to her reputation and loss of self-esteem. None of which harmed the sales of Eminem’s follow-up album, The Marshall Mathers LP, which debuted at number 1 on the US album chart in May 2000 and established him as the most successful rapper since the mid-90s heyday of 2Pac and Snoop Doggy Dogg. By the end of the year, however, his troubled personal life and a serious assault charge had removed the gloss from his phenomenal commercial success. Despite criticism from gay rights groups, the rapper swept up three Grammy Awards the following February. He also reunited with his D12 colleagues to record the transatlantic chart-topping Devil’s Night.

Eminem’s new studio album, The Eminem Show, was premiered by single “Without Me”. The track, which debuted at UK number 1 in May 2002, featured a sample from Malcolm McLaren’s “Buffalo Girls” and was supported by a controversial video which saw the rapper dressing up as Osama Bin Laden. The album debuted at number 1 on both sides of the Atlantic. Later in the year, Eminem made his mainstream acting debut in 8 Mile. The lead single from the soundtrack, “Lose Yourself”, gave the rapper his first US number 1 single in November.

Eminem Biography 2

Although he’s only been in the public eye since 1999, Marshall Mathers (aka Eminem) has crammed at least a decade’s worth of career highs and lows into those few short, high-profile years. The Detroit-based Dr. Dre protégé has invoked the wrath of women and homosexuals with his offensive lyrics; become enemies with Moby, Everlast, Fred Durst, and Christina Aguilera; provided tabloids with plenty of gossip fodder regarding his personal life…and in the process become just about the biggest rock star on the planet. This is because Eminem isn’t just about controversy and shock value: This often misunderstood major talent has actually given white rappers genuine credibility in this post-Vanilla Ice age with his string of dynamic hits (both solo and with his side group, D12), his plethora of Grammy nominations, his critically acclaimed film 8 Mile, and his three multiplatinum studio albums, which–once one gets past the hype and hullabaloo that surround them–are some of the most creative, original, and exciting releases of the rap genre (or any musical genre) in the past decade.

Mathers was born into a poor, working-class family on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri, though he spent much of his youth in Detroit, the city he would eventually put on the rap map. Originally taking on the stage name M&M (later changed to its current spelling), at age 14 he became a battle rapper, competing against other Detroit MCs in local clubs. After a short stint with a rap act called New Jacks, in 1995 he made his recording debut with a group called Soul Intent, which introduced him to a rapper named Proof, who appeared on that single’s B-side. Eminem and Proof soon started a new group called D12 with four other MCs (Bizarre, Kon Artis, Swift, and Kuniva), while Eminem simultaneously launched his solo career with two independent releases, 1996’s Infinite and 1997’s The Slim Shady EP, which featured his trademark dark, disturbing, angry lyrics. Eminem drew from his troubled personal life when penning such bleak words: He had just had a daughter with his on/off girlfriend, Kim, with whom he had a very tumultuous relationship; he was estranged from his mother, with whom he also frequently butted heads; he was abusing alcohol and drugs with alarming frequency; and he had attempted suicide on at least one occasion. Though these harrowing experiences provided inspiration for some brilliant if nasty and offensive lyrics, Mathers was at such a low point in his life that it seemed there was nowhere to go but up.

Enter Interscope Records honcho Jimmy Iovine, who–impressed by Eminem’s fresh and bold style–approached the struggling rapper after seeing him take second place in the freestyle category at 1997’s Rap Olympics. Iovine later played Eminem’s demo tape for super-producer and former Death Row Records chief/NWA member Dr. Dre, who immediately liked what he heard, contacted Eminem, and started a fruitful creative partnership with Eminem that exists to this day. (Legend has it that the two recorded Eminem’s first big hit single, “My Name Is,” within an hour after first meeting each other.) Interscope quickly signed Mathers, and Dre produced his major-label debut album, The Slim Shady LP, which was released in February 1999 to both massive acclaim and derision, eventually going triple-platinum.

Eminem’s follow-up, 2000’s Marshall Mathers LP, was an even bigger phenomenon, selling almost 2 million copies in its first week of release alone, thus becoming the fastest-selling hip-hop album of all time. However, the album stirred up even more of an uproar than its predecessor, making Mathers the target of much public hatred. Among other conflicts and controversies, the album created a feud with pop princess Christina Aguilera (the single “The Real Slim Shady” alleged that she had performed oral sex on both Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst and MTV’s Carson Daly); led his mother to file a defamation lawsuit against him (a judge later dismissed the case); and generated accusations of homophobia and sexism mostly centering around the songs “Kill You” and “Kim” (the latter a rant about the mother of his child, whom he had recently married but would soon divorce, and later reconcile with yet again). But Eminem thrived on the controversy, becoming an even bigger superstar and racking up a surprising number of Grammy nominations in 2001, much to the chagrin of his many outspoken detractors. And he kept people guessing about how much of the Slim Shady “character” was really the real deal, when he performed a duet version of his single “Stan” with the openly gay Elton John at the Grammys ceremony, even warmly hugging Elton onstage. Mathers won three Grammys that night–Best Rap Solo Performance (for “The Real Slim Shady”), Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group (for his work on the Dr. Dre duet “Forgot About Dre”), and Best Rap Album (for The Marshall Mathers LP)–adding to the two statuettes he’d won the previous year for “My Name Is” (Best Rap Solo Performance) and The Slim Shady LP (Best Rap Album).

There seemed no stopping Eminem–not even convictions on weapons and assault charges (stemming from separate incidents involving his estranged wife with another man and rival Detroit rap act Insane Clown Posse). Eminem was sentenced to community service and kept on recording, releasing Devil’s Night with old group D12 in 2001 and then The Eminem Show, one of the most critically heralded albums of 2002 and his most personal work yet. He also revealed more of his real-life persona in 8 Mile, a Rocky-style feelgood flick lensed by L.A. Confidential/Wonder Boys director Curtis Hanson that presented a sort of cleaned-up version of Eminem’s rags-to-riches life story. Eminem put on such an impressive performance in the film that there was actually speculation that he would receive a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars in 2003.

While Eminem may have seemed like a novelty act at first–with his shocking, four-letter lyrics, cartoonish bad-boy image, and, of course, pale skin color (a real anomaly in hip-hop)–he has since established himself as one of the most important artists of his time and a true force to be reckoned with, continuing to cross both color boundaries and genre boundaries with his edgy, rock-tinged raps. With his turbulent personal life, powder-keg temper, and tendency to tangle with the law, it is still uncertain how long his career will last before he burns out, but it’s already obvious that his music had made history and will long outlast any controversy that dogs him.

– Lyndsey Parker

Eminem Biography 3

In a few short months, Eminem has gone from being one of the most heralded emcees in independent hip-hop to one of the most provocative, controversial rappers in contemporary pop music. The overnight success of his debut album, The Slim Shady LP, literally rocked the rap world, making him one of the biggest music success stories of 1999. But Eminem is more than the latest rap artist to blow up. He’s spent the last several years paying his dues, and his lyrics, which cover topics such as poverty and single parenthood, reflect a rough upbringing. His unlikely acceptance by the pop mainstream has made some wonder how his popularity will affect the future of hip-hop music.

Before he had the world singing along to “My Name Is …,” he was Marshall Mathers, a poor kid growing up in Warren, Mich. “It’s like the real, stereotypical, trailer park, white trash,” Eminem told Rap Pages earlier this year. As a child, he and his mother moved constantly, staying at relatives’ homes in places as disparate as Warren and Kansas City, Mo. As a result, Marshall found it difficult to make friends, and he retreated into his comic books and television. “I didn’t really start opening up until eighth grade, going into ninth,” he said.

When Mathers was 12, his mother finally settled down on the east side of Detroit. There, he attended Lincoln Junior High School and Osbourne High School, hanging out with friends and listening to artists like LL Cool J and the 2 Live Crew. He battled against other rappers at his high school, and quickly gained a reputation as a nimble rhymer. But his penchant for skipping school led him to fail the ninth grade. After dropping out of high school, he held down several odd jobs, while continuing to work on his craft. “I tried to go back to school five years ago,” he said, “but I couldn’t do it. I just wanted to rap and be a star one day.”

Mathers rapped in several groups such as Basement Productions, the New Jacks, and Sole Intent, before deciding to go solo. In 1997, he released an album, Infinite, through a local company called FBT Productions; it was met with derision from the local hip-hop community. “I was getting a lot of feedback saying I sounded like Nas or Jay-Z,” he admitted. Despite the criticism, Eminem continued to promote himself through shows and appearances at radio stations and freestyle competitions across the nation. His perseverance garnered him a notice in the Source’s influential “Unsigned Hype” column. Later that year, he won the 1997 Wake Up Show Freestyle Performer of the Year from L.A. DJs Sway and Tech, and earned second place in Rap Sheet magazine’s “Rap Olympics,” an annual freestyle rap competition.

In 1998, Eminem put out The Slim Shady EP, which contained the original version of “Just Don’t Give A Fuck” “Slim Shady is the evil side of me, the sarcastic, foul-mouthed side of me,” he said during an interview with the Source. The EP made him an underground star, and Eminem was invited to appear on underground MC Shabaam Sahdeeq’s “Five Star Generals” single, Kid Rock’s Devil Without a Cause, and other rap releases. At the end of the year, Eminem put out a popular 12-inch, “Nuttin’ to Do/ Scary Movies,” with fellow Detroit rapper Royce the 5’9″.

Meanwhile, a copy of The Slim Shady EP made its way into the hands of Dr. Dre, the legendary creator of The Chronic and N.W.A., and current president of Aftermath Entertainment. Dr. Dre quickly signed Eminem to his label, and the two began preparing The Slim Shady EP for a full-fledged release, adding songs like “My Name Is …” and “Guity Conscience.” Early in 1999, Eminem made the world take notice with his charismatic video for “My Name Is …” parodying everyone from Marilyn Manson to the President of the United States. Shortly afterward, The Slim Shady LP debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Album Chart. Its sensationalistic depiction of rampant drug use, rape, sex, and violence horrified some; equally disturbing was Eminem’s various four-letter-word insults directed at his mother and songs like “’97 Bonnie and Clyde,” where Eminem fantasized about killing the mother of his child.

In defense, Eminem claimed that he was just speaking his mind. “I do feel like I’m coming from a standpoint where people don’t realize there are a lot of poor white people,” he explained in the Source. “Rap music kept my mind off all the bulls–t I had to go through.” His cynical take on life struck a chord with millions of rap fans, and drove The Slim Shady LP to double-platinum-plus sales. He began to tour, including a solo jaunt with the Beatnuts and Mixmaster Mike.

While most in the hip-hop community greeted Eminem with open arms, others took a more cautious approach, wondering why rock stations across the country who never played rap music added “My Name Is …” to their playlists. Was it because Eminem was the first “legitimate” white rapper to gain widespread popularity? “I’m white in a music started by black people. I’m not ignorant to the culture and I’m not trying to take anything away from the culture,” he said in his defense. “But no one has a choice where they grew up or what color they are. If you’re a rich kid or a ghetto kid you have no control over your circumstance. The only control you have is to get out of your situation or stay in it.”

Throughout the year, Eminem has continued to record for other artists, making appearances on Sway and Tech’s This or That compilation, DJ Spinna’s Heavy Beats Vol. 1, Missy Elliott’s Da Real World, the Soundbombing 2 compilation, and Dr. Dre’s highly anticipated sequel to The Chronic, Chronic 2001: No Seeds. And in June and July of 1999, the rapper took to the road with the Warped tour, filling in for Cypress Hill, who decided to forgo the tour in favor of recording its next album.

After wrapping up his touring commitments, Eminem plans to take a short break before returning to the studio to record the follow up to The Slim Shady LP. In the meantime, he can bask in the glow of his many awards. Not only is he up for Best New Artist in the Source’s Hip-Hop Music Awards, he also garnered four MTV Video Music Awards — “My Name Is …” nabbed nods for Best Male Video, Best New Artist, and Best Director, and “Guilty Conscience” earned him a Breakthrough Video nomination.

– Mosi Reeves, Wall Of Sound

Eminem Biography 4

The average rapper wouldn’t be able to grace the pages of Rap Pages, VIBE, Rolling Stone, Spin, The Source, URB and Stress and go on a national tour months before their major-label debut album is released. Then again, Eminem isn’t an average rapper. He’s phenomenal.

The impending release of the The Slim Shady LP, his first set on Aftermath/Interscope Records, already has underground hip-hop heads fiending for Eminem. Chock full of dazzling lyrical escapades that delve into the mind of a violently warped and vulgar yet extremely talented wordsmith, the 14-cut collection contains some of the most memorable and demented lyrics ever recorded.

For Eminem, his potentially controversial and undoubtedly offensive songs will strike a chord with a multitude of hip-hop loyalists who believe they have little to lose and everything to gain.

“I’m not alone in feeling the way I feel,” he says. “I believe that a lot of people can relate to my shit–whether white, black, it doesn’t matter. Everybody has been through some shit, whether it’s drastic or not so drastic. Everybody gets to the point of ‘I don’t give a fuck.'”

Those words are more than just a slogan for the Detroit resident. “I Just Don’t Give A Fuck” and “Brain Damage” are the two songs comprising Eminem’s initial single from The Slim Shady LP. Each tune is sure to paralyze meek listeners with their relentless lyrical assault. Produced primarily by long-time collaborators FBT Productions, the Slim Shady LP also features beatwork from Aftermath CEO Dr. Dre. The N.W.A. alum handled beats for “My Name Is” (the second single), “Guilty Conscience” and “Role Model.”

Dr. Dre was so impressed after hearing Eminem freestyling on a Los Angeles radio station that he put out a manhunt for the Michigan rhymer. Shortly thereafter, Dre signed Eminem to his Aftermath imprint and the two began working together. Thoroughly impressed with Eminem’s previously released independent Slim Shady EP, Dre said they would include many of the EP’s tracks on the album.

“It was an honor to hear the words out of Dre’s mouth that he liked my shit,” Eminem says. “Growing up, I was one of the biggest fans of N.W.A, from putting on the sunglasses and looking in the mirror and lipsinking to wanting to be Dr. Dre, to be Ice Cube. This is the biggest hip-hop producer ever.”

But like many other rappers, Eminem’s rise to stardom was far from easy. After being born in Kansas City and traveling back and forth between KC and the Detroit metropolitan area, Eminem and his mother moved into the Eastside of Detroit when he was 12. Switching schools every two to three months made it difficult to make friends, graduate and to stay out of trouble.

Rap, however, became Eminem’s solace. Battling schoolmates in the lunchroom brought joy to what was otherwise a painful existence. Although he would later drop out of school and land several minimum-wage-paying, full-time jobs, his musical focus remained constant.

Eminem released his debut album, Infinite, in 1996. Desperate to be embraced by the Motor City’s hip-hop scene, Eminem rapped in such a manner that he was accused of sounding like Nas and AZ.

“Infinite was me trying to figure out how I wanted my rap style to be, how I wanted to sound on the mic and present myself,” he recalls. “It was a growing stage. I felt like Infinite was like a demo that just got pressed up.”

After being thoroughly disappointed and hurt by the response Infinite received, Eminem began working on what would later become the Slim Shady EP — a project he made for himself. Featuring several scathing lines about local music industry personalities as well as devious rants about life in general, the set quickly caught the ear of hip-hop’s difficult-to-please underground.

“I had nothing to lose, but something to gain,” Eminem says of that point in his life. “If I made an album for me and it was to my satisfaction, then I succeeded. If I didn’t, then my producers were going to give up on the whole rap thing we were doing. I made some shit that I wanted to hear. The Slim Shady EP, I lashed out on everybody who talked shit about me.”

By presenting himself as himself, Eminem and his career took off. Soon after giving the Rap Coalition’s Wendy Day a copy of the Infinite album at a chance meeting, she helped the aspiring lyrical gymnast secure a spot at the Coalition’s 1997 Rap Olympics in Los Angeles, where he won second place in the freestyle competition. During the trip, Eminem and his manager, Paul Rosenberg, gave a few people from Interscope Records his demo and he made his major radio debut on the world famous Wake Up Show with Sway and Tech. Realizing that this was the opportunity of his lifetime, Eminem delivered a furious medley of lyrics that wowed his hosts and radio audience alike.

“I felt like it’s my time to shine,” Eminem says of that performance. “I have to rip this. At that time, I felt that it was a life or death situation.”

Eminem would soon record the underground classic “5 Star Generals.” This record helped establish him in Japan, New York and Los Angeles. It also helped him earn a spot on the inaugural Lyricist Lounge tour, which took him to stages from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.

Set to take the hip-hop world by storm with his unique lyrical approach and punishing production, Eminem and his The Slim Shady LP are sure to have listeners captivated.

“I do say things that I think will shock people,” he says. “But I don’t do things to shock people. I’m not trying to be the next Tupac, but I don’t know how long I’m going to be on this planet. So while I’m here, I might as well make the most of it.”

– Official Site, Eminem.com

Eminem Biography 5

Who would have guessed that a white boy from Michigan would be the one to move today’s jaded hip-hop world? Without any warning, Eminem burst onto the rap scene spouting more vulgarity than ever with his first 14-cut collection, The Slim Shady LP, distributed by Aftermath/Interscope Records. “I Just Don’t Give a F–k,” the signature piece on his demented album, and “Brain Damage,” which literally did just that to listeners, are the two most notable songs exhibiting for his dirty mouth. So good, in fact, that legendary rap artist/producer Dr. Dre scouted the angry chirpster after hearing him freestyle on the radio to collaborate on Dre’s own label, Aftermath. The impressed Dre did not hesitate to include many of Slim’s independently released EP tracks as Eminem jumped at the offer to work with “the biggest hip-hop producer ever.”

As randomly offensive as his lyrics may seem, Eminem has mastered his talent into a form of reclaiming his pride. He spent his childhood roaming from his birthplace, Kansas City, to Detroit with his mother, never being able to find a stable hometown and school. Hence he pursued a life and identity in the hip-hop culture by releasing a debut album, Infinite, in 1996. Ironically, the response to his debut stifled his self-expression as he was labelled as a Nas and AZ sound-alike. Ripe for revenge, Eminem bombarded his critics with The Slim Shady EP, which not only gave the rapper a chance at originality but also at stirring controversy with his remorseless tunes of fury.

Yet it would do him no justice to dismiss him as a spiteful cursing machine. His fascinating freestyle ability is easy to underestimate or even recognize with the scorching flames blowing out of his mouth. At the start of his rap career, Eminem personally sent a copy of his overlooked debut album to Wendy Day from the Rap Coalition. Her nod of approval got him into the Coalition’s 1997 Rap Olympics in Los Angeles, where he was honoured with second place in the freestyle competition. With the help of his manager, Paul Rosenberg, Interscope Records got a hold of his demo. Finally Eminem decided that it was his “time to shine” on his radio debut on the world-famous Wake Up Show with Sway and Tech by spewing a most ferocious lyrical mix that literally slapped the faces of the hosts and listeners wide awake. His underground classic “5 Star General” stretched out to Japan, New York, and Los Angeles, which also won him a spot on the inaugural Lyricist Lounge tour.

Before long, Eminem was a superstar and one of music’s most controversial figures. His shocking lyrics (both solo and with side posse D12), his duet with Elton John, his public trials with his on/off wife and estranged mother…all of these things and more kept him in the public eye so often, he made Tommy Lee look like a social recluse. But Eminem’s music kept his profile high too, as his Slim Shady and Marshall Mathers LPs sold by the millions; the latter was even nominated for several Grammys, including album of the year.

In the age of bored and hungry hip-hopsters, Eminem, with his fiery eyes and blazing lyrics, has broken into the rap and hip-hop dome by melting the image of the sold-out Vanilla Ice. You may hate his anger, but it’s his only ammunition, and as long he is who he is, Eminem is going to take nothing back.

– Interscope

Eminem & 50 Cent fan site

Eminem50Cent.com © 2024

Eminem - Biography

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Eminem: The Journey of a Rap Icon

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, is a globally renowned rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Rising from humble beginnings in Detroit, Michigan, Eminem emerged as one of the most influential and controversial figures in hip-hop history. With his unparalleled lyrical prowess, intricate rhyme schemes, and raw storytelling, he has captivated audiences worldwide, earning numerous accolades, including 15 Grammy Awards. Eminem’s impact extends beyond music; his fearless exploration of personal struggles, societal issues, and the human condition has made him a cultural icon and a voice for the disenfranchised, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest artists of our time.

Early Life and Struggles

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, faced an upbringing marked by hardship and adversity, which would later become a central theme in his music and persona as an artist. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, a city known for its vibrant music scene as well as its socio-economic challenges, Eminem’s early life was characterized by instability and struggle. The absence of his father, who left the family when Eminem was just an infant, and the difficulties posed by his mother’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, created a tumultuous home environment. These personal challenges were compounded by the poverty and racial tensions of his neighborhood, shaping Eminem’s worldview and artistic expression.

Despite—or perhaps because of—these adversities, Eminem found a powerful outlet in hip-hop, a genre that itself emerged from the struggles of urban life. Hip-hop offered Eminem a platform to articulate his experiences, frustrations, and aspirations. The young Marshall Mathers was drawn to the raw honesty and expressive power of rap, seeing in it a means to voice his own story and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Eminem’s entry into the world of hip-hop was marked by his participation in local freestyle battles and open-mic sessions, environments that were often competitive and unforgiving. These early experiences in Detroit’s hip-hop scene were instrumental in honing his skills as a rapper and performer. Eminem quickly became known for his sharp wit, rapid-fire delivery, and ability to craft complex rhymes, standing out even in a culture and genre that was predominantly African American. His persistence in the face of skepticism and outright hostility not only tested his resolve but also deepened his commitment to his craft.

The struggle to be taken seriously as a white rapper in a genre that was deeply rooted in the African American experience was a significant hurdle for Eminem. However, his undeniable talent and unique voice eventually broke through the barriers of race and expectation. Eminem’s early life and the obstacles he overcame played a crucial role in shaping his music, imbuing it with authenticity, emotional depth, and a rebellious spirit that resonated with a wide audience. His journey from a troubled youth in Detroit to one of the most influential figures in hip-hop is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of music as a means of expression and escape.

Rise to Fame

Eminem’s ascent to global fame is a story of talent, controversy, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression. The release of “The Slim Shady LP” in 1999 marked a turning point in Eminem’s career, transforming him from an underground rapper struggling for recognition into one of the most provocative and compelling voices in contemporary music. Produced by Dr. Dre, a legend in the hip-hop industry, the album offered a perfect platform for Eminem’s vivid storytelling, dark humor, and intricate rhymes, introducing the world to his alter ego, Slim Shady—a persona that allowed Eminem to delve into the darker, more violent aspects of his psyche and society at large.

“The Slim Shady LP” struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, thanks to its candid exploration of topics like poverty, family dysfunction, and the American dream turned nightmare. Eminem’s ability to blend razor-sharp wit with deeply personal narratives won him a devoted following and considerable commercial success, earning the album a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

The momentum from “The Slim Shady LP” carried Eminem to even greater heights with the release of “The Marshall Mathers LP” in 2000. This album, which includes some of his most iconic tracks such as “Stan” and “The Real Slim Shady,” pushed boundaries further, exploring the impact of fame on his personal life and the darker corners of American culture. It became one of the fastest-selling albums in music history and solidified Eminem’s status as a critical and commercial powerhouse.

Eminem’s follow-up, “The Eminem Show” in 2002, continued to build on his legacy, offering introspection on fame, personal growth, and political commentary, showcasing his evolution as an artist and individual. The album’s success further established Eminem as not just a rap superstar but a significant figure in the music industry, capable of crossing genres and appealing to a broad audience.

Throughout his rise to fame, Eminem faced criticism for the controversial themes in his music, including accusations of misogyny, homophobia, and glorification of violence. Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, Eminem’s work resonated with listeners who found in his music a raw articulation of anger, disillusionment, and defiance that few other artists were willing to express.

Eminem’s early career and subsequent rise to fame are characterized by his willingness to confront his own demons and society’s ills head-on, using his skill as a lyricist and storyteller to craft compelling narratives that captivated millions. His journey from the streets of Detroit to the pinnacle of the music world is a testament to his extraordinary talent, resilience, and the transformative power of art to address, provoke, and reflect upon the human condition.

Noteworthy Achievements

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, stands as a towering figure in the landscape of contemporary music, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the hip-hop genre and beyond. His illustrious career is adorned with a plethora of noteworthy achievements that have solidified his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

At the forefront of Eminem’s achievements lie his unparalleled success in the realm of awards and accolades. With an impressive array of Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards to his name, Eminem has continually been recognized for his artistic excellence and innovation. Notably, in 2003, he etched his name in history by becoming the first rapper ever to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Lose Yourself,” an anthemic track featured in the critically acclaimed film “8 Mile,” in which Eminem also delivered a gripping performance as the lead character, Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr.

Eminem’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the music industry, as evidenced by his ventures into the realm of acting. With roles in films such as “8 Mile” and “The Interview,” Eminem has showcased his versatility and charisma on the silver screen, earning praise from audiences and critics alike for his compelling performances. These forays into acting have further solidified Eminem’s status as a multifaceted artist capable of transcending artistic boundaries.

In addition to his achievements in music and acting, Eminem has also made significant contributions to the hip-hop community through the establishment of his record label, Shady Records. Founded in 1999, Shady Records has served as a platform for emerging artists in the hip-hop genre, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents and pursue their artistic aspirations under Eminem’s guidance and mentorship. Through Shady Records, Eminem has played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of hip-hop talent, further cementing his legacy as a trailblazer and visionary within the music industry.

Eminem’s noteworthy achievements span the realms of music, acting, and entrepreneurship, underscoring his remarkable impact and enduring influence on popular culture. From his groundbreaking musical accomplishments to his compelling performances on the big screen and his instrumental role in shaping the future of hip-hop through Shady Records, Eminem’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the fabric of contemporary music and entertainment, ensuring his legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Challenges and Adversity

Eminem’s meteoric rise to fame has been accompanied by a myriad of challenges and controversies that have tested his resolve and resilience. From the outset of his career, Eminem’s provocative lyrics and audacious public persona have courted controversy and criticism from a wide array of quarters, including politicians, parents, and advocacy organizations. His unapologetic embrace of controversial topics and willingness to push societal boundaries have often sparked heated debates and condemnation, with some detractors labeling his music as offensive or harmful.

Moreover, Eminem’s personal struggles with addiction and mental health have been well-documented, adding another layer of complexity to his tumultuous journey. Throughout his career, Eminem has grappled with substance abuse issues, including an addiction to prescription medications, which have had a profound impact on his personal life and artistic endeavors. His battles with addiction have been publicly scrutinized and scrutinized, leading to periods of personal turmoil and creative stagnation.

Despite the myriad challenges and setbacks he has faced, Eminem has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to confronting his demons and overcoming adversity. Through his music, he has candidly addressed his struggles with addiction and mental health, using his platform to shed light on these often taboo topics and advocate for greater understanding and compassion. Eminem’s willingness to lay bare his vulnerabilities and confront his inner demons has earned him admiration and respect from fans and peers alike, cementing his reputation as a fearless and introspective artist.

In addition to his personal struggles, Eminem has also faced professional challenges and setbacks throughout his career. Despite achieving unprecedented commercial success and critical acclaim, he has weathered periods of creative drought and artistic criticism, with some critics questioning the relevance and authenticity of his later work. Nevertheless, Eminem has remained undeterred in his pursuit of musical excellence, continuously pushing himself to evolve as an artist and refine his craft.

Eminem’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-expression. Despite facing numerous challenges and adversities, he has emerged stronger and more determined than ever, using his music as a vehicle for personal catharsis and social commentary. Eminem’s willingness to confront controversy, confront his inner demons, and confront adversity head-on has solidified his status as one of the most influential and enduring artists of his generation.

Major Turning Points

Eminem’s career is punctuated by several major turning points that have shaped his trajectory and solidified his status as a cultural icon. These pivotal moments mark significant milestones in his personal and professional journey, defining the evolution of his artistry and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

One of the earliest turning points in Eminem’s career came with the release of his major-label debut album, “The Slim Shady LP,” in 1999. This album introduced the world to Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady, and showcased his unparalleled lyrical prowess and provocative storytelling. With hits like “My Name Is” and “Guilty Conscience,” the album propelled Eminem to mainstream success, earning critical acclaim and establishing him as one of the most formidable talents in hip-hop.

Another pivotal moment in Eminem’s career came with the release of his third studio album, “The Marshall Mathers LP,” in 2000. Widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, “The Marshall Mathers LP” shattered records and earned Eminem widespread acclaim. The album’s raw honesty and unapologetic lyricism struck a chord with audiences worldwide, catapulting Eminem to superstardom and solidifying his reputation as a fearless and introspective artist.

In 2002, Eminem further solidified his status as a cultural icon with his portrayal of Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr. in the critically acclaimed film “8 Mile.” The semi-autobiographical film, which drew inspiration from Eminem’s own life experiences, earned rave reviews for its authenticity and emotional depth. Eminem’s compelling performance in the lead role garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his iconic track “Lose Yourself.”

Additionally, Eminem’s career has been marked by moments of personal and professional growth, as he has continued to push artistic boundaries and challenge societal norms. With each album release, Eminem has demonstrated a willingness to evolve as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and lyrical styles while remaining true to his core identity. From his early days as a controversial provocateur to his later years as a respected elder statesman of hip-hop, Eminem’s journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a refusal to be confined by expectations.

In summary, Eminem’s career is defined by a series of major turning points that have shaped his trajectory and solidified his legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation. From his breakout success with “The Slim Shady LP” to his Oscar-winning performance in “8 Mile,” Eminem has continually pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and left an indelible mark on the music industry. As he continues to evolve as an artist and cultural icon, Eminem’s impact on popular culture will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

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Eminem Biography

Eminem biography: the unforgettable journey of a rap icon.

Eminem, one of the most influential figures in the music industry, has left an indelible mark on the world of rap. With a stage name derived from his initials, Marshall Mathers, he has captivated audiences with his raw talent and unfiltered lyrics. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to his rise as a global icon, Eminem’s journey as a rapper is nothing short of extraordinary. With his unique blend of storytelling, wit, and emotional depth, he has pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms. Eminem’s impact extends far beyond his music, as he has become a symbol of resilience and self-expression. Join us as we delve into the life and artistry of Eminem, unraveling the layers of his influential career and exploring the reasons behind his enduring popularity.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Eminem’s journey into the world of rap began in the gritty streets of Detroit, where he faced numerous challenges and hardships. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, he found solace in music, using it as an outlet for self-expression. From a young age, Eminem was drawn to the power of words and rhymes, honing his skills through freestyle battles and underground performances.

But it wasn’t an easy road to success. Eminem faced numerous rejections and setbacks, struggling to break into the rap scene. Yet, his sheer determination and unwavering belief in his talent propelled him forward. It was during these formative years that he created his alter ego, Slim Shady, a darker and more controversial version of himself. With Slim Shady, Eminem fearlessly delved into provocative and confrontational themes, pushing the boundaries of lyrical expression.

Eminem’s breakthrough came with his debut major-label album, “The Slim Shady LP,” which catapulted him into the spotlight. His rapid-fire delivery, impeccable wordplay, and raw emotions resonated with audiences, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Through his music, Eminem fearlessly tackled personal struggles, social issues, and inner demons, captivating listeners with his vulnerability and authenticity.

His unique style, characterized by intricate rhymes, relentless flows, and sharp storytelling, set him apart from his peers. Eminem’s ability to effortlessly switch between humor, anger, and introspection showcased his versatility and command over the art of rap. With each subsequent album, he pushed his artistic boundaries, experimenting with different sounds and themes while staying true to his roots.

The emergence of Eminem and Slim Shady marked a new era in rap music, challenging conventions and sparking conversations. His bold and controversial lyrics often courted controversy, addressing topics like violence, drugs, and personal demons. Yet, through it all, Eminem’s authenticity and unfiltered honesty resonated with fans who found solace and inspiration in his music.

As his fame grew, so did his influence on the rap landscape. Eminem’s impact reached far beyond music, shaping the cultural zeitgeist and inspiring a new generation of artists. His unparalleled success, marked by numerous Grammy Awards and chart-topping albums, solidified his position as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

But Eminem’s journey wasn’t just about personal achievements. He became a symbol of resilience, inspiring individuals to embrace their uniqueness and overcome adversity. His unapologetic approach to self-expression empowered countless fans to find their voice and navigate the challenges of life.

Intriguing, complex, and always evolving, Eminem has cemented his place as a rap god. His influence on the genre is undeniable, and his impact continues to reverberate through the music industry and popular culture. Join us as we unravel the layers of Eminem’s career, delving into the genius behind the words and the indomitable spirit that drives him.

Rise to Stardom and Controversies

Eminem’s rise to stardom was ignited by the release of his breakthrough album, “The Slim Shady LP.” This groundbreaking record showcased his exceptional storytelling abilities, razor-sharp wit, and unfiltered lyricism. With tracks like “My Name Is” and “Guilty Conscience,” Eminem captured the attention of listeners worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

However, it was his controversial lyrics that often landed him in the eye of the storm. Eminem fearlessly delved into sensitive and provocative subjects, addressing issues like violence, drug abuse, and personal struggles. His words were raw, unapologetic, and at times, polarizing. Critics condemned his explicit language and explicit content, questioning the morality of his art. Yet, others hailed him as a fearless poet, an artist unafraid to expose the dark underbelly of society.

As a white rapper in a predominantly black genre, Eminem faced both criticism and praise. Some questioned his authenticity and accused him of cultural appropriation, while others recognized his immense talent and contribution to the rap scene. Eminem, however, let his skills speak for themselves, proving that talent knows no boundaries or stereotypes. His undeniable lyrical prowess and ability to captivate audiences transcended race, earning him respect from peers and fans alike.

Controversies continued to swirl around Eminem throughout his career. His public feuds with other artists, explicit diss tracks, and provocative stage performances kept him in the headlines. Yet, beneath the controversy, Eminem remained an enigmatic figure, unafraid to challenge societal norms and confront his demons. His ability to provoke intense reactions, both positive and negative, solidified his status as a cultural lightning rod.

Despite the controversies, Eminem’s influence on the rap genre and popular culture cannot be denied. He shattered barriers, challenging the notion of what a rapper should be and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Eminem’s impact went beyond music; he became a cultural icon, representing a generation’s angst, struggles, and triumphs.

Through his artistry, Eminem has consistently sparked conversations, forcing society to confront uncomfortable truths and examine their contradictions. He defied expectations, blurring the lines between reality and his alter ego, Slim Shady. It is this complex interplay between the artist and the persona that continues to fascinate and intrigue audiences.

Evolution of Eminem’s Music and Career

Eminem’s music and career have evolved with each album, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to push artistic boundaries. Albums like “The Marshall Mathers LP” and “The Eminem Show” marked significant milestones in his discography, solidifying his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

“The Marshall Mathers LP” delved deeper into Eminem’s struggles, addressing themes of fame, addiction, and the consequences of his success. Tracks like “Stan” and “The Way I Am” showcased his unparalleled storytelling abilities, drawing listeners into a world of raw emotion and vulnerability. The album’s dark and introspective tone resonated with fans, propelling it to critical and commercial success.

“The Eminem Show” further cemented Eminem’s reputation as a lyrical genius. With tracks like “Without Me” and “Cleaning Out My Closet,” he fearlessly explored his own life experiences, delving into his complex relationships and inner demons. The album displayed his versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending introspective tracks with more playful and satirical songs.

Eminem’s music is characterized by his unrivaled lyrical prowess. His intricate rhyme schemes, rapid-fire delivery, and ability to create vivid imagery have set him apart from his peers. Whether he’s delving into personal struggles, social issues, or the complexities of fame, Eminem’s songs resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.

What sets Eminem apart is his fearlessness in tackling diverse topics. From introspective tracks that lay bare his insecurities to sharp critiques of society and politics, he fearlessly addresses controversial subjects with biting wit and intelligence. His ability to infuse his songs with emotion, whether it be anger, sadness, or defiance, has earned him a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.

As Eminem’s career has progressed, he has continued to evolve as an artist. His albums reflect his growth, both musically and personally. From the intense and raw energy of his early work to the more reflective and mature themes in his later albums, Eminem has consistently pushed the boundaries of what rap can be.

Personal Struggles and Comeback

Eminem’s struggles have been well-documented, as he has openly grappled with addiction, mental health issues, and the pressures of fame. These battles became increasingly evident in his music, serving as a cathartic outlet for his pain and emotions.

During a period of self-reflection and recovery, Eminem took a hiatus from the music industry. This break allowed him to confront his demons and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. The albums “Relapse” and “Recovery” marked his triumphant comeback, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome his challenges.

“Relapse” delved into the depths of his addiction and the struggles he faced during that period. With raw and introspective tracks like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem laid bare his vulnerabilities and shared his journey toward recovery. The album not only resonated with fans who connected with his honesty, but it also marked a turning point in his career.

“Recovery” further solidified Eminem’s comeback, cementing his status as one of the greatest artists of his generation. The album was a testament to his strength and resilience, as he tackled themes of self-reflection, growth, and redemption. Tracks like “Not Afraid” and “No Love” showcased his ability to connect with fans on a deeply personal level, offering hope and inspiration through his music.

Eminem’s ability to confront his struggles head-on and share his journey through his lyrics has endeared him to millions of fans worldwide. His honesty and vulnerability have resonated with listeners who relate to his experiences and find solace in his words. Through his music, Eminem has become a beacon of hope for those facing their battles, proving that it’s possible to overcome adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.

influence and Legacy

Eminem’s influence on the rap genre is undeniable, as he has left an indelible mark on the music industry and paved the way for countless artists. His raw and unfiltered storytelling, combined with his exceptional wordplay and lyrical dexterity, set him apart as a true innovator in hip-hop.

With multiple Grammy Awards to his name and impressive discography, Eminem’s talent and artistry have been recognized and celebrated by both critics and fans. His albums have achieved immense commercial success, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Eminem’s legacy is that of a complex figure who defied conventions and shattered stereotypes. He fearlessly addressed controversial topics and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. His impact extends far beyond the music, as he has inspired a generation of artists to embrace their individuality and speak their truth.

Eminem’s influence will continue to resonate in the rap genre and beyond. His powerful storytelling, technical prowess, and candid approach have cemented his status as an icon. As we reflect on his journey and legacy, we recognize his unparalleled contribution to music and lasting imprint on the cultural landscape.

Eminem net worth

Eminem, the renowned rapper and music icon, has amassed a staggering net worth of $250 million as of May 2023. Through his exceptional talent, hard work, and immense popularity, he has not only made a profound impact on the music industry but has also reaped significant financial success.

Eminem’s net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and commercial accomplishments. From his chart-topping albums to sold-out world tours, he has consistently dominated the music charts and amassed a dedicated global fanbase. Alongside his music career, he has also ventured into business endeavors and collaborations, further contributing to his impressive wealth.

As an artist who has continuously pushed boundaries and captivated audiences with his lyrical prowess, Eminem’s net worth reflects both his immense talent and his ability to connect with millions of listeners worldwide. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft have solidified his status as one of the most influential and financially successful figures in the music industry.

Eminem’s journey in the music industry is nothing short of remarkable. From his humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming a global rap sensation, he has left an indelible mark on the music world. Through his raw and honest lyrics, he has challenged societal norms and pushed boundaries, making him a true icon of artistic expression.

Eminem’s enduring influence extends far beyond his chart-topping hits and multiple Grammy Awards. He has become a symbol of resilience, using his struggles as fuel for his music and inspiring countless fans worldwide. His ability to craft intricate and emotionally charged songs has solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

As Eminem continues to evolve and grow as an artist, his contributions to the rap genre and the wider music industry remain significant. His authenticity, lyrical genius, and unwavering dedication have paved the way for future generations of artists to explore their creative boundaries. Eminem’s impact is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.

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Eminem FAQs

What is eminem's most famous song.

Eminem's most famous song is "Lose Yourself". The song was released in 2002 and was the lead single from the soundtrack to the movie 8 Mile. The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003.

What is Eminem's biggest accomplishment?

Eminem's biggest accomplishment is winning 15 Grammy Awards. He is the most awarded rapper in Grammy history.

What is Eminem's most controversial song?

Eminem's most controversial song is "The Real Slim Shady". The song was released in 1999 and was the lead single from his second album, The Marshall Mathers LP. The song was criticized for its violent and misogynistic lyrics.

When was Eminem born?

Eminem was born on October 17, 1972.

How many records has Eminem sold?

Eminem has sold over 220 million records worldwide.

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• Biographies

Eminem Biography: Age, Music Career, and Personal Life

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Eminem spent his childhood between Missouri and Michigan, eventually settling in Detroit in his teens. He began rapping at the age of 14 with a high school friend, adopting the names “Manix” and “M&M,” which later evolved into Eminem.

Table of Contents

Eminem’s music career began in 1996 with the release of his independent debut album, Infinite. However, it wasn’t until the release of his major-label debut album, The Slim Shady LP, in 1999 that Eminem gained mainstream popularity. The album earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, and his hit single “My Name Is” won Best Rap Solo Performance. Eminem’s subsequent albums, including The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, and Encore, were all commercial successes and cemented his place as one of the best-selling musicians of the 21st century.

Early Life of Eminem

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, popularly known as Eminem, was born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to a teenage mother, Deborah Mathers, and a father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr. His father left the family when Eminem was still a baby, and he was raised by his mother in various states, including Missouri, Michigan, and Kansas.

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Growing up, Eminem had a difficult childhood. He faced poverty, bullying, and abuse from his mother’s boyfriends. He found solace in rap music and started performing at a young age. He was heavily influenced by hip-hop artists such as LL Cool J, Run-DMC, and the Beastie Boys.

At the age of 14, Eminem started rapping with a high school friend, and they formed a duo called Manix. They performed at local clubs and contests, and Eminem adopted the stage name M&M, which later evolved into Eminem.

Eminem attended several high schools, but he dropped out at the age of 17 due to poor grades and lack of interest in academic studies. He worked odd jobs to support himself and his girlfriend, Kimberly Anne Scott, whom he had met in high school. They had a tumultuous relationship and got married twice, but eventually divorced.

In 1996, Eminem released his debut album, Infinite, which received mixed reviews and failed to gain commercial success. He then formed a group called D12 and released an album called Devil’s Night in 2001. However, it was his solo album, The Slim Shady LP, released in 1999, that catapulted him to fame and established him as one of the most controversial and successful rappers of his time.

Rise to Stardom

Eminem’s rise to stardom is nothing short of incredible. Born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, he grew up in a predominantly African American, working-class neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan.

Eminem’s passion for rap music began at a young age, and he started performing in local clubs and contests as a teenager. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he continued to pursue his dream of becoming a successful rapper.

In 1996, Eminem released his independent debut album, “Infinite,” which received little attention and failed to make a significant impact. However, he continued to hone his skills and refine his style, eventually catching the attention of Dr. Dre, one of the most respected and influential producers in the music industry.

With Dr. Dre’s guidance and support, Eminem released his major-label debut album, “The Slim Shady LP,” in 1999. The album was an instant commercial and critical success, selling millions of copies and earning Eminem his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

Over the next few years, Eminem continued to dominate the rap scene with a string of hit albums, including “The Marshall Mathers LP” and “The Eminem Show.” He also became known for his controversial and often provocative lyrics, which touched on topics such as drug addiction, domestic violence, and social inequality.

Despite facing criticism and backlash from some quarters, Eminem’s popularity and influence continued to grow. He became one of the best-selling artists of the early 21st century, with millions of fans around the world.

In conclusion, Eminem’s rise to stardom is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful rapper, and his dedication and passion have earned him a place among the most iconic and influential musicians of his generation.

Music Career

Initial success.

Eminem’s music career began in the late 1990s with the release of his debut album, “Infinite,” which received little commercial success. However, his second album, “The Slim Shady LP,” released in 1999, was a major success, earning him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The album’s lead single, “My Name Is,” became a hit and helped establish Eminem as a rising star in the music industry.

Mainstream Breakthrough

Eminem’s third album, “The Marshall Mathers LP,” released in 2000, was a commercial and critical success, selling over 1.76 million copies in its first week and becoming the fastest-selling rap album in history. The album’s lead single, “The Real Slim Shady,” became Eminem’s first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won him his second Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Continued Success and Evolution

Eminem continued to release successful albums throughout the 2000s, including “The Eminem Show” (2002), “Encore” (2004), and “Relapse” (2009). He also collaborated with other artists, such as Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, and formed the group D12.

In the 2010s, Eminem’s music evolved, incorporating more personal and introspective themes. His album “Recovery” (2010) was a critical and commercial success, featuring hit singles such as “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie.” He continued to release successful albums, including “The Marshall Mathers LP 2” (2013) and “Kamikaze” (2018).

Throughout his career, Eminem has been recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time, selling over 150 million records worldwide and winning numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards.

Personal Life

Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III in St. Joseph, Missouri, on October 17, 1972. His mother, Deborah R. Nelson, was only 15 years old when she gave birth to him, and his father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., left the family when Eminem was still a baby. Eminem had a difficult childhood, as his mother struggled with substance abuse and often moved the family to different cities. He has two younger half-siblings, Michael and Sarah.

Eminem has been married twice. He married his high school sweetheart, Kimberly Anne Scott, in 1999, but they divorced in 2001. They remarried in 2006 but divorced again the following year. They have a daughter together, Hailie Jade, who was born in 1995. Eminem also adopted his ex-wife’s niece, Alaina, and has custody of his younger half-brother, Nathan.

Controversies

Eminem has been involved in several controversies throughout his career. His lyrics have been criticized for being violent, misogynistic, and homophobic. He has been accused of promoting drug use and glorifying violence. In 2000, he was sued by his mother for defamation and emotional distress over lyrics in his song “My Name Is.” The lawsuit was dismissed in 2001.

In 2003, Eminem was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and assault. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years’ probation. In 2018, he faced backlash for using a homophobic slur in his song “Fall.”

Philanthropy

Despite his controversial lyrics, Eminem has also been involved in several philanthropic endeavors. In 2002, he founded the Marshall Mathers Foundation, which provides funds for organizations working with at-risk youth and disadvantaged communities. He has also supported various charities, including the Kids in Need Foundation, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Eight Mile Boulevard Association, which works to revitalize Detroit neighborhoods.

In 2019, Eminem donated $10,000 to the Michigan chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of his friend and fellow rapper, Obie Trice’s son, who has the disease. He has also donated to COVID-19 relief efforts and Black Lives Matter causes.

Awards and Achievements

Eminem has received numerous awards throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an MTV Europe Music Global Icon Award.

In 2002, Eminem won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Lose Yourself,” which was featured in the film “8 Mile.” The song also won two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song and Best Male Rap Solo Performance.

Eminem’s album “The Marshall Mathers LP” won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2001, while “The Eminem Show” won the same award in 2003. His album “Recovery” won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2011.

In 2022, Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the music industry.

Eminem’s achievements also include holding the record for the most consecutive #1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart by a solo artist, with 10 albums debuting at #1. He is also the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time, with over 220 million records sold worldwide.

Overall, Eminem’s awards and achievements reflect his impact on the music industry and his continued success as a rapper and artist.

Legacy and Influence

Eminem’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. His unique style of rapping, which often includes controversial and personal lyrics, has influenced countless artists in the hip-hop genre.

One of Eminem’s biggest contributions to the music industry is his ability to bring attention to important social issues. He has used his platform to speak out against racism, poverty, drug addiction, and other societal problems. His songs have sparked important conversations and shed light on issues that may have otherwise been ignored.

Eminem’s influence extends beyond just the music industry. He has also had a significant impact on popular culture. His signature look, which includes bleached hair and oversized clothing, has become iconic. He has been referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and other forms of media.

In addition to his impact on the music and entertainment industries, Eminem has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations, including the Marshall Mathers Foundation, which provides assistance to at-risk youth in Detroit.

Overall, Eminem’s legacy is one of innovation, controversy, and social consciousness. He has left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

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Eminem has made history in hip-hop and in all of popular music. Called the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time, he is also one of the most popular rappers. With a fierce lyrical flow and a fearless songwriting sensibility driven by an audacious sense of humor and a bold intellect, his music has generated plenty of controversy.

Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was raised by his mother, Debbie Nelson Mathers, who settled the family in Warren, just outside Detroit when he was 11. Eminem began rapping when he was 14 in an early duo with a high school friend, then established himself in Detroit's battle rap scene at clubs such as the Hip Hop Shop. After rapping with more groups, including the New Jacks and Soul Intent, with whom Eminem released his first single in 1995, he was taken under wing by the late Deshaun "Proof" Holton and became part of the collective known as D12.

Eminem's first album, the positive-minded  Infinite , came out in 1996, but it was his follow-up  The Slim Shady EP , along with a second-place finish at the Rap Olympics in Los Angeles that caught the attention of West Coast rap mastermind Dr. Dre, who signed Eminem to a major label deal.

The Slim Shady LP  in 1999 was an immediate success, winning the first of his 15 Grammy Awards and courting protests for lyrics that were seen as excessively violent and profane, anti-female, anti-gay and anti-religious. Eminem fed on the furor caused by his subsequent recordings, gradually adding pointed political commentary to the mix.

Eminem's greatest triumph came in 2002, when he won rave reviews for his starring role in the film  8 Mile , which was loosely based on his life. "Lose Yourself," which he wrote for the movie, won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, the first for hip-hop. Prior to that success, albums  The Marshall Mathers LP  and  The Eminem Show  were nominated for Grammys, among his 44 nominations to date.

Following a pause in his career to rid himself of an addiction to pain killers, Eminem has continued to produce albums and tour. He established his own company, Shady Records, featuring other rap acts such as D12, 50 Cent and Detroit's Obie Trice. The company expanded into a clothing line, Shady Ltd. in 2003 which has since folded. In 2016 Eminem started another clothing line, E13 with local company  Carhartt .

Eminem was married and divorced twice (1999-2001 and January 2006-April 2006) from high school girlfriend Kimberly Scott, with whom he had a child Hailie Jade Scott Mathers in 1996. He adopted Hailie’s cousin, Alaina Marie, daughter of his wife’s twin sister, and Whitney Scott, daughter of ex-wife Kim from a previous marriage.

Eminem has published two books, including an autobiography,  The Way I Am , and appeared in movies and television. His Marshall Mathers Foundation helps disadvantaged youth.  Rolling Stone  listed him in their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

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Hip Hop Scriptures

Eminem Digital Biography

Famous rapper Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA. He is the son of a fifteen-year-old mother at the time of his birth and a father who left six months later and never returned. Spending most of his childhood moving back and forth between Saint Joseph and suburban Detroit, Michigan, he finally settled on the Eastside of Detroit when he was 12. 

Formerly studying at Lincoln High School in Warren from 1986 to 1989, Marshall often switched schools every two or three months. It made him difficult to make friends and stay out of trouble. Failing at the 9th grade three times until finally dropping out, he said he wasn't stupid. He said he was not interested in school because all he wanted to do was rap. 

Marshall began rapping at the early age of 4 and started pursuing career seriously at the age of 14. That was the time when he began performing rap in the basement of his high school friend's home. At 17, he eventually made a name for himself, Eminem, which was taken from his initials M(arshall) M(athers).

The local Hip-Hop community, used to black rappers, at 1st refused the white Eminem. But in the end, he found the easiest way to win in the underground hip-hop society was by becoming a battle rapper - performing in several clubs and forcing himself on radio shows. 

He wasn't immediately accepted by public, but as time went by he proved himself as a qualified rapper. He began getting some offers to join several other rappers to start a group, Em joined the New Jacks and then moved to Soul Intent and produced his first recorded single with them in 1995. It was a rapper named Proof who then asked Eminem to start a new group because he enjoyed working with him. With their 4 other friends, Proof and Eminem were both in one group named D12, each of whom ended up focusing more on their solo careers rather than their collaboration, leading to a career break. 

It was the birth of Em's first child, Hailie Jade Scott on December 25, 1995 with longtime girlfriend Kim Scott, that encouraged him to work harder for the money his family needed. It was difficult for him who had nothing except the "life sucks" experiences he used as the topic of his rap lyrics. One year later, in 1996, Eminem recorded his first album "Infinite", only to receive few favorable reviews. 

Learning from his previous failure, he soon introduced Slim Shady, an alter ego that wasn't afraid to say whatever he felt. Working on the song with all his heart and strength, Em poured his heart out and reflected his feelings toward his mother who was accused of physically and mentally abusing his younger brother. 

In 1997, Kimberly Ann Scott left him and forbade him to see their child. The frustration sent Eminem to a frequent rate of drug abuse and alcohol that surely affected his composition. Once committing suicide, he finally realized the best and only way to escape from his unhappy life was his musical ambition. Such depression led him to release the brutal "The Slim Shady EP", which he actually filled with some of the composition he had written long time before. Due to his distinctly-exaggerated, nasal-voiced rapping style and his skin color, many people named him music's next "great white hope." 

He finally signed a contract with Interscope and was taken under Dr. Dre 's wing, allowing him to record a full-length CD. Both then started to record "My Name Is" before Dre finally agreeing to produce Em's first album, with "Just Don't Give A F*ck" single as the album preview. A reconciliation with Kimberly Ann Scott led them to a marriage held in the fall of 1998. 

In early 1999, he released "The Slim Shady LP" that spawned hits "My Name Is" and "Guilty Conscience". Over the next years the album went triple platinum, leaving the pros and cons over the album's lyrics far behind. His success continued with "The Marshall Mathers LP" released in the summer of 2000. It sold 1.76 million copies in its first week of release in the U.S., a record for a solo artist, successfully won 3 Grammys and became the first rap album ever to be nominated Abum of the Year. 

As the fame and popularity came, many more controversies arose due to some riots Eminem had caused, including a scuffle with the Insane Clown Posse's employees in a car stereo shop; a battle with pop singer Christina Aguilera; a lawsuit from his mother; and a brawl with Detroit club goers. 

Those accusations inspired him to produce two other songs, entitled "Kill You" and "Kim." In the latter song, he rapped about violently murdering his own wife that in reality drew her to a suicide attempt before they finally got divorced. Kim was at first granted physical custody of their daughter, financial support, a personal driver, and reinstatement of her credit cards, but Eminem later got the joint custody of daughter, Hailie Jade. 

In 2001, he met his Detroit old friends and re-formed D-12 who all together in that summer released an album and hit the road. This was followed by an acting debut in "8 Mile", a film loosely based on his life directed by Curtis Hanson. He won the 2003 Academy Award for the soundtrack titled "Lose Yourself". Then came "The Eminem Show" album, which despite its popular second single "Cleanin' My Closet" that revolved around his dysfunctional childhood and his hatred towards his mother, provoked many critics. Regardless, it was a huge success commercially. 

Another well-received album "Encore", which reunited him with his old buddies in D12, soon followed in 2004. It was nominated for three Grammys and made digital history back then for becoming the first album to sell 10,000 digital copies in one week. Apparently to return the favor, he later hit recording booth with pals for a "D12 World" album in 2005. 

While he was at the peak of his career, Em was rumored going to retire from music industry. But he denied it, "When I say I'm taking a break, I'm taking a break from my music to go in the studio and produce my other artists. Despite his self-defense, the rapper apparently got caught in worse situation as he once was sent under treatment to overcome his dependency on sleep medication. This obviously provoked public worldwide to have a worsening perception on both his personal and musical career. 

Indeed, Em kept working on his music career. A greatest hits compilation "Curtain Call: The Hits" was released on December 6, 2005. Just like its predecessors, the new set scored great success, bowing atop of the Billboard album charts. Things also turned better in his love life as he revealed that he's back together with ex-wife, Kimberly. "We have reconciled and are probably going to remarry," he said back then. They finally remarried, but it only lasted less than three months. Kim cited Em's dependency to the sleep-medication as the reason behind their latest breakup. 

But Em denied it as saying, "Her allegations regarding my status post-rehab are both untrue and unfortunate.... she was aware that I was filing for divorce. We both tried to give our marriage another chance and quickly realized that a wedding doesn't fix the underlying problems." 

After "Encore", he took a break from recording. He said he was "in limbo" and "debating" about when and if he would release another album. He said, "I'm always working I'm always in the studio. It feels good right now, the energy of the label. For a while, I didn't want to go back to the studio ... I went through some personal things. I'm coming out of those personal things [and] it feels good." 

In May 2009, his fans rejoiced as a comeback album "Relapse" was rolled out that year. Featuring hits like "Crack a Bottle", "We Made You" and "Beautiful", it topped Hot 200, marking the umpteenth time he sat at the top spot of the U.S. album chart. As one of the most-awaited album of the year, the record became the best-selling rap CD by the end of December. 

New music kept coming from the rapper as he dropped another album "Recovery" in the following year. Not only did it produce smash hit singles like "Not Afraid" and "Love the Way You Lie" but it also became his ticket to collect more Grammy Awards. He even scored his best-selling single to date with 10.25 million sold worldwide for the Rihanna-assisted track. 

Despite being one of the best-selling rapper in the world, Em never forgot his roots. Besides his reunion with D12, he also got back together with another of his Bad Meets Evil homie, Royce 5'9'' for "Hell: The Sequel" album. The CD was released a year after his "Recovery". 

Fans' demand for new music after two years of absence was answered by Eminem in 2013. He announced "The Marshall Mathers LP 2" with "Berzerk" as a lead single. Although it was only previewed with one single, the album was already lauded by critics. It was named one of the most anticipated albums of 2013 by multiple music magazines.

(source: aceshowbiz.com ) 

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Eminem's Biography

Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on Oct. 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Mo. He was born to parents Deborah "Debbie" Mathers-Briggs and Marshall Mathers Jr., although his father abandoned the family when Eminem was a baby.

As a child, the family moved around constantly, often leading Eminem to feel like an outcast and be subjected to bullying.

One particular incident with schoolmate D’Angelo Bailey left Eminem in the hospital. He later produced a track about it which highly exaggerated the encounter, entitled “Brain Damage.” Bailey accused Eminem of libel, but the charges were dismissed in court.

Marshall began performing when he was 14, and soon created the rap name M&M, which he later changed to Eminem. While he faced enormous barriers in the Detroit hip-hop world because of his skin color, he decided that the best way to gain acceptance was prove his skills by battling other rappers in clubs. It took time, but he eventually became a popular attraction on the club scene.

Economic reasons were often the cause of Eminem and his mother’s many moves, so they often had to rely on public housing or the care of relatives.

Debbie was also taking Valium and Vicodin during this time (legally), though Eminem has claimed over the years that she was abusing the drugs.

Debbie filed a defamation lawsuit against Eminem in 1999, demanding more than $10 million for these charges. Eventually the case was settled with Debbie receiving $25,000, with more than $23,000 going to her lawyer, as per the judge’s orders. A judge denied a request by Debbie to reconsider the settlement.

Marshall attended Lincoln High School in Warren, Mich., where, after failing ninth grade three times, he dropped out at the age of 17.

However, he retained some close associations with people from the school, including his friend, the late rapper Proof, as well as future wife Kimberly Ann “Kim” Scott.

When Kim got pregnant, Marshall’s drive to succeed increased even more. Their daughter, Hailie Jade Scott, was born on Dec. 25, 1995. Hailie became a huge part of Marshall’s life and music, as he worked to give her everything he was deprived of as a child.

The suicide of his uncle kept Eminem away from music for awhile, but he soon returned upon requests for him to join various groups.

He first joined the group the “New Jacks,” and then went on to “Soul Intent,” who released his first single in 1995. The B-side of his single was done by Proof, who later started the group D-12 with him. Soon after, Eminem took a break from music to care for his daughter.

In 1996, Eminem released his first independent album, “Infinite.” However, his first album attempt failed to make a profit, and Kim ended their relationship and prevented him from seeing his child.

Eminem then attempted suicide using an overdose of Tylenol. The attempt failed, and Eminem continued his music and worked to reconcile with Kim. The two were married on June 14, 1999.

In 1997, Marshall released “The Slim Shady LP Demo.” Rap artist and producer Dr. Dre heard a copy of Marshall’s demo, and agreed to sign him after Marshall came in second to MC Juice in a major freestyle-rap battle.

In 1999, Marshall released “The Slim Shady LP” on Interscope, and it went triple platinum. This was the beginning of the controversy over his often violent lyrics.

In May 2000, Marshall released “The Marshall Mathers LP,” and it sold 6 million copies. Several of the album’s singles became hits, including “The Real Slim Shady,” “Stan” and “The Way I Am.”

Marshall and Kim have continued to have problems, however, as often outlined in Marshall’s songs, such as his graphic description of killing her in “97 Bonnie and Clyde” and “Kim.” Then in 2000, Marshall saw Kim kiss John Guerrera outside of the Hot Rocks Cafe in Warren, and he threatened Guerrera with an unloaded 9mm gun and allegedly pistol-whipped him.

The day before, Marshall had a run in with Douglas Dail, an associate of the “Insane Clown Posse” group, with whom he had a rivalry. He was observed to be holding a gun pointed at the ground during the incident.

Eminem was arrested and charged with misdemeanor charges of brandishing a firearm in public, assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of concealed weapons possession in two separate trials for the two incidents.

The Guerrera case ended with a plea bargain where Eminem pleaded guilty to weapon possession in exchange for the assault charges being dropped. He received two years of probation and was ordered to pay $100,000 in damages at the conclusion of the case.

In the Dail case, he pleaded no contest to the charges of firearm possession and brandishing. For this case he received one year of probation, enforced concurrently with the first sentence.

Meanwhile, Eminem and Kim continued to be estranged. In July 2000, Kim attempted suicide by cutting her wrists in the couple’s home in Michigan. Eminem then filed for divorce a few months later, which led Kim to file a lawsuit trying to deny Eminem custody of Hailie, and seeking millions in defamation damages.

They soon settled the lawsuit and agreed to joint custody of Hailie with Kim getting physical custody and Eminem being granted “liberal visitation rights.”

By the end of that year, they had reconciled again and dismissed the divorce claims. This didn’t last, however, and Kim filed for divorce in 2001. It was finalized in October and they were granted joint custody of Hailie, with Eminem being required to pay child support.

Since then, their relationship has continued to be on-again, off-again, and they remarried and filed for divorce again in 2006. Currently Kim is seeking joint custody and child support payments from Eminem.

Eminem has often been a controversial figure, with many critics taking offense at lyrics they consider violent, misogynistic and anti-gay. Eminem has always maintained that the lyrics are not meant to be taken seriously, and that he has no problem with women or gay people.

When “The Marshall Mathers LP” was nominated for a Grammy, the gay rights group GLAAD organized a boycott of the Grammys. Marshall responded by singing a duet with openly gay singer Elton John, which ended with a hug.

In 2001, Eminem rejoined “D-12,” and released an album with them. They went on the road for the summer, and upon his return, Eminem filmed the movie “8 Mile,” which was loosely based on his own life. Critics raved about his performance, and the negative media attention died down to some degree.

Then in 2002, Eminem’s single “Without Me,” hit the charts. It bashed artists Moby and Limp Bizkit, and at the MTV Video Music Awards, Eminem verbally attacked Moby on stage, drawing boos from the crowd. The album “The Eminem Show,” was a smash hit, as was the following album, “Encore,” in 2004.

The first single from “Encore,” “Just Lose It,” included a controversial video where Eminem parodies Michael Jackson. Many friends of Jackson spoke out against the video, and BET announced it would stop airing it, although MTV continued to do so, and it remained immensely popular.

Eminem also signed a deal with Sirius Radio in 2004 to produce a rap station called “Shade 45.” He also owns a clothing company called Shady Ltd. Eminem is also an active music producer. He was the executive producer for the two D-12 records, as well as producing various tracks for numerous other artists as well as himself.

Marshall’s music has continually mentioned drug use, although he has never been in trouble with the law in this regard. However, when he entered probation for his sentence, any recreational drug use was forced to an end because of mandatory drug testing. Later, due to trouble sleeping, Marshall began taking the prescription sleeping pill Ambien. His use of the drug soon became a problem, however, and he checked into rehab in 2005, canceling the European leg of his current tour.

Around this same time, Eminem’s aunt and uncle, Jack and Betty Schmitt, sued him, alleging that he has promised them a $350,000 house and the money to keep it up, and instead has kept it in his name and tried to evict them.

A decline in drug use by Marshall also goes hand in hand with further responsibilities in caring for his daughter, Hailie. Marshall has also often taken care of Kim’s twin sister’s daughter Dawn, as well as his younger half-brother Nathan.

Since 2005, various rumors have surfaced suggesting that Eminem is looking to retire. He has stated that he has no such plans, however.

Discography:

Released: May 1, 1995

The Slim Shady LP

Released: Feb. 23, 1999

The Marshall Mathers LP

Released: May 23, 2000

The Eminem Show

Released: May 26, 2002

8 Mile Soundtrack

Released: Oct. 29, 2002

Released Nov. 12, 2004

Curtain Call: The Hits

Released: Dec. 6, 2005

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Eminem Height, Weight, Wife, Age, Affairs, Biography & More

Some lesser known facts about eminem.

• Does Eminem smoke?: No
• Does Eminem drink alcohol?: No
• The stylized form of EMINEM is  EMINƎM.
• Rolling Stone  ranked Eminem at number 83 on the 100 Greatest Artists of All Times   list and called him the King of Hip Hop.
• Ten of his albums were on Billboard 200 and have sold all together 172 million albums worldwide. He is the best selling hip-hop artist.
• Eminem won a Grammy Award for the Best Rap Album in 1999 as well as for two following albums “The Marshall Mathers LP”(2000) and “The Eminem Show”(2002).
• After releasing  Encore  in 2004, he took a hiatus and then released his album Relapse (2009)  and  Recovery (2010). Relapse  was the best-selling album of the year and so was The Eminem Show.
• “The Marshall Mathers  LP 2″  won two Grammys including the “Best Rap Album” adding up Eminem’s Grammys to a total of 15 awards.
• Eminem became the first rap artist to won the Academy Award in the category Best Original Song  for his song “Lose Yourself” for the hip-hop movie “8 Mile”.
• Eminem’s mother met Bruce (M&M’s father) at the age 14 and Debbie almost died because of 73 hours labor when she was 17.
• Eminem and Debby used to shuffle between Missouri and Michigan when he was a child. They were never stable at a place for more than one year and often stayed  with relatives.
• Eminem wrote letters to his father but they always came back marked as “Return to Sender”.
• Eminem is remembered as a happy kid but is also said to be a loner. He was bullied in the school and neighborhood. Once he was injured severely by De’Angelo Bailey. Debbie sued the school but the case was dismissed.
• Eminem lived in lower-middle-class in Detroit’s black neighborhood where he was beaten up by the black youngsters. They were one of the only three white households there. He remained in coma for several days when he was 9.
• Eminem liked storytelling more than music and wanted to be a comic artist. Debbie’s half-brother Ronnie Polkinghorn gifted Eminem a CD, which brought the first rap song to Eminem’s ears.
• Ronnie Polkinghorn also became his music mentor later on. Eminem didn’t speak for several days when he committed suicide in 1991; neither did he attend his funeral.
• Eminem didn’t experience much stability in his early life and the social worker described his mother as “suspicious and paranoid”. She let Kimberly Scott to stay at her house.
• Mathew Mathers was in 9th standard for three years because of absenteeism and low grades. He dropped after the third year.
• He took several jobs to support the household but recalls that his mother threw him out anyways. He would play the music and write songs when she was away to play Bingo.
• Eminem started rapping in the streets at the age of 14 along with his friends in the neighborhood. They would sneak in to a school’s lunch room to practice rap battles.
• He also used to attend the open mic rap battles on the so called  zero-ground  of Detroit.
• As much as the white guy had trouble growing up in a black neighborhood, so did rapping seem to him. The white guy struggling to make it in the genre of black people. The underground crowd liked his music though.
• He doesn’t allow profanity or swearing in his home.
• Eminem’s first album was not welcomed by the disc jockeys and the feedback he received was – “Why don’t you go into Rock n Roll ?”. This in fact made Eminem to change his style a bit to write angrier and more free lyrics.
• Mathew Mathers is left handed.
• Kim and he lived in a high crime-rate area and were robbed several times. Eminem did dish-washing and cooking for a local restaurant called Gilbert’s Lodge.
• He worked so hard after Hailie’s birth that he was described as a model employee as he was working 60 hours a week.
• When he was fired just before Christmas, he said, “It was, like, five days before Christmas, which is Hailie’s birthday. I had, like, forty dollars to get her something.”
• After the release of his first album  Infinite,  he got into into substance abuse, which along with his personal problems ended in a suicide attempt.
• After being fired for the last time from the Gilbert’s Lodge, along with wife Kim, he stayed with his mother in a mobile home .
• Slim Shady was his alter ego that attracted a lot of attention for him.
• In 1997, Eminem went to a rap battle in the Rap Olympics in New York after he was evicted from his house. He scored the second place and the staff of Interscope Records  were present in the audience who took his music to Dr. Dre.
• Soon as he listened to Eminem’s music, Dr. Dre ordered to “Find him. Now!”. His team was reluctant to hire a white rapper but Dr. Dre goes like: “I don’t give a fuck if you’re purple; if you can kick it, I’m working with you.”
• United States Secret Service said that it was looking into the fact that Eminem threatened to kill the president. The reason was Eminem’s song “We are Americans’ lyrics” – “We As Americans” (“Fuck money / I don’t rap for dead presidents / I’d rather see the president dead / It’s never been said, but I set precedents”).
• Ending of the video of the song “Mosh” was changed after the election of the president Bush’s re-election.
• Eminem holds the record for his album  Recovery  to be the highest selling album in the history! It sold more than 3 million copies just in the US.
• Eminem is the only rapper with two diamond certified albums.
• Eminem received 60 million ‘likes’ on Facebook, surpassing  Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Michael Jackson.
• Eminem’s autobiography  The Way I am  describes his struggle for fame and his personal life which includes the original notes of his songs as well.
• Eminem has been addicted to sleeping pills like  Vicodin, Ambien and Valium.  He had his first Ambien when he was working a 16 hours shift for his movie  8 Mile  when someone offered him to take the tablet for sleeping as Eminem was insomniac.
• His weight had shooted up to 100 Kgs (230 pounds)   due to his drug addiction as he had a lot of fast food too.
• He is always scribbling! Literally! Almost Always!
• Eminem collapsed in his bathroom after he started buying drugs from a dealer. He was take to the hospital and doctors said he drugs equivalent to four bags of  heroin  and was only 2 hours away from death.
• He refused to sing at the Oscars because he could not sing the original uncut version.
• He joined church meetings to come clean of drugs, but quit getting tired of giving autographs. He joined an exercise plan that included running and became sober in April 2008.
• According to the  Nielsen SoundScane , he was the number one best selling artist for the decade 2000-2010.
• On being asked about same-sex marriage, he said,  “I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want”.
• “Love the way you lie” is 11 x Platinum and “Not Afraid” is 10 x Platinum and both are certified as  Diamond.
• Eminem sued Audi  for using his song “Loose Yourself” in their 2012 Audi 6 ad.

Eminem earns his 10th billion-streaming song, with hand from Rihanna

Consider it a 'monster' achievement from the hitmaking duo..

Eminem has notched his 10th song in Spotify's Billions Club with "The Monster," his 2013 collaboration with Rihanna.

The song, from Em's "The Marshall Mathers LP 2," passed the 1 billion streams marker on the streaming service this week. It's his second song from the album to earn 1 billion streams, following "Rap God," and his second collab with Rihanna to reach the 1 billion marker, after their 2010 smash "Love the Way You Lie."

"The Monster" topped Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for four weeks at the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014. On YouTube, the song's video has been viewed 929 million times, and in March 2022 it was certified 8-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

The track, which was co-written by Bebe Rexha, finds Eminem confronting his relationship with fame, while Rihanna sings the song's chorus. The pair won a Grammy Award for the song, for Best Rap/ Sung Collaboration, in 2015.

Following the release of "The Monster," Eminem and Rihanna hit the road for a short tour that included two August 2014 shows at Comerica Park. To date, they are the last concerts Eminem played in Detroit.

Eminem previously hit 1 billion streams with his songs "Stan," "Mockingbird," "Godzilla," "The Real Slim Shady," "Lose Yourself," "'Till I Collapse" and "Without Me."

"The Monster" is Rihanna's 14th song to pass 1 billion streams on Spotify, following "Work," "This is What You Came For," "Needed Me," "Umbrella," "Love on the Brain," "We Found Love," "Diamonds," "Stay," "FourFiveSeconds," "Wild Thoughts," "Too Good," "Only Girl (In the World)" and the aforementioned "Love the Way You Lie."

"Not Afraid," Eminem's 2010 self-empowerment anthem, is currently sitting at 985 million streams and is likely his next entry into the Billions Club.

"Lose Yourself" is his most streamed song, with 2.1 billion streams, followed by "Till I Collapse," with 1.9 billion.

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