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 is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and has been credited with popularizing hip hop in Middle America.
Rising from poverty and a tumultuous childhood in Detroit, Michigan, Eminem's raw talent, lyrical prowess, and controversial themes catapulted him to international fame. His alter ego, Slim Shady, became a cultural phenomenon, pushing boundaries and challenging norms in the music industry.
Eminem had a turbulent childhood, marked by poverty and allegations of abuse. He was raised by his mother, Debbie Mathers, and moved frequently between Missouri and Michigan. He dropped out of Lincoln High School at age 17 after repeating the ninth grade three times due to truancy and poor grades.
Despite the hardships, Eminem found solace in hip-hop. He began rapping with his friend Mike Ruby at age 14, adopting the stage name "M&M" (based on his initials), which later evolved into "Eminem." He participated in freestyle rap battles in Detroit and gained recognition in the underground hip-hop scene.
Eminem's major-label debut album, produced by Dr. Dre, brought him mainstream success. The album featured his alter ego Slim Shady and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The single "My Name Is" became a hit and introduced the world to Eminem's unique style.
This album became one of the fastest-selling albums in rap history and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It featured hits like "Stan" and "The Real Slim Shady" and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
Eminem starred in the semi-autobiographical film "8 Mile," which depicted his rise to fame. The soundtrack's lead single, "Lose Yourself," won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making Eminem the first rapper to win an Oscar.
Eminem is credited with breaking racial barriers for white rappers in a predominantly African American industry. His technical skill, complex rhyme schemes, and storytelling ability have influenced countless artists across genres.
Beyond music, Eminem founded Shady Records in 1999, which has signed successful artists like 50 Cent, D12, and Obie Trice. He has also starred in films, produced albums, and continues to be a dominant force in hip-hop culture.
Despite controversies surrounding his lyrics and public persona, Eminem remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 220 million records sold worldwide.
15 Grammy Awards 1 Academy Award 8 American Music Awards 17 Billboard Music Awards Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Eligible 2024) Best-Selling Artist of the 2000s (US) 220M+ Records Sold Worldwide