Basic Information:
Name: Marshall Bruce Mathers III
Date of Birth: October 17, 1972
Nationality: American
Profession: Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Record Executive, Actor
Social Media Links:
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Spouse: Kimberly Anne Scott (m. 1999; div. 2001)
Biography:
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, his early life was marked by instability and poverty, with frequent moves between Missouri and Michigan. Raised primarily by his mother, he faced significant hardships, including bullying and difficult family circumstances. He began rapping at the age of 14, and his passion for the art form became a driving force in his life. Eminem dropped out of high school at 17, dedicating himself to music. His early career involved performing in Detroit's underground rap scene and forming groups like Soul Intent and D12. He later developed the alter ego "Slim Shady," which allowed him to express darker themes and his frustrations. Eminem's breakthrough came after he placed second in the 1997 Rap Olympics. This led to a deal with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment. With Dr. Dre's mentorship, he released his debut album, The Slim Shady LP, in 1999, which catapulted him into mainstream success. He has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for his lyrical dexterity, complex rhyme schemes, and willingness to address controversial topics.
Career Timeline:
1996: Released debut album, Infinite.
1997: Developed the "Slim Shady" alter ego. Released Slim Shady EP.
1998: Signed with Aftermath Entertainment by Dr. Dre
1999: Released The Slim Shady LP, achieving mainstream success.
2000: Released The Marshall Mathers LP, which became the fastest-selling rap album in history.
2002: Starred in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile. Released The Eminem Show.
2003: Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile.
2004: Released Encore, followed by a hiatus due to prescription drug addiction
2005: Released Curtain Call: The Hits, a greatest hits compilation
2009: Released Relapse after a period of hiatus.
2010: Released Recovery, which addressed his struggles with addiction.
2013: Released The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
2017: Released Revival
2018: Released Kamikaze.
2020: Released Music to Be Murdered By.
2022: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2024: Released The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), marking the end of his Slim Shady persona.
Achievements:
Throughout his career Eminem received multiple awards which secured his place as an iconic music performer in history. His music has led him to claim 15 Grammy Awards through wins of Best Rap Album for "The Slim Shady LP" as well as "The Marshall Mathers LP," "The Eminem Show" and "Recovery." Eminem achieved two major accomplishments in 2003 when he claimed both his first Academy Award for Best Original Song through "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile and his first win as Best Rap Album for The Eminem Show. Through his work he has accumulated a total of 8 American Music Awards and 17 Billboard Music Awards. Through his career accomplishments Eminem earned an MTV Europe Music Global Icon Award in addition to winning other prestigious awards. Eminem achieved 13 world records recognized by the Guinness Book of Records with his stand as the swift-selling rap artist along with his record-breaking most words in a single ("Rap God"). The RIAA honored The Marshall Mathers LP along with The Eminem Show and multiple songs including “Lose Yourself” “Love The Way You Lie” and “Not Afraid” with Diamond certification. Billboard declared him to be the Artist of the Decade (2000–2009) and Rolling Stone placed him among the greatest artists and songwriters throughout history. Eminem achieved Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction during 2022. Vibe magazine bestowed upon him the title Best Rapper Alive during 2008.
Beyond awards, Eminem has had an enormous commercial impact, selling over 220 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He was the best-selling music artist in the US for the 2000s and the best-selling male artist in the 2010s. He was also the first musical act to have 10 albums consecutively debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. He has had five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Eminem has also been involved in philanthropic work, although it is not as widely publicized as his musical achievements. He established the Marshall Mathers Foundation, which has supported various charitable causes.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases:
"You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime." (From "Lose Yourself")
"I am whatever you say I am; if I wasn't, then why would you say I am?" (From "The Way I Am")
"Success is my only option; failure's not." (From "Lose Yourself")
"I'm not afraid to take a stand." (From "Not Afraid")
