Eminem was born to Debbie Mathers and Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., but his father abandoned the family when Eminem was an infant. He was raised primarily by his mother, and they lived in various places across Detroit, Michigan. Eminem faced a tough childhood, marked by poverty, bullying, and frequent moves. He dropped out of high school at age 17 after repeating the ninth grade several times due to his struggles with academics and bullying.

Despite the adversity, he found solace in writing and rapping. Influenced by hip-hop artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Ice-T, Eminem began participating in rap battles and honing his skills.

Career Beginnings

In the early 1990s, Eminem adopted the stage name "M&M," which he later stylized as "Eminem." His early years in the rap scene were tough, especially as a white rapper in a predominantly African American genre. He became known for his sharp lyrical skills and controversial content, but initially struggled to gain a foothold in the Detroit rap scene.

Eminem's first major project was the EP Infinite (1996), which was not commercially successful. However, he followed it up with The Slim Shady EP (1997), which garnered attention for its dark and violent lyrics. The EP was a breakthrough, attracting the attention of major industry figures, including Dr. Dre.

Rise to Fame

Eminem's career took a dramatic turn in 1998 when he caught the ear of Dr. Dre, one of hip-hop's most influential producers. Dre signed Eminem to his label, Aftermath Entertainment, and helped him craft his first major-label album, The Slim Shady LP (1999).

Released in February 1999, The Slim Shady LP was a commercial success, earning Eminem his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The album's controversial themes, aggressive style, and memorable tracks like "My Name Is" made Eminem an overnight sensation.

Breakthrough Success

Following the success of The Slim Shady LP, Eminem released his next album, The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), which became one of the fastest-selling albums in U.S. history. It featured hit singles like "The Real Slim Shady" and "Stan," solidifying Eminem's place in mainstream music. The Marshall Mathers LP received critical acclaim and further cemented his reputation as a fearless, boundary-pushing artist. It won Grammy Awards and is regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time.

Eminem continued his success with the release of The Eminem Show (2002), which was another commercial hit, debuting at number one on the charts. The album featured iconic tracks like "Without Me" and "Cleaning Out My Closet." This album saw Eminem evolve from a controversial rapper into a more introspective artist, grappling with fame, his personal life, and his struggles.

Acting Career and The 8 Mile Era

In 2002, Eminem made his acting debut in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, which explored his rise to fame in Detroit. The film was a success both critically and commercially, with Eminem earning praise for his performance. The soundtrack for 8 Mile included the Oscar-winning song "Lose Yourself," which became one of his signature hits. Lose Yourself not only won the Academy Award for Best Original Song but also became a global anthem for ambition and overcoming adversity.

The Dark Years and Recovery

In the mid-2000s, Eminem's personal life began to spiral out of control. He faced struggles with addiction, notably to prescription drugs, and his life became increasingly turbulent. His marriage to Kimberly Anne Scott, his on-and-off relationship with his daughter Hailie, and his battles with fame and mental health created a storm of controversy. In 2004, Eminem released Encore, which received mixed reviews due to its inconsistent quality and Eminem's personal turmoil during its creation.

In 2005, Eminem entered rehab after a near-fatal overdose. He took a break from music for several years to focus on his health, but he returned in 2009 with Relapse, which saw him confronting his drug addiction head-on. Despite being a commercial success, Relapse received mixed reviews from critics, with some critics praising his lyricism but others noting that his issues with addiction had taken a toll on his creativity.

Continued Success and the Recovery Era

Eminem's return to form came with the release of Recovery (2010), a critically acclaimed album that reflected his journey through addiction and personal struggle. The album's hit singles, "Not Afraid" and "Love the Way You Lie" (featuring Rihanna), marked a change in Eminem's tone, focusing on themes of redemption and self-improvement. Recovery was a commercial success, earning Eminem another Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and becoming one of the best-selling albums of the year.

Eminem continued his dominance in the 2010s, releasing The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013), a sequel to his 2000 breakthrough album. The album featured hits like "The Monster" (featuring Rihanna) and "Berzerk." It was both a commercial and critical success, earning Eminem multiple Grammy nominations and wins.

Late Career and Political Commentary

In 2017, Eminem released Revival, an album that saw him make political and social commentary, particularly in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Though Revival received mixed reviews, it still produced popular tracks like "Walk on Water" (featuring Beyoncé) and "Nowhere Fast" (featuring Kehlani).

In 2018, he followed up with Kamikaze, an album that was a return to form, where he responded to critics and the state of modern hip-hop. With tracks like "Lucky You" and "Fall," Kamikaze received much praise for its raw, unapologetic approach.

2020s and Continued Relevance

Eminem continued his relevance into the 2020s with Music to Be Murdered By (2020), which was another successful album both critically and commercially. It featured collaborations with artists like Juice WRLD, Anderson .Paak, and Don Toliver, and produced tracks such as "Godzilla" and "Darkness," which tackled heavy themes of violence and mental health.

Business Ventures and Accomplishments

Beyond music, Eminem has also pursued various business ventures:

• Shady Records: Founded in 1999, Shady Records has signed major artists like 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and Yelawolf.
• Acting: Besides 8 Mile, Eminem has made cameo appearances in films and television, including The Wash (2001).
• Streaming and Digital Ventures: Eminem has also embraced the digital era, with his music available on streaming platforms and collaborating with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Personal Life

Eminem has been an extremely private figure regarding his personal life, but his relationships with his daughter Hailie (whom he often raps about), his ex-wife Kim Scott, and his struggles with addiction and mental health have remained central to his public persona.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Eminem's influence on hip-hop and popular culture cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and has earned numerous awards, including over 15 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and countless chart-topping hits. His ability to blend humor with biting social commentary, his complex lyricism, and his boundary-pushing style have made him a cultural icon.

As of 2025, Eminem remains an active figure in the music industry, continuing to release new material, tour, and influence new generations of artists. His work continues to resonate across various media, and his impact on hip-hop and popular music will be remembered for decades to come.