Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Eminem
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Eminem made an impact.
Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers III, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He's celebrated for popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and challenging racial barriers within the genre. Despite early controversies stemming from his transgressive lyrics, Eminem became a voice for lower-income America, known for his conscious lyrics, political criticism, social commentary, and exceptional rapping ability.
1988: Formation of New Jacks
In 1988, Eminem, using the stage name MC Double M, formed his first group, New Jacks, and created a self-titled demo tape with DJ Butter Fingers.
1989: Joining Bassmint Productions
In 1989, New Jacks joined Bassmint Productions.
1992: Formation of Soul Intent and Music Video Appearance
In 1992, Bassmint Productions changed their name to Soul Intent and Eminem made his first music video appearance in "Do-Da-Dippity" by Champtown.
1995: Signing with F.B.T. Productions
In 1995, Eminem signed with Jeff and Mark Bass' F.B.T. Productions.
1995: Release of Soul Intent EP
In 1995, Soul Intent released their self-titled EP featuring Proof.
1996: Formation of D12
In 1996, Eminem and Proof teamed up with other rappers to form D12 (The Dirty Dozen).
1996: Release and Failure of 'Infinite'
In 1996, Eminem recorded his debut album 'Infinite' which was a commercial failure upon its release.
1996: Release of Debut Album 'Infinite'
In 1996, Eminem released his debut album, 'Infinite'.
1997: Release of 'The Underground E.P.' by D12
In 1997, D12 released 'The Underground E.P.'
1997: Creation and Recording of 'Slim Shady EP'
In 1997, Eminem developed his Slim Shady alter ego and recorded the 'Slim Shady EP'.
1997: Participated in Scribble Jam MC Battle and Rap Olympics
In 1997, Eminem participated in the Scribble Jam MC battle, losing in the finals, and competed in the Rap Olympics, placing second.
1997: Release of 'Slim Shady EP'
In 1997, Eminem released the 'Slim Shady EP'.
March 9, 1998: Signed to Aftermath/Interscope
On March 9, 1998, Eminem signed with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records after Dr. Dre heard his 'Slim Shady EP'.
March 1998: Featured in The Source
In March 1998, Eminem was featured in The Source magazine's "Unsigned Hype" column.
1998: Formation of Bad Meets Evil
In 1998, Eminem and Royce da 5'9" formed the duo Bad Meets Evil, marking the beginning of their collaborative work.
1998: Extra in Korn's "Got the Life" Music Video
In 1998, Eminem appeared as an extra in Korn's music video for "Got the Life," where he gave the band a demo tape.
1998: Meeting with Necro
In 1998, during a beef with rapper Cage, Necro gave Eminem a CD with the beat that later became "Black Helicopters", despite Eminem not using it.
February 1999: Release of 'The Slim Shady LP'
In February 1999, Eminem released 'The Slim Shady LP', which became one of the year's most popular albums and was certified triple platinum. It also generated controversy due to its lyrical content.
1999: Recording of 'The Marshall Mathers LP'
From 1999 to 2000, Eminem recorded 'The Marshall Mathers LP'.
1999: Mainstream Popularity with 'The Slim Shady LP'
In 1999, Eminem achieved mainstream popularity after signing with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and releasing 'The Slim Shady LP'.
1999: Founding of Shady Records
In late 1999, after releasing The Slim Shady LP, Eminem started his own record label, Shady Records, with his manager Paul Rosenberg.
May 2000: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP'
In May 2000, The Marshall Mathers LP was released. It sold 1.76 million copies in its first week, breaking U.S. records.
July 2000: Eminem on the Cover of The Source
In July 2000, Eminem became the first white artist to appear on the cover of The Source magazine.
November 21, 2000: Publication of Angry Blonde
On November 21, 2000, Eminem published Angry Blonde, a non-fiction book featuring commentary on his songs and previously unpublished photographs.
2000: Up in Smoke Tour and the Family Values Tour
In 2000, Eminem participated in the Up in Smoke Tour and the Family Values Tour. He also headlined the Anger Management Tour with Papa Roach, Ludacris, and Xzibit in 2000.
2000: Song The Way I Am Release
In 2000, Eminem released his song "The Way I Am", after which his autobiography was named.
2000: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP'
In 2000, Eminem's 'The Marshall Mathers LP' was released and became a worldwide success, selling over one million copies in a week.
2001: D12's debut album release
In 2001, D12 released their debut album, Devil's Night.
2001: Release of Devil's Night album by D12
In 2001, D12 released their first album Devil's Night.
2001: Grammy Awards rehearsal with Elton John
In 2001, Elton John described getting goosebumps upon Eminem's entrance during rehearsals for their "Stan" duet at the Grammy Awards, comparing him to Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin.
2001: Performance at the 43rd Grammy Awards
In 2001, Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony, which was met with condemnation from GLAAD due to Eminem's controversial lyrics. On February 21, 2001, GLAAD protested outside the Staples Center on the day of the awards. Eminem also appeared on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint in 2001.
2001: Role in The Wash
In 2001, Eminem played a small role in the film The Wash.
May 2002: Release of The Eminem Show
In May 2002, Eminem released "The Eminem Show", which was a commercial success, selling over 1.332 million copies in its first week and reaching number one on the charts. The album explores the effects of Eminem's fame and his relationships.
2002: Release of 'The Eminem Show'
In 2002, 'The Eminem Show' was released, becoming a worldwide success and the best-selling album worldwide that year.
2002: Hollywood Debut in 8 Mile
In 2002, Eminem made his Hollywood debut in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, also recording several new songs for the soundtrack.
2002: Signing 50 Cent
In 2002, Eminem signed 50 Cent to Shady Records in a joint venture with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label.
2002: Starring in '8 Mile' and Winning an Oscar
In 2002, Eminem starred in the film '8 Mile' and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself".
2002: Academy Award Win for "Lose Yourself"
In 2002, Eminem won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from the film 8 Mile, making him the first hip-hop artist to receive the award.
2002: BBC comparison to William Shakespeare and Bob Dylan
In 2002, the BBC noted the perception of Eminem as a "modern-day William Shakespeare," drawing parallels to Bob Dylan's reception and his accurate reflection of social injustice through vivid portrayals of disenfranchised lives.
2002: Eminem's Year-End Bestselling Album
Recovery was the bestselling album worldwide in 2010, joining Eminem's 2002 bestseller The Eminem Show. This made Eminem the first artist in Nielsen SoundScan history with two worldwide year-end number-one albums.
2003: Academy Award for "Lose Yourself"
In 2003, Eminem's song "Lose Yourself" from the 8 Mile soundtrack won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, becoming the longest-running No. 1 hip-hop single in history.
October 25, 2004: Release of "Mosh" Video
On October 25, 2004, a week before the U.S. Presidential election, Eminem released the video for "Mosh" on the Internet. The video was critical of President George W. Bush. The video's ending was altered after Bush's reelection.
2004: Release of D12 World
In 2004, D12 reunited to release their second album, D12 World, which included the hit singles "My Band" and "How Come".
2004: Co-Executive Producer for 2Pac Album
In 2004, Eminem co-executive produced 2Pac's posthumous album Loyal to the Game with Afeni Shakur.
2004: Release of 'Encore' and Hiatus
In 2004, Eminem released 'Encore' before taking a hiatus due to struggles with prescription drug addiction.
December 6, 2005: Release of Curtain Call: The Hits
On December 6, 2005, Eminem's greatest hits album, Curtain Call: The Hits, was released by Aftermath Entertainment. It sold approximately 441,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 200.
2005: Signing Bobby Creekwater and Cashis
In 2005, Eminem signed Atlanta rapper Bobby Creekwater and West Coast rapper Cashis to Shady Records.
December 5, 2006: Eminem Presents: The Re-Up Album Release
On December 5, 2006, the compilation album Eminem Presents: The Re-Up was released on Shady Records, initially intended as a mixtape to introduce Stat Quo, Cashis, and Bobby Creekwater.
September 2007: Eminem's radio interview and album status
In September 2007, Eminem mentioned in an interview with radio station WQHT that he was "in limbo" regarding releasing another album.
2007: Michael Jackson Acquires Rights to Eminem's Songs
In 2007, Michael Jackson and Sony acquired Famous Music from Viacom, granting Jackson the rights to songs by Eminem, among other artists.
September 2008: Focus on Production
In September 2008, Eminem appeared on his Shade 45 Sirius channel, stating he was concentrating on producing tracks and improving his production skills.
October 21, 2008: Publication of The Way I Am
On October 21, 2008, Eminem's autobiography The Way I Am was published by Dutton Adult, featuring previously unpublished photos.
2008: Consideration for Jumper Lead Role
In 2008, Eminem was considered for the lead role in the film Jumper.
March 5, 2009: Announcement of Two New Albums
On March 5, 2009, it was announced that Eminem would release two new albums that year, starting with "Relapse".
2009: Recording of Recovery Album
From 2009 to 2010, Eminem recorded the album Recovery, which was eventually released in 2010.
2009: Support for Barack Obama
In 2009, Eminem expressed support for Barack Obama in an interview.
2009: Cameo in Funny People
In 2009, Eminem had a cameo appearance in the film Funny People.
2009: Return with 'Relapse'
In 2009, Eminem returned to the music industry with the release of the album 'Relapse'.
2009: New Album Announcement
In 2009, Interscope confirmed that Eminem would release a new album in the spring.
April 14, 2010: Album Title Change Announcement
On April 14, 2010, Eminem announced via Twitter that "There is no Relapse 2," revealing that the album's title had been changed to "Recovery."
June 2010: The Home & Home Tour Announcement
In June 2010, Eminem and Jay-Z announced "The Home & Home Tour" concerts in Detroit and New York City. Due to high demand, additional shows were added in each city.
November 21, 2010: US Sales of Recovery
As of November 21, 2010, Eminem's album Recovery had U.S. sales of three million copies.
2010: Collaboration as Bad Meets Evil
In 2010, Eminem began collaborating again with Royce da 5'9" on their first EP as Bad Meets Evil, after the duo initially formed in 1998.
2010: Release of 'Recovery'
In 2010, Eminem released 'Recovery', which became the best-selling album worldwide that year.
2010: Release and Success of Recovery Album
In 2010, Eminem released his album "Recovery" on June 18. It achieved significant commercial success, selling 741,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. and topping the Billboard 200 chart. The album also topped charts in several other countries and remained atop the Billboard 200 for five consecutive weeks.
2010: Jonathan Ross Interview
In 2010, during an interview with Jonathan Ross, Eminem reaffirmed his passion for music, while not ruling out future film roles.
March 2011: 'The Marshall Mathers LP' Certified Diamond
In March 2011, 'The Marshall Mathers LP' was certified Diamond by the RIAA.
March 2011: Diamond Certification of Two Albums
In March 2011, both The Eminem Show and The Marshall Mathers LP were certified diamond by the RIAA, making Eminem the only rapper with two diamond-certified albums.
April 8, 2011: Feature on "Writer's Block"
On April 8, 2011, Eminem was featured on Royce da 5'9"'s song "Writer's Block".
June 14, 2011: Release of Hell: The Sequel
On June 14, 2011, Eminem and Royce da 5'9" released their first EP as Bad Meets Evil, titled "Hell: The Sequel".
August 14, 2013: "Survival" Premiers in Call of Duty: Ghosts Trailer
On August 14, 2013, the song "Survival", featuring Liz Rodrigues and produced by DJ Khalil, premiered in the multi-player trailer for the video game Call of Duty: Ghosts. A press release indicated this would be the first single from Eminem's upcoming eighth album.
2013: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2'
In 2013, Eminem released 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart.
2013: Release of "Headlights"
In 2013, Eminem released the song "Headlights" where he apologized to his mother for previous lyrics, including those in "Cleanin' Out My Closet".
2013: Consideration for Elysium Lead Role
In 2013, Eminem was considered for the lead role in the film Elysium.
2014: Cameo in The Interview
In 2014, Eminem had a cameo appearance in the film The Interview.
June 2015: Eminem to Executive Produce TV Series 'Motor City'
In June 2015, it was revealed that Eminem would serve as the executive producer and music supervisor on the TV series Motor City, which was based on the 2002 film Narc.
July 1, 2015: Eminem Interview on Beats 1
On July 1, 2015, Eminem was the first guest interviewed by Zane Lowe on Beats 1 radio. The interview was streamed online.
October 19, 2016: Eminem Releases "Campaign Speech" and Announces New Album
On October 19, 2016, Eminem released a new political hip-hop song called "Campaign Speech" and announced that he was working on a new album.
November 17, 2016: Eminem Releases Remastered Version of 'Infinite'
On November 17, 2016, Eminem released a remastered version of his album 'Infinite' on his YouTube VEVO channel.
November 22, 2016: Eminem Releases Trailer for 'Partners in Rhyme: The True Story of Infinite'
On November 22, 2016, Eminem released a trailer for a 10-minute short documentary called Partners in Rhyme: The True Story of Infinite.
2016: Release of "Campaign Speech"
In 2016, Eminem returned to overt political expression during the United States presidential election with the release of "Campaign Speech", a freestyle attacking Republican candidate Donald Trump.
February 2017: Eminem Features on Big Sean's "No Favors" and Sparks Controversy
In February 2017, Eminem appeared on "No Favors" from Big Sean's album I Decided. His verse, which included explicit lyrics about President Donald Trump and Ann Coulter, sparked controversy and drew criticism.
October 2017: Eminem and Paul Rosenberg Tease Revival Album
Beginning in late October 2017, Eminem and Paul Rosenberg teased what fans speculated to be the title of his next album, Revival, through advertisements for a fake medication of the same name.
December 15, 2017: Eminem Releases Revival
On December 15, 2017, Eminem released his album Revival despite an online leak two days prior. The album was released as scheduled.
2017: Reference to the Las Vegas Shooting in 'Darkness'
Eminem's 2020 song "Darkness" references the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.
2017: Performance of "The Storm" at BET Hip Hop Awards
In 2017, Eminem performed the anti-Trump freestyle "The Storm" at the BET Hip Hop Awards, supporting Colin Kaepernick and declaring that fans who supported Trump were no longer welcome.
2017: Release of 'Revival'
In 2017, Eminem released 'Revival', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart.
January 5, 2018: Eminem Releases "River" featuring Ed Sheeran
On January 5, 2018, Eminem released "River", the second single from his album Revival, featuring Ed Sheeran.
August 31, 2018: Eminem Surprise Releases Kamikaze
On August 31, 2018, Eminem released his tenth studio album and first surprise album, Kamikaze, just eight months after Revival. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
October 15, 2018: Eminem Performs "Venom" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On October 15, 2018, Eminem performed "Venom" live from the 103rd floor of the Empire State Building on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as promotion for the album Kamikaze.
December 1, 2018: Eminem Releases "Kick Off" Freestyle
On December 1, 2018, Eminem released an 11-minute freestyle titled "Kick Off" on his YouTube channel.
2018: Release of 'Kamikaze'
In 2018, Eminem released 'Kamikaze', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart.
February 23, 2019: Re-issue of The Slim Shady LP for 20th Anniversary
On February 23, 2019, Eminem released a re-issue of The Slim Shady LP, including acapellas, instrumentals, and radio edits of tracks from the album, to mark its 20th anniversary.
January 17, 2020: Eminem Surprise Releases Music to Be Murdered By
On January 17, 2020, Eminem released another surprise album, Music to Be Murdered By. With this release, Eminem became the first artist to have ten consecutive albums debut at number one in the United States.
February 9, 2020: Eminem Performs "Lose Yourself" at the Academy Awards
On February 9, 2020, Eminem performed "Lose Yourself" at the 92nd Academy Awards.
March 9, 2020: Music Video for "Godzilla" Released
On March 9, 2020, the music video for the song "Godzilla" was released via Lyrical Lemonade's YouTube channel.
March 11, 2020: Music to Be Murdered By Certified Gold
On March 11, 2020, Eminem's album Music to Be Murdered By was certified Gold by the RIAA.
July 9, 2020: Kid Cudi Announces Collaboration with Eminem
On July 9, 2020, Kid Cudi's daughter Vada announced that he would release a song with Eminem titled "The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady" the following Friday.
December 18, 2020: Eminem Releases Music to Be Murdered By – Side B
On December 18, 2020, Eminem released a deluxe edition of his album, Music to Be Murdered By – Side B, without prior announcement. The release was accompanied by a music video for "Gnat."
2020: Release of 'Music to Be Murdered By'
In 2020, Eminem released 'Music to Be Murdered By', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart.
September 29, 2021: Opening of Mom's Spaghetti Restaurant
On September 29, 2021, Eminem and Union Joints opened a spaghetti restaurant called Mom's Spaghetti in Detroit, referencing his song "Lose Yourself".
September 30, 2021: Eminem Featured on Skylar Grey's "Last One Standing"
On September 30, 2021, Eminem was featured alongside Polo G and Mozzy on Skylar Grey's song "Last One Standing" for the soundtrack of the film Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
October 30, 2021: Eminem Performs with LL Cool J at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
On October 30, 2021, Eminem performed with LL Cool J at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.
February 13, 2022: Eminem Performs at Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show
On February 13, 2022, Eminem performed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige.
June 24, 2022: Eminem and Snoop Dogg Release "From the D to the LBC"
On June 24, 2022, Eminem and Snoop Dogg released the song "From the D to the LBC" and publicly reconciled.
July 11, 2022: Eminem Announces Curtain Call 2
On July 11, 2022, Eminem announced his second greatest hits album, Curtain Call 2.
August 5, 2022: Eminem Releases Curtain Call 2
On August 5, 2022, Eminem released his second greatest hits album Curtain Call 2, which includes "The King and I", "From the D 2 the LBC", and a new track "Is This Love ('09)" featuring 50 Cent.
2022: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
At the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Eminem named over 100 artists from hip-hop's golden age as influences on his career.
2022: Christian Lyrics in "Use This Gospel" Remix
In 2022, Eminem delivered explicitly Christian lyrics on the remix of Kanye West and DJ Khaled's track "Use This Gospel", thanking Jesus and rapping about salvation.
July 2023: Shady Records Signs Ez Mil
In July 2023, Eminem's Shady Records signed rapper Ez Mil in a joint deal with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records.
August 4, 2023: Ez Mil Releases "Realest" Featuring Eminem
On August 4, 2023, Ez Mil released the song "Realest", featuring Eminem. Eminem's verse addresses comments from Melle Mel and responds to The Game's diss track.
2023: Mom's Spaghetti Jarred Sauce Launch
In 2023, Eminem announced the launch of a "Mom's Spaghetti" jarred pasta sauce.
March 19, 2024: Dr. Dre Announces Eminem's New Album
During an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 19, 2024, Dr. Dre stated that Eminem intended to release a new album that year.
May 31, 2024: Eminem Releases "Houdini"
On May 31, 2024, Eminem released the lead single "Houdini" from his upcoming album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). The song topped charts in many countries and debuted at number one on the Billboard Global 200.
June 28, 2024: Teaser for "Tobey" single
On June 28, 2024, Eminem posted a teaser for the album's second single, titled "Tobey," featuring Big Sean and BabyTron.
July 12, 2024: Concept album Release
On July 12, 2024, Eminem's concept album was released through Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records, becoming his eleventh number-one album on the Billboard 200.
August 31, 2024: "Murdergram Deux" Single Release
On August 31, 2024, LL Cool J released the single "Murdergram Deux", featuring Eminem, marking their first collaboration.
October 2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In October 2024, Eminem publicly endorsed Kamala Harris at a rally in Detroit, emphasizing voter turnout in Michigan and supporting her stance on civil liberties.
December 2024: Feature on Snoop Dogg's Album
In December 2024, Eminem featured on the track "Gunz N Smoke" from Snoop Dogg's album Missionary, alongside 50 Cent.
2024: MTV Video Music Awards Performance
In 2024, Eminem opened the MTV Video Music Awards with a self-referential performance of "Houdini" and "Somebody Save Me".
2024: Release of 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)'
In 2024, Eminem released 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart.
May 2025: American Music Awards Win
In May 2025, Eminem won Favorite Hip Hop Artist and Favorite Hip Hop Album for The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) at the American Music Awards.
June 2025: "Animals (Pt. I)" Collaboration Release
In June 2025, the collaboration "Animals (Pt. I)" between Eminem and JID was released.
July 2025: Documentary Film Announcement
In July 2025, Eminem announced the release of the documentary film Stans, focusing on his career through the eyes of his fans, with a global release set for August 7-10.
November 2025: Hitman Collaboration and Thanksgiving Halftime Show
In November 2025, Eminem collaborated with IO Interactive to appear in Hitman: World of Assassination and performed at the Detroit Lions's halftime show with Jack White.
2025: Cameo in Happy Gilmore 2
In 2025, Eminem had a cameo appearance in the film Happy Gilmore 2.
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