Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Eminem
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Eminem made an impact.
Eminem, born Marshall Mathers III, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and producer. Celebrated as one of the greatest rappers ever, he popularized hip-hop in Middle America and overcame racial barriers for white rappers. His provocative work in the late 90s and early 2000s sparked controversy, yet he became an icon representing the angst of the American underclass.
1988: Formation of New Jacks
In 1988, Eminem, using the stage name MC Double M, formed his first group, New Jacks, and made 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. Eminem also made his first music video appearance in a song titled, "Do-Da-Dippity", by Champtown.
1995: Signing to F.B.T. Productions
In 1995, Eminem was signed to Jeff and Mark Bass' F.B.T. Productions.
1995: Release of Soul Intent EP
In 1995, Soul Intent released a self-titled EP featuring Proof.
1996: Recording and Release of 'Infinite'
In 1995-1996 Eminem recorded his debut album 'Infinite' for F.B.T. Productions' independent Web Entertainment label. The album was released in 1996 and was a commercial failure.
1996: Formation of D12
In 1996, Eminem and Proof teamed up with other rappers to form The Dirty Dozen (D12).
1996: Release of 'Infinite' and Signing with F.B.T. Productions
In 1996, Eminem released his debut album 'Infinite' and was signed to Jeff and Mark Bass' F.B.T. Productions. The album was a commercial failure upon its release.
1997: Release of The Underground E.P. by D12
In 1997, D12 released The Underground E.P.
1997: Rap Olympics and Interscope's Interest
In 1997, Eminem competed in the Rap Olympics in Los Angeles, placing second. An Interscope Records intern asked Eminem for a copy of the Slim Shady EP, which was then sent to company CEO Jimmy Iovine.
1997: Creation of Slim Shady Alter Ego and Recording of Slim Shady EP
In 1997, Eminem developed Slim Shady, a violent alter ego. In the spring of 1997, he recorded his debut EP, the Slim Shady EP, which was released that winter by Web Entertainment.
1997: Release of Slim Shady EP
In 1997, Eminem released the Slim Shady EP. Later that year, he got signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment.
March 9, 1998: Signing with Aftermath and Interscope
On March 9, 1998, Eminem signed with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records.
March 1998: Featured in The Source's "Unsigned Hype" Column
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.
1998: Gave Korn a demo tape during the "Got the Life" music video shoot
In 1998, Eminem made an appearance as an extra in Korn's music video for "Got the Life", where he handed the band a demo tape.
1998: Met Necro and received a beat that became "Black Helicopters"
In 1998, while a beef with rapper Cage was ongoing, Eminem met New York rapper Necro, who provided him with a CD containing the beat that would later be used for the song "Black Helicopters" by the rap group Non-Phixion.
February 1999: Release of The Slim Shady LP
In February 1999, Eminem released The Slim Shady LP. The album generated controversy because of its lyrics.
1999: Recording The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem recorded The Marshall Mathers LP from 1999 to 2000.
1999: Mainstream popularity with The Slim Shady LP
In 1999, Eminem achieved mainstream popularity with The Slim Shady LP. Late in 1999, he started his own record label, Shady Records.
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.
1999: Founded Shady Records with Paul Rosenberg
In late 1999, following multiplatinum record sales, Interscope offered Eminem his own label, leading to the founding of Shady Records with Paul Rosenberg.
May 2000: Release of The Marshall Mathers LP
In May 2000, Eminem released 'The Marshall Mathers LP'. 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 was the first white artist to appear on the cover of The Source magazine.
November 21, 2000: Published Angry Blonde
On November 21, 2000, Eminem published Angry Blonde, a non-fiction book featuring commentary on his songs and previously unpublished photographs.
2000: Artist of the Decade
Billboard named Eminem the "Artist of the Decade (2000–2009)".
2000: Bestselling Music Artist (2000-2009)
From 2000 to 2009, Eminem was the bestselling music artist in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
2000: Anger Management Tour
In 2000, Eminem appeared in the Up in Smoke Tour and the Family Values Tour, headlining the Anger Management Tour with Papa Roach, Ludacris, and Xzibit.
2000: Mention of "The Way I Am" song
In 2000, Eminem released the song "The Way I Am".
2000: Release of The Marshall Mathers LP
In May 2000, Eminem released 'The Marshall Mathers LP', which broke records by selling 1.76 million copies in its first week. The album became the fastest-selling hip-hop album in the U.S.
2001: Release of Devil's Night by D12
In 2001, D12 released their first album, Devil's Night.
2001: Release of D12's debut album, Devil's Night
In 2001, D12's debut album, Devil's Night, was released.
2001: Minor role in The Wash
In 2001, Eminem had a small role in the film The Wash.
2001: Grammy Performance with Elton John and Collaboration with Jay-Z
In 2001, Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony. He also produced and rapped on the song "Renegade" on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint.
2001: Rehearsal with Elton John for the "Stan" duet at the Grammy Awards
In 2001, during rehearsal for the "Stan" duet at the Grammy Awards, Elton John expressed feeling goosebumps akin to those he experienced upon first seeing Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin, and praised Eminem's captivating performance.
May 2002: Release of "The Eminem Show"
In May 2002, Eminem released "The Eminem Show", which reached number one on the charts and sold over 1.332 million copies during its first full week. The album examined the effects of Eminem's rise to fame, his relationships, and his status in the hip-hop community. It eventually sold 27 million copies worldwide and was the bestselling album of 2002.
2002: Hollywood debut in 8 Mile
In 2002, Eminem made his Hollywood debut in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile.
2002: Release of The Eminem Show
In 2002, Eminem released 'The Eminem Show', which became a worldwide success and the best-selling album worldwide that year. It remains the best-selling hip-hop album in history.
2002: Signed 50 Cent to Shady Records in a joint venture with Aftermath
In 2002, Eminem signed 50 Cent to Shady Records through a joint venture with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label.
2002: Starring in 8 Mile and Academy Award
In 2002, Eminem starred in the musical drama film 8 Mile. Also, in 2002, Eminem's song, "Lose Yourself", from the 8 Mile soundtrack, topped the Billboard Hot 100 and later won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
2002: Academy Award Win for "Lose Yourself"
In 2002, Eminem won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile, becoming the first rapper to receive the award. He also won MTV Movie & TV Awards and Critics' Choice Movie Award for the same song.
2002: Stephen Hill's comments on Eminem
In 2002, Stephen Hill, the then vice president of BET (Black Entertainment Television), made comments about Eminem.
October 12, 2004: Michael Jackson's Displeasure with "Just Lose It"
On October 12, 2004, a week after Eminem released "Just Lose It", which contained slurs directed toward Michael Jackson, Jackson contacted Steve Harvey's radio show to express his displeasure with the video, which parodied Jackson's child molestation trial, plastic surgery and the 1984 incident when Jackson's hair caught fire during the filming of a commercial.
October 25, 2004: Release of "Mosh" Video
On October 25, 2004, a week before the 2004 U.S. Presidential election, Eminem released the video for "Mosh" on the Internet. The video featured Eminem gathering an army of Bush-administration victims and leading them to the White House to register to vote.
2004: Release of "Mosh" and Criticism of George W. Bush
A few weeks before the 2004 United States presidential election, Eminem released the song "Mosh," which heavily criticized then-president George W. Bush.
2004: D12 reunited for their second album, D12 World
In 2004, D12 reunited and released their second album, D12 World, which featured the hit singles "My Band" and "How Come".
2004: Co-executive producer of 2Pac's posthumous album Loyal to the Game
In 2004, Eminem co-executive produced 2Pac's posthumous album, Loyal to the Game, alongside Shakur's mother, Afeni.
2004: Release of Encore and Hiatus
In 2004, Eminem released 'Encore'. Following the release of the album, Eminem went on hiatus, largely due to a prescription drug addiction.
December 6, 2005: Release of "Curtain Call: The Hits"
On December 6, 2005, Eminem released a greatest hits album, Curtain Call: The Hits, which sold nearly 441,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Eminem also suggested he would be taking a break as an artist.
2005: Eminem signed Bobby Creekwater and Cashis to Shady Records
In 2005, Eminem signed Atlanta rapper Bobby Creekwater and West Coast rapper Cashis to Shady Records.
December 5, 2006: Release of Eminem Presents: The Re-Up
On December 5, 2006, the compilation album Eminem Presents: The Re-Up was released on Shady Records, intended to introduce Stat Quo, Cashis, and Bobby Creekwater.
September 2007: Eminem's Radio Interview on WQHT
In September 2007, Eminem called New York radio station WQHT during an interview with 50 Cent, stating that he was "in limbo" and "debating" about releasing another album.
2007: Jackson and Sony Buy Famous Music
In 2007, Michael Jackson and Sony acquired Famous Music from Viacom, granting Jackson the rights to songs by Eminem, among other artists.
September 2008: Eminem Discusses Production on Shade 45
In September 2008, Eminem appeared on his Shade 45 Sirius channel, stating that he was concentrating on producing tracks and improving his skills.
October 21, 2008: Published autobiography 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: Considered for role in Jumper
In 2008, Eminem was considered for the role of David Rice 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: Artist of the Decade
Billboard named Eminem the "Artist of the Decade (2000–2009)".
2009: Bestselling Music Artist (2000-2009)
From 2000 to 2009, Eminem was the bestselling music artist in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
2009: Recording of Recovery
From 2009 to 2010, Eminem recorded the album Recovery.
2009: Cameo appearance in Funny People
In 2009, Eminem made a cameo appearance in the film Funny People.
2009: Release of Relapse
In 2009, Eminem returned to the music industry with the release of 'Relapse'.
2009: Confirmation of New Album Release
In 2009, Interscope confirmed that Eminem would be releasing a new album in the spring.
2009: Endorsement of Barack Obama
In 2009, while openly endorsing Barack Obama in an interview, Eminem stated he would not express political views in music again until the 2016 election.
April 14, 2010: Eminem Tweets About Relapse 2 and Recovery
On April 14, 2010, Eminem tweeted "There is no Relapse 2" before revealing the new title of his album as Recovery, with a link to his website.
June 2010: The Home & Home Tour Announcement and Success
In June 2010, Eminem and Jay-Z announced they would perform together in Detroit and New York City in concerts called The Home & Home Tour. The first two concerts quickly sold out, prompting an additional show in each city.
November 21, 2010: US sales for "Recovery" album
As of November 21, 2010, the album Recovery had U.S. sales of three million copies.
December 2010: "Great Eminem Recovery" on Billboard's Top 25 Music Moments of 2010
In December 2010, the "Great Eminem Recovery" was number one on Billboard's Top 25 Music Moments of 2010. That month it was announced that "Space Bound" would be the fourth single from Recovery, with a music video featuring former porn actress Sasha Grey; the video was released June 24 on the iTunes Store.
2010: Collaboration with Royce da 5'9" on Bad Meets Evil EP
In 2010, Eminem began collaborating again with Royce da 5'9" on their first EP as Bad Meets Evil.
2010: Release of Recovery
In 2010, Eminem released 'Recovery', which became the best-selling album worldwide of that year.
2010: Expressed passion for music in interview
In a 2010 interview with Jonathan Ross, Eminem stated his passion for music, suggesting that he might not pursue movie roles as frequently in the future.
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 for The Eminem Show and The Marshall Mathers LP
In March 2011, 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: Eminem Featured on Royce da 5'9"'s "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 EP
On June 14, 2011, Eminem and Royce da 5'9" released their first EP as Bad Meets Evil, titled Hell: The Sequel.
August 14, 2012: Premiere of "Survival" in Call of Duty: Ghosts Trailer
On August 14, 2012, Eminem's song "Survival", featuring Liz Rodrigues, premiered in the multi-player trailer for the video game Call of Duty: Ghosts.
2013: Announcement of The Marshall Mathers LP 2 and Release of "Berzerk"
During the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, Eminem announced that his album would be entitled The Marshall Mathers LP 2. Its lead single, "Berzerk", was released on August 25 and debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2013: Global Icon Award at MTV Europe Music Awards
In 2013, Eminem received the Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony.
2013: Release of The Marshall Mathers LP 2
In 2013, Eminem released 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.
2013: Released "Headlights" apologizing to his mother
In 2013, Eminem released the song "Headlights," reiterating his love for his mother and apologizing for some of his previous lyrics, including those in "Cleanin' Out My Closet".
2013: Awards and Certifications
In 2013, Eminem was named the first YouTube Music Awards Artist of the Year and received the Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. He also became the first artist to receive two digital diamond certifications by the RIAA.
2013: Turned down lead role in Elysium
In 2013, Eminem was offered the lead role in the science-fiction film Elysium but declined because the director would not change the location from Los Angeles to Detroit.
2014: #SHADYXV Teasing
In 2014, Eminem and Rosenberg teased an upcoming Shady Records compilation album called "Shady XV" on social networking sites. Eminem also wore a t-shirt with the hashtag onstage.
2014: Cameo appearance in The Interview
In 2014, Eminem made a cameo appearance as himself in the film The Interview.
2014: Most-Streamed Artist on Spotify
In 2014, Spotify named Eminem the most-streamed music artist ever.
March 12, 2015: Release of 'The Official Eminem Box Set'
On March 12, 2015, 'The Official Eminem Box Set', a career-spanning, 10-disc vinyl box set, was released. The set includes seven of Eminem's eight studio albums (excluding Infinite), the 8 Mile soundtrack, the compilation Eminem Presents: The Re-Up and the greatest hits collection Curtain Call: The Hits.
June 2015: Executive Producer of 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, whose premise was based upon the 2002 film Narc.
October 19, 2016: Release of 'Campaign Speech'
On October 19, 2016, Eminem released a new song called "Campaign Speech", a political hip-hop song, and announced he was working on a new album.
November 17, 2016: Remastered 'Infinite' Release
On November 17, 2016, Eminem released a remastered version of his album 'Infinite' on his YouTube VEVO channel.
November 22, 2016: 'Partners in Rhyme: The True Story of Infinite' Trailer Release
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" and Criticism of Donald Trump
During the 2016 United States presidential election, Eminem released "Campaign Speech," which criticized presidential candidate Donald Trump.
February 2017: Featured on 'No Favors'
In February 2017, Eminem was featured on the track "No Favors" from Big Sean's album I Decided, sparking controversy due to lyrics about Donald Trump and Ann Coulter.
October 2017: Teasing of Revival Album
Starting in late October 2017, Eminem and Paul Rosenberg began teasing what fans speculated was the title of a new album titled Revival, in the form of advertisements for a fake medication of the same name.
December 15, 2017: Release of 'Revival'
On December 15, 2017, despite an online leak, Eminem's album 'Revival' was officially released. The release was confirmed by Dr. Dre on November 28, 2017.
2017: Release of "The Storm" Freestyle
In 2017, Eminem criticized Donald Trump in a freestyle titled "The Storm," expressing support for Colin Kaepernick and displeasure for fans supporting Trump.
2017: Release of Revival
In 2017, Eminem released 'Revival', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.
January 5, 2018: Release of 'River'
On January 5, 2018, Eminem released the second single "River" from the album Revival, which featured Ed Sheeran.
August 31, 2018: Release of 'Kamikaze'
On August 31, 2018, Eminem released his tenth studio album and first surprise album Kamikaze.
2018: Release of Kamikaze
In 2018, Eminem released 'Kamikaze', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.
February 23, 2019: Re-issue of 'The Slim Shady LP'
On February 23, 2019, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Eminem released a re-issue of The Slim Shady LP, including acapellas, instrumentals and radio edited versions of tracks from the album.
January 17, 2020: Release of 'Music to Be Murdered By'
On January 17, 2020, Eminem released another surprise album Music to Be Murdered By.
July 9, 2020: Collaboration Announcement with Kid Cudi
On July 9, 2020, Kid Cudi's daughter Vada announced via social media that he was releasing a song with Eminem called "The Adventures of Moon Man & Slim Shady" the coming Friday.
December 18, 2020: Release of 'Music to Be Murdered By – Side B'
On December 18, 2020, a deluxe edition of the album, titled Music to Be Murdered By – Side B, was released without any prior announcement, containing a bonus disc with sixteen new tracks.
2020: Release of Music to Be Murdered By
In 2020, Eminem released 'Music to Be Murdered By', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.
2020: Release of "Darkness" and Support for Gun Control
In 2020, Eminem's song "Darkness" heavily referenced the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, and the music video ended with him expressing support for gun control.
2020: Donated to COVID-19 relief and healthcare workers in Detroit
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eminem donated a rare pair of Air Jordan 4 Retro Eminem Carhartt shoes for a raffle to benefit COVID-19 relief and donated spaghetti meals to healthcare workers at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, referencing his song "Lose Yourself".
2020: Approval of "Lose Yourself" for Biden Campaign Video
In 2020, the week before the presidential election, Eminem approved the use of his song "Lose Yourself" in a campaign video for Joe Biden.
September 29, 2021: Eminem and Union Joints opened Mom's Spaghetti restaurant
On September 29, 2021, Eminem and Union Joints opened Mom's Spaghetti restaurant at 2131 Woodward Ave in Detroit, referencing the "Lose Yourself" lyrics.
September 30, 2021: Featured on 'Last One Standing'
On September 30, 2021, Eminem featured in a song with Polo G and Mozzy called "Last One Standing" by Skylar Grey for the soundtrack of the film Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
June 24, 2022: Release of 'From the D to the LBC'
On June 24, 2022, Eminem and Snoop Dogg released a song entitled "From the D to the LBC" and reconciled.
July 11, 2022: Announcement of 'Curtain Call 2'
On July 11, 2022, Eminem announced his second greatest hits album, entitled Curtain Call 2, which is a sequel to his first compilation Curtain Call: The Hits.
August 5, 2022: Release of 'Curtain Call 2'
On August 5, 2022, Curtain Call 2 was released, covering Eminem's albums from Relapse to Music to be Murdered By, as well as collaborations and songs from movie soundtracks. It also includes "The King and I", "From the D 2 the LBC", and an additional new track named "Is This Love ('09)" featuring 50 Cent.
2022: Lists Influential Artists at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
During the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Eminem named more than 100 artists from hip-hop's golden age who contributed to the artist he would become.
July 2023: Shady Records Signs Ez Mil
In July 2023, Eminem's Shady Records signed Ez Mil in a direct joint deal with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records.
2023: Launched a "Mom's Spaghetti" jarred pasta sauce
In 2023, Eminem announced the launch of a "Mom's Spaghetti" jarred pasta sauce.
2023: Cease and Desist Letter to Vivek Ramaswamy
In 2023, Eminem requested that Republican election candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stop rapping his song "Lose Yourself" at campaign rallies, sending Ramaswamy a cease and desist letter.
March 19, 2024: Dr. Dre Announces New Eminem 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: Release of 'Houdini'
On May 31, 2024, Eminem released the lead single, Houdini, from his upcoming album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). The single topped the charts in many countries and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and number 2 on the Hot 100.
June 28, 2024: Teaser for 'Tobey' Released
On June 28, 2024, Eminem posted a teaser for the album's second single, titled "Tobey" and featuring fellow Detroit rappers Big Sean and BabyTron.
July 12, 2024: Release of 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)'
On July 12, 2024, Eminem released his concept album 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)', through Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. It was met with mixed reviews from critics.
August 31, 2024: Featured on 'Murdergram Deux'
On August 31, 2024, rapper LL Cool J released the single "Murdergram Deux", featuring Eminem, marking the pair's first ever collaboration.
December 2024: Featured on 'Gunz N Smoke'
In December 2024, Eminem was featured on the track "Gunz N Smoke" from Snoop Dogg's album, Missionary, alongside 50 Cent.
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris at Huntington Place Rally
In 2024, Eminem endorsed Kamala Harris during the United States presidential election. In October, he spoke at a Huntington Place rally supporting her, discussing the importance of voting and his belief that Harris "supports a future for this country".
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.
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