A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Eminem's life and career.
Eminem, born Marshall Mathers III, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and producer. He is recognized for popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and breaking racial barriers for white rappers. Though controversial early in his career for his transgressive themes, he became an icon representing the angst of the American underclass. He is known for numerous hit songs including "The Real Slim Shady," "Without Me," "Lose Yourself," and "Love the Way You Lie."
1982: Lawsuit Dismissed After Assault
In 1982, Debbie Mathers filed a lawsuit against a public school after D'Angelo Bailey injured Eminem's head in an assault; the suit was later dismissed by a judge.
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1996: Release of Infinite
In 1996, Eminem recorded and released his debut album Infinite for Web Entertainment, which was a commercial failure.
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March 1997: Fired from Gilbert's Lodge for the last time
In March 1997, Eminem was fired from Gilbert's Lodge for the last time and lived in his mother's mobile home with Kim and Hailie.
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1999: Eminem Hints at Avoiding Drugs in "My Name Is"
In his 1999 single "My Name Is", Eminem hinted that he avoided drug use, referencing his mother's history of drug abuse.
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2000: Assault Charge
In 2000, Eminem faced an assault charge brought by a bouncer he saw kissing his wife, which was later addressed in his album "The Eminem Show" released in 2002.
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2002: Eminem Develops Drug Addiction During 8 Mile Production
In 2002, during the production of 8 Mile, Eminem developed a drug addiction due to insomnia and the use of Ambien, marking the beginning of a long struggle with substance abuse.
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December 8, 2003: Secret Service Investigates Eminem
On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service investigated Eminem for lyrics in "We As Americans" that seemingly threatened the President of the United States.
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2004: Release of Encore and Hiatus
In 2004, Eminem released Encore and subsequently went on hiatus, largely due to a prescription drug addiction.
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December 2007: Methadone Overdose
In December 2007, Eminem overdosed on methadone, mistaking it for Vicodin. He collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors said he was close to death. He missed Christmas with his children and checked himself out of rehab prematurely.
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2019: Hughes' Previous Attempt
In 2019, Matthew Hughes pleaded guilty to breaking into a Rochester Hills home in search of Eminem.
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April 2020: Home Invasion
In April 2020, Matthew David Hughes broke into Eminem's Michigan home, stating he intended to kill him. Eminem was home at the time of the break in.
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2021: Hughes Sentenced
In 2021, Matthew David Hughes pleaded guilty to second-degree home invasion and was sentenced to probation and time served, which was 524 days in the county jail.
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August 30, 2023: Jacksonville Shooting Revelation
On August 30, 2023, it was revealed that Ryan Palmeter, the perpetrator of the 2023 Jacksonville shooting, had targeted Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly in a racially-motivated attack.
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