Major Controversies Surrounding Eminem: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Eminem.

Eminem, or Marshall Mathers III, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and producer. He is celebrated for popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and challenging racial barriers in the music industry. His controversial work in the late 90s and early 2000s made him a polarizing figure, yet he is seen as a voice for the American underclass. Eminem is known for his conscious lyrics, addressing political criticism and social commentary, and his exceptional rap flow.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

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. The album was accompanied by controversy over its lyrics.

May 2000: Release of The Marshall Mathers LP

In May 2000, Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP, which sold 1.76 million copies in its first week, breaking US records.

2001: Performance with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards

In 2001, Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony. This performance was controversial due to Eminem's lyrics being considered homophobic by GLAAD, who condemned John's decision to perform with him. The performance was also the source of significant media attention. Eminem was also the only guest artist to appear on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint.

December 8, 2003: Secret Service investigation regarding threatening lyrics

On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service investigated Eminem for lyrics in "We As Americans" where he said "I'd rather see the president dead". The song was later released on a bonus CD with the deluxe edition of Encore.

2003: "Weird Al" Yankovic's Parody of "Lose Yourself"

In 2003, "Weird Al" Yankovic created "Couch Potato" as a parody of Eminem's song "Lose Yourself". Eminem initially halted the video production, leading to irony when Michael Jackson protested Eminem's "Just Lose It" video in 2004.

Loading Video...

October 12, 2004: Michael Jackson's Displeasure with "Just Lose It" Video

On October 12, 2004, Michael Jackson contacted Steve Harvey's radio show to express his displeasure with Eminem's "Just Lose It" music video, which parodied Jackson's child molestation trial, plastic surgery, and the 1984 hair-burning incident. The controversy led to varied reactions, including BET ceasing to play the video.

Loading Video...

October 25, 2004: Release of "Mosh" music video

On October 25, 2004, a week before the U.S. Presidential election, Eminem released the music video for "Mosh" online. The video depicted Eminem leading a group of Bush-administration victims to register to vote and was altered post-election to show them invading the White House.

Loading Video...

2004: Shady National Convention

In 2004, Eminem promoted his radio station at the "Shady National Convention" in New York City, where Donald Trump endorsed him.

February 2017: Eminem appeared on Big Sean's album I Decided.

In February 2017, Eminem appeared on "No Favors", a track from Big Sean's album I Decided. In the song, Eminem mentions President Donald Trump and Ann Coulter, leading to controversy.

Loading Video...

2017: Eminem's BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher

In 2017, Eminem participated in the BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, delivering a freestyle called "The Storm", criticizing Trump and his administration.

2017: Regret Over Trump Collaboration

On his album Revival, released in 2017, Eminem expressed his regret at having collaborated with Donald Trump.

August 4, 2023: Ez Mil released the song "Realest", featuring Eminem

On August 4, 2023, Ez Mil released the song "Realest", featuring Eminem, in which Eminem responds to comments from Melle Mel and the Game.

Loading Video...

August 30, 2023: Denouncement by Jacksonville Shooter

On August 30, 2023, it was revealed that Ryan Palmeter, the perpetrator of the 2023 Jacksonville shooting, denounced Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly in his manifesto for their involvement in rap, prior to committing a racially motivated shooting.

2023: Cease and Desist Letter to Vivek Ramaswamy

In 2023, Eminem sent a cease and desist letter to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy requesting that he stop performing "Lose Yourself" at campaign events.

Loading Video...