Early Life and Education of Eminem: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Eminem. A timeline of key moments.

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.

Sections (7)

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

October 17, 1972: Eminem's Birth

On October 17, 1972, Marshall Bruce Mathers III, who later became known as Eminem, was born. He is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer who rose to prominence and is regarded as one of the most influential rappers of all time.

1982: Lawsuit Dismissed

In 1982, Debbie Mathers filed a lawsuit against the public school after D'Angelo Bailey injured Eminem's head in an assault. The lawsuit was dismissed the following year by a Macomb County, Michigan, judge.

1984: Michael Jackson's Hair Incident

In 1984, Michael Jackson's hair caught fire during the filming of a commercial, an incident that was later parodied in Eminem's "Just Lose It" music video.

1986: Birth of Eminem's Half-Brother

In 1986, Eminem's mother, Debbie, had a son named Nathan "Nate" Kane Samara with her then-boyfriend, Fred Samara.

1987: Kim Scott moves in with Eminem and his mother

In 1987, Debbie Mathers allowed runaway Kimberly Anne "Kim" Scott to stay at their home. Eminem later began an on-and-off relationship with Kim Scott.

January 14, 1991: Began on-and-off relationship with Kimberly Anne Scott

On January 14, 1991, Eminem began an on-and-off relationship with Kimberly Anne Scott, whom he met in high school.

1991: Ronnie Polkingharn's Suicide

In 1991, following his uncle Ronnie Polkingharn's suicide, Eminem stopped speaking publicly for days and did not attend his funeral.

December 25, 1995: Birth of daughter Hailie Jade

On December 25, 1995, Eminem's only biological child, Hailie Jade, was born.

March 1997: Fired from Gilbert's Lodge

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.

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.

June 14, 1999: Married Kimberly Anne Scott

On June 14, 1999, Eminem married Kimberly Anne Scott.

1999: Hinted at avoiding drugs in "My Name Is"

In 1999, Eminem hinted at avoiding drugs in his single "My Name Is," citing his mother's history of drug abuse.

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October 5, 2001: Divorced Kimberly Anne Scott

On October 5, 2001, Eminem and Kimberly Anne Scott divorced.

2002: Comment on remarriage

In 2002, Eminem declared that "I would rather have a baby through my penis than get married again".

2002: Claimed to have dated Mariah Carey

In 2002, Eminem stated he had been dating singer Mariah Carey, although she later denied it.

2002: Developed drug addiction during 8 Mile production

In 2002, during the production of 8 Mile, Eminem developed insomnia due to working long hours and began taking Ambien, which led to drug addiction.

2003: "Weird Al" Yankovic's Parody and Eminem's Reaction

In 2003, "Weird Al" Yankovic, who parodied Eminem's "Lose Yourself" on "Couch Potato" for his album Poodle Hat, noted the irony of Michael Jackson protesting Eminem's parody after Eminem had forced him to halt production on the video for his "Lose Yourself" parody the previous year.

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January 14, 2006: Briefly remarried Kimberly Anne Scott

On January 14, 2006, Eminem and Kimberly Anne Scott briefly remarried.

April 2006: Death of Proof

In April 2006, Proof, Eminem's childhood friend, was murdered. This event deeply impacted Eminem.

December 19, 2006: Divorce from Kimberly Anne Scott finalized

On December 19, 2006, Eminem's divorce from Kimberly Anne Scott was finalized, with joint custody of Hailie agreed upon.

December 2007: Eminem's Methadone Overdose and Hospitalization

In December 2007, Eminem was hospitalized due to a methadone overdose. He had been buying methadone from a dealer, believing it was similar to Vicodin. Eminem collapsed in his bathroom and was rushed to the hospital where doctors said he was close to death. After missing Christmas with his children, he checked himself out of the facility prematurely, later experiencing a seizure after tearing his meniscus.

April 20, 2008: Eminem Achieves Sobriety

On April 20, 2008, Eminem achieved sobriety. Following his near-fatal overdose in 2007, he began attending church meetings and sought help from a rehabilitation counselor. Elton John mentored him, and Eminem began an exercise program.

2010: Denied romantic renewal with Kimberly Scott

In early 2010, Eminem denied tabloid reports of a renewed romantic relationship with Kimberly Scott but confirmed they remained friendly.

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".

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2013: Demolition of Childhood Home

In 2013, the State of Michigan demolished Eminem's childhood home after it was damaged by arson.

2017: Mom's Spaghetti pop-up in Detroit

In 2017, Mom's Spaghetti was a pop-up restaurant in Detroit.

2017: Expressed regret at collaborating with Trump in Revival

In 2017, on his album Revival, Eminem expressed regret at having collaborated with Donald Trump at the 2004 Shady National Convention.

2018: Mom's Spaghetti pop-up at Coachella

In 2018, Mom's Spaghetti was a pop-up restaurant at Coachella.

2019: Hughes's Previous Attempted Break-in

In 2019, Matthew David Hughes had previously pleaded guilty to breaking into a Rochester Hills home in search of Eminem.

April 2020: Home Invasion by Matthew David Hughes

In April 2020, Matthew David Hughes broke into Eminem's house in Clinton Township, Michigan. Hughes, who broke in through a kitchen window, confronted Eminem and stated he was there to kill him.

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".

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.

2021: Hughes Pleads Guilty

In 2021, Matthew David Hughes pleaded guilty to second-degree home invasion as part of a plea agreement, leading to the dismissal of other charges. He was sentenced to probation and time served (524 days in the county jail).

November 2022: Mother's public tribute at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction

In November 2022, Eminem's mother publicly paid tribute to him during his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

August 30, 2023: Mention in Jacksonville Shooter's Manifesto

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.