Early Life and Education of Eminem: A Complete Timeline

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

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.

Sections (7)

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

1951: Birth of Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr.

In 1951, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., Eminem's father, was born.

1955: Birth of Deborah "Debbie" Nelson

In 1955, Deborah "Debbie" Nelson, Eminem's mother, was born.

1969: UK Single Sales Benchmark

In 2010, "Love the Way You Lie" was the bestselling single in the United Kingdom, although it did not reach number one, the first time this had happened in the UK since 1969.

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October 17, 1972: Eminem's Birth

On October 17, 1972, Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri.

1982: Lawsuit Filed After Assault

In 1982, Eminem's mother, Debbie, filed a lawsuit against a public school after D'Angelo Bailey assaulted Eminem, causing a head injury.

1984: Reference to Michael Jackson's Pepsi commercial Incident

In 1984, Michael Jackson's hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial, an incident that was later parodied in Eminem's 2004 music video "Just Lose It".

1986: Birth of Nathan "Nate" Kane Samara

In 1986, Eminem's mother had a son, Nathan "Nate" Kane Samara, with Fred Samara.

1987: Kim Scott Moves into Eminem's Home

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

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.

1991: Death of Ronnie Polkingharn

Following the suicide of his uncle, Ronnie Polkingharn, in 1991, Eminem stopped speaking publicly for days and did not attend his funeral.

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.

December 25, 1995: Birth of Hailie Jade

On December 25, 1995, Eminem and Kimberly Anne Scott's daughter, Hailie Jade, was born.

1995: Signing with F.B.T. Productions

In 1995, Eminem signed with Jeff and Mark Bass' F.B.T. Productions.

1996: Formation of D12

In 1996, Eminem and Proof teamed up with other rappers to form D12 (The Dirty Dozen).

March 1997: Firing 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 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.

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.

June 14, 1999: Marriage to Kim Scott

On June 14, 1999, Eminem married Kim Scott.

1999: Recording of 'The Marshall Mathers LP'

From 1999 to 2000, Eminem recorded 'The Marshall Mathers 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.

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.

2000: Assault charge incident

In 2000, Eminem faced an assault charge stemming from an incident where he saw a bouncer kissing his wife. This event is referenced in his album "The Eminem Show", released in 2002.

October 5, 2001: Divorce from Kim Scott

On October 5, 2001, Eminem and Kim Scott divorced.

2002: Beginning of Drug Addiction

In 2002, during the production of 8 Mile, Eminem developed insomnia and began taking Ambien, leading to his first experience with drug addiction.

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2003: "Couch Potato" Parody and Eminem's Reaction

In 2003, "Weird Al" Yankovic parodied Eminem's song "Lose Yourself" on "Couch Potato". Eminem forced Yankovic to halt production on the video because he thought it would be harmful to his image or career.

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January 14, 2006: Remarriage to Kim Scott

On January 14, 2006, Eminem briefly remarried Kim Scott.

April 2006: Death of Proof

In April 2006, Proof, Eminem's childhood friend, was murdered. This was a significant personal loss for Eminem.

December 19, 2006: Divorce Finalization and Joint Custody

On December 19, 2006, Eminem's divorce from Kim Scott was finalized, with both agreeing to joint custody of their daughter Hailie.

December 2007: Hospitalization for Methadone Overdose

In December 2007, Eminem was hospitalized after an accidental methadone overdose, nearly dying.

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.

April 20, 2008: Sobriety Milestone

Eminem has been sober since April 20, 2008, with Elton John acting as a mentor during his recovery.

2013: Demolition of Eminem's Childhood Home

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

2017: Mom's Spaghetti Pop-Up

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

2018: Mom's Spaghetti at Coachella

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

2019: Death of Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr.

In 2019, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., Eminem's father, passed away.

2019: Hughes' Previous Break-in Attempt

In 2019, Matthew David Hughes 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 and threatened to kill him.

2020: Hughes' First Arrest at Eminem's Property

In April 2020, Matthew David Hughes broke into Eminem's house and threatened to kill him.

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".

2021: Hughes' Plea Agreement

In 2021, Matthew David Hughes pleaded guilty to second-degree home invasion in exchange for dismissal of other charges and was sentenced to probation and time served.

November 2022: Mother's Tribute at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In November 2022, Eminem's mother publicly paid tribute to him when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2023: Mom's Spaghetti Jarred Sauce Launch

In 2023, Eminem announced the launch of a "Mom's Spaghetti" jarred pasta sauce.

August 2024: Hughes' Second Arrest at Eminem's Property

In August 2024, Matthew David Hughes was arrested again after returning to Eminem's property.

December 2024: Death of Eminem's Mother

In December 2024, Eminem's mother died due to complications from lung cancer.

2024: Death of Deborah "Debbie" Nelson

In 2024, Deborah "Debbie" Nelson, Eminem's mother, passed away.

May 2025: Hughes' Conviction

In May 2025, Matthew David Hughes was convicted of first-degree home invasion and aggravated stalking stemming from both the 2020 and 2024 incidents, with Eminem testifying during the trial.