How Eminem Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Eminem across different fields.

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

1987: About.com Ranked Eminem 7th Greatest MC of Our Time

From 1987-2007, About.com ranked Eminem 7th on its list of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time.

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.

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.

2002: Alan Light compared Eminem to John Lennon

In 2002, rock critic Alan Light writing for Spin compared Eminem to John Lennon of The Beatles.

2002: Eminem likened to "modern-day William Shakespeare"

In 2002, the BBC noted that Eminem's reception was comparable to that of Bob Dylan, with critics highlighting his vivid depictions of disenfranchised lives and use of direct language, reflecting social injustice.

2007: About.com Ranked Eminem 7th Greatest MC of Our Time

From 1987-2007, About.com ranked Eminem 7th on its list of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time.

2008: Vibe Readers Named Eminem Best Rapper Alive

In 2008, Vibe readers named Eminem the Best Rapper Alive.

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: Labeled "King of Hip-Hop" by Rolling Stone

From 2009 to the first half of 2011, Eminem was labeled the "King of Hip-Hop" by Rolling Stone based on an analysis of album sales, chart positions, YouTube views, social media following, concert grosses, industry awards and critical ratings of solo rappers.

2010: MTV Portugal Ranks Eminem as 7th Biggest Icon

In 2010, MTV Portugal ranked Eminem as the 7th biggest icon in popular music history.

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.

2011: Labeled "King of Hip-Hop" by Rolling Stone

In 2011, Eminem was labeled the "King of Hip-Hop" by Rolling Stone based on an analysis of album sales, chart positions, YouTube views, social media following, concert grosses, industry awards and critical ratings of solo rappers.

2012: Ranked 6th on The Source's Top 50 Lyricists of All Time

In 2012, The Source ranked Eminem 6th on their list of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time.

2014: Most-Streamed Artist on Spotify

In 2014, Spotify named Eminem the most-streamed music artist ever.

2015: Ranked 3rd on Billboard's The 10 Best Rappers of All Time

In 2015, Eminem was placed third on "The 10 Best Rappers of All Time" list by Billboard.

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.