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. 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."

Sections (7)

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

1984: Michael Jackson's Pepsi Commercial Incident

In 1984, during a Pepsi commercial, Michael Jackson's hair caught fire.

1987: About.com's 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time

In 2012, About.com ranked Eminem 7th on its list of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987–2007).

July 2000: Eminem on The Source Cover

In July 2000, Eminem became the first white artist to grace the cover of The Source magazine, marking a significant moment in his career and in hip-hop culture.

2000: Artist of the Decade

Eminem was the best-selling music artist in the United States for the 2000s.

2001: Elton John Praises Eminem

In 2001, during rehearsals for their "Stan" duet at the Grammy Awards, Elton John expressed immense admiration for Eminem, comparing him to legendary performers like Jimi Hendrix and calling him an amazing talent and a true poet of his time.

2002: "The Eminem Show" Bestselling Album

In 2002, "The Eminem Show" was the bestselling album. Eminem became the first artist in Nielsen SoundScan history with two year-end bestselling albums when Recovery was the bestselling album of 2010.

2002: Stephen Hill's Comments

In 2002, Stephen Hill, the then vice president of African American-themed television network BET (Black Entertainment Television), made a statement.

2002: Alan Light compares Eminem to John Lennon

In 2002, rock critic Alan Light, writing for Spin, drew a comparison between Eminem and John Lennon of the Beatles, highlighting Eminem's impact and influence.

2002: BBC compares Eminem to Shakespeare and Dylan

In 2002, the BBC compared Eminem to Shakespeare and Bob Dylan, highlighting the academic scrutiny of his work and his impact on the American underclass.

2003: Madonna and Stevie Wonder defend Eminem

In 2003, Madonna defended Eminem's controversial art, saying he provokes discussion and reflects society, and Stevie Wonder likened rap to modern blues, stating that Eminem reminds people of societal realities.

2007: Ranked on About.com's 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time

In 2012, About.com ranked Eminem 7th on its list of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987–2007).

2008: Named Best Rapper Alive by Vibe readers

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)" in 2009.

2010: Ranked 7th biggest icon in popular music history by MTV Portugal

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

2010: Eminem Expresses Passion for Music over Movies

In a 2010 interview with Jonathan Ross, Eminem stated his love for music and indicated it as his primary focus, though not ruling out future movie roles.

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

In 2011, Rolling Stone labeled Eminem the "King of Hip-Hop" based on various metrics including album sales and social media following.

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.

2013: Eminem Turns Down Lead Role in Elysium

In 2013, Eminem turned down the lead role in the science-fiction film Elysium because director Neill Blomkamp would not change the location from Los Angeles to Detroit.

2015: Ranked third on "The 10 Best Rappers of All Time" list by Billboard

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

2017: Eminem Expresses Regret Over Trump Collaboration

On his 2017 album Revival, Eminem expressed regret for collaborating with Donald Trump, wishing he had refused to shake his hand at the 2004 event.

2022: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction speech

At 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.

2022: Bob Dylan Praises Eminem

In 2022, Bob Dylan praised Eminem in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, acknowledging his impact and artistry.

2022: Eminem Regrets Attacking Moby

In 2022, Eminem expressed regret for attacking Moby.

2022: Induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2022, Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2022: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame