Eminem's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of 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

March 9, 1998: Signed to Aftermath and Interscope

On March 9, 1998, Eminem signed to Aftermath and Interscope.

1999: Mainstream Popularity with The Slim Shady LP

In 1999, Eminem achieved mainstream popularity with The Slim Shady LP after signing with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment.

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.

2000: Artist of the Decade

Eminem was named Billboard's Artist of the Decade, from 2000 to 2009.

2000: Release of The Marshall Mathers LP

In 2000, Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP, which became a worldwide success, selling over one million copies in a single week.

May 2002: Release of The Eminem Show

In May 2002, The Eminem Show was released. The album reached number one on the charts and sold over 1.332 million copies in its first full week. The album examines Eminem's rise to fame, his relationships, and his status in the hip-hop community, and was the bestselling album of 2002.

2002: Release of The Eminem Show

In 2002, Eminem released The Eminem Show, which became a worldwide success, selling over one million copies in a single week and becoming the best-selling album worldwide of 2002 and the best selling hip-hop album of all time.

2002: Starring in 8 Mile and Winning Academy Award

In 2002, Eminem starred in the film 8 Mile and received critical acclaim. His song "Lose Yourself" from the soundtrack won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making him the first hip-hop act to ever win the award.

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2002: Academy Award Win for "Lose Yourself"

In 2002, Eminem won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from the film 8 Mile, becoming the first hip-hop artist to receive the award.

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2002: Eminem Show best selling album

In 2010, Eminem's album Recovery joined 2002's bestseller The Eminem Show, marking two worldwide year-end number-one albums for the artist.

2003: Academy Award Win for "Lose Yourself"

In 2003, Eminem won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from the 8 Mile soundtrack.

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December 6, 2005: Release of Curtain Call: The Hits

On December 6, 2005, Curtain Call: The Hits, a greatest hits album, was released by Aftermath Entertainment. It sold nearly 441,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week, marking Eminem's fourth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard Hot 200.

April 20, 2008: Sobriety Date

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

2009: Artist of the Decade

Eminem was named Billboard's Artist of the Decade, from 2000 to 2009.

2009: Release of Relapse

In 2009, Eminem returned to the music industry with the release of Relapse.

November 21, 2010: Recovery Sales Milestone

By November 21, 2010, Eminem's album Recovery had sold three million copies in the U.S. and became the bestselling album worldwide in 2010.

December 2010: "Great Eminem Recovery" on Billboard's Top 25

In December 2010, Billboard recognized the "Great Eminem Recovery" as number one on its Top 25 Music Moments of 2010. It was also announced that "Space Bound" would be the fourth single from Recovery.

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2010: Release of Recovery

In 2010, Eminem released Recovery, which became the best-selling album worldwide of 2010.

2010: Release and Success of Recovery Album

In 2010, Eminem released Recovery. It quickly topped charts, selling 741,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week and becoming his sixth consecutive U.S. number-one album, marking a significant success.

March 2011: Diamond Certification of Albums

In March 2011, The Eminem Show and The Marshall Mathers LP were certified diamond by the RIAA. This made Eminem the only rapper with two diamond-certified albums.