Eminem's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Eminem.

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers III, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and producer. Widely considered one of hip-hop's greatest, he is recognized for popularizing the genre in Middle America and challenging racial barriers, paving the way for white rappers. Although his controversial lyrics sparked debate in the late 90s and early 2000s, he became a voice for the angst of the American underclass.

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 Entertainment and Interscope Records, marking a turning point in his career after Dr. Dre discovered his talent.

March 1998: Featured in 'Unsigned Hype' Column

In March 1998, hip-hop magazine 'The Source' featured Eminem in its "Unsigned Hype" column, bringing him more attention in the hip-hop community.

February 1999: Release of 'The Slim Shady LP'

In February 1999, Eminem released 'The Slim Shady LP', which became a very popular album and led to controversy over its lyrics. By the end of the year it was certified triple platinum.

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.

1999: Establishment 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.

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 U.S. records. It was certified Diamond by the RIAA in March 2011.

July 2000: Cover of The Source

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

2000: Artist of the Decade by Billboard

Billboard named Eminem the "Artist of the Decade (2000–2009)", recognizing his impact and achievements during that period.

2000: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP'

In 2000, Eminem released 'The Marshall Mathers LP', which became a worldwide success and broke records for the fastest-selling hip-hop album.

May 2002: Release of The Eminem Show

In May 2002, The Eminem Show was released. The album was a massive success, reaching number one on the charts and selling over 1.332 million copies in its first full week. The album addresses Eminem's rise to fame, his relationship with his wife and daughter, and his status in the hip-hop community, also addressing an assault charge from 2000.

2002: Academy Award for Best Original Song

Eminem won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile, co-written with Jeff Bass and Luis Resto, making him the first rapper to receive the award.

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2002: Release of 'The Eminem Show'

In 2002, Eminem released 'The Eminem Show,' which became a worldwide success and the best-selling album worldwide that year, remaining the best-selling hip-hop album in history.

2002: Starring in '8 Mile'

In 2002, Eminem starred in the musical drama film '8 Mile', playing a dramatized version of himself. The movie's soundtrack included the song "Lose Yourself".

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2002: Eminem's Bestselling Album of the Year

In 2010, with the success of Recovery, Eminem joined 2002's bestseller 'The Eminem Show' in having two worldwide year-end number-one albums. It solidified his position as a leading artist in the music industry.

2003: Academy Award for "Lose Yourself"

In 2003, Eminem won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from the 8 Mile soundtrack, becoming the longest-running No. 1 hip-hop single in history.

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

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

April 20, 2008: Sober Date

Eminem has been sober since April 20, 2008. After a near-fatal overdose in December 2007, Eminem sought help, including mentorship from Elton John, and has maintained sobriety since April 20, 2008.

2008: Named Best Rapper Alive by Vibe readers

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

2009: Artist of the Decade by Billboard

Billboard named Eminem the "Artist of the Decade (2000–2009)", recognizing his impact and achievements during that period.

2010: Release of 'Recovery'

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

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: Release and Success of Recovery

In 2010, Recovery was released, selling 741,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and achieved number-one status in several other countries, marking a significant achievement in Eminem's career.

March 2011: 'The Marshall Mathers LP' Certified Diamond

In March 2011, Eminem's album 'The Marshall Mathers LP' was certified Diamond by the RIAA, having sold 21 million copies worldwide.

March 2011: Diamond Certification for Eminem Albums

In March 2011, within days of each other, The Eminem Show and The Marshall Mathers LP were certified diamond by the RIAA, making Eminem the only rapper with two diamond-certified albums.

2011: Labeled the "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 who released music from 2009 to the first half of 2011.

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

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

2013: Global Icon Award at MTV Europe Music Awards

In 2013, Eminem received the Global Icon Award at that year's MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony, acknowledging his worldwide influence.

2013: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2'

In 2013, Eminem released 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.

2013: Awards and Certifications

In 2013, Eminem was named the first YouTube Music Awards Artist of the Year. He also received the Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Eminem became the first artist to receive two digital diamond certifications from the RIAA and played two concerts at Wembley Stadium in July. At the 57th Grammy Awards, he won Best Rap Album for 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2' and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'The Monster'.

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2015: Placed 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.

January 5, 2018: Release of 'River'

On January 5, 2018, the second single from 'Revival', 'River' featuring Ed Sheeran, was released. The album topped the U.S. Billboard 200, making Eminem the first musical act to have eight consecutive entries debut atop the chart.

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August 31, 2018: Release of 'Kamikaze'

On August 31, 2018, Eminem released his tenth studio album, 'Kamikaze,' as a surprise album. It topped the Billboard 200, making it his ninth album in a row to do so.

2018: Release of 'Kamikaze'

In 2018, Eminem released 'Kamikaze', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.

January 17, 2020: Release of 'Music to Be Murdered By'

On January 17, 2020, Eminem released 'Music to Be Murdered By', another surprise album. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making him the first artist to have ten consecutive albums debut at number one in the U.S.

March 11, 2020: 'Music to Be Murdered By' certified Gold

On March 11, 2020, Eminem's album 'Music to Be Murdered By' was certified Gold.

2020: Release of 'Music to Be Murdered By'

In 2020, Eminem released 'Music to Be Murdered By', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200.

November 2022: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In November 2022, Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with his mother publicly paying tribute to him during the ceremony.

2022: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

At the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Eminem named over 100 artists who contributed to the artist he would become. He cited several MCs as influencing his rapping style, including Esham, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, and Tupac Shakur.