Eminem's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Eminem.

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

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.

February 1999: Release of 'The Slim Shady LP'

In February 1999, Eminem released 'The Slim Shady LP', which became one of the year's most popular albums and was certified triple platinum. It also generated controversy due to its lyrical content.

1999: Mainstream Popularity with 'The Slim Shady LP'

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

May 2000: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP'

In May 2000, The Marshall Mathers LP was released. It sold 1.76 million copies in its first week, breaking U.S. records.

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: Artist of the Decade Award

Billboard named Eminem the Artist of the Decade (2000–2009).

2000: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP'

In 2000, Eminem's 'The Marshall Mathers LP' was released and became a worldwide success, selling over one million copies in a week.

2002: Release of 'The Eminem Show'

In 2002, 'The Eminem Show' was released, becoming a worldwide success and the best-selling album worldwide that year.

2002: Starring in '8 Mile' and Winning an Oscar

In 2002, Eminem starred in the film '8 Mile' and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself".

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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, making him the first hip-hop artist to receive the award.

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2002: Eminem's Year-End Bestselling Album

Recovery was the bestselling album worldwide in 2010, joining Eminem's 2002 bestseller The Eminem Show. This made Eminem the first artist in Nielsen SoundScan history with two worldwide year-end number-one albums.

2003: Academy Award for "Lose Yourself"

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

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April 20, 2008: Sobriety Milestone

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

2009: Artist of the Decade Award

Billboard named Eminem the Artist of the Decade (2000–2009).

2009: Return with 'Relapse'

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

November 21, 2010: US Sales of Recovery

As of November 21, 2010, Eminem's album Recovery had U.S. sales of three million copies.

December 2010: Billboard's Top Music Moments of 2010

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

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2010: Release of 'Recovery'

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

2010: Release and Success of Recovery Album

In 2010, Eminem released his album "Recovery" on June 18. It achieved significant commercial success, selling 741,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. and topping the Billboard 200 chart. The album also topped charts in several other countries and remained atop the Billboard 200 for five consecutive weeks.

March 2011: 'The Marshall Mathers LP' Certified Diamond

In March 2011, 'The Marshall Mathers LP' was certified Diamond by the RIAA.

March 2011: Diamond Certification of Two Albums

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

2013: MTV Europe Music Award for Global Icon

In 2013, Eminem received the MTV Europe Music Award for Global Icon.

2013: Release of 'The Marshall Mathers LP 2'

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

2017: Release of 'Revival'

In 2017, Eminem released 'Revival', which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 chart.

August 31, 2018: Eminem Surprise Releases Kamikaze

On August 31, 2018, Eminem released his tenth studio album and first surprise album, Kamikaze, just eight months after Revival. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

2018: Release of 'Kamikaze'

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

January 17, 2020: Eminem Surprise Releases Music to Be Murdered By

On January 17, 2020, Eminem released another surprise album, Music to Be Murdered By. With this release, Eminem became the first artist to have ten consecutive albums debut at number one in the United States.

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 by the RIAA.

2020: Release of 'Music to Be Murdered By'

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

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.

2022: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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

May 31, 2024: Eminem Releases "Houdini"

On May 31, 2024, Eminem released the lead single "Houdini" from his upcoming album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). The song topped charts in many countries and debuted at number one on the Billboard Global 200.

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July 12, 2024: Concept album Release

On July 12, 2024, Eminem's concept album was released through Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records, becoming his eleventh number-one album on the Billboard 200.