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. 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

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).

2000: Bestselling artist of the 2000s

As of 2000, Eminem began his run as the bestselling music artist from 2000 to 2009 in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

2000: Billboard Artist of the Decade

In 2000, Eminem received the Billboard Music Award for Artist of the Decade (2000-2009).

2000: Release of The Marshall Mathers LP

In 2000, Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP, which was a worldwide success and nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

2002: Release of The Eminem Show

In 2002, Eminem released The Eminem Show, which was a worldwide success and nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, later becoming the best-selling album worldwide of 2002.

2002: Starring in 8 Mile and Winning an Academy Award

In 2002, Eminem starred in the musical drama film 8 Mile and "Lose Yourself" from its soundtrack won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making him the first hip-hop artist ever to win the award.

2002: Academy Award for Best Original Song

In 2002, Eminem won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile, making him the first rapper to receive the award.

2004: Moby Praises Eminem

In 2004, Moby praised Eminem for criticizing George W. Bush in the song "Mosh".

2005: Feud with ICP Ends

In 2005, Proof squashed the conflict with Insane Clown Posse, leading to a bowling game between members of D12 and Psychopathic Records.

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).

April 20, 2008: Sobriety

On April 20, 2008, Eminem achieved sobriety with the help of Elton John and church meetings. He sought help from a rehabilitation counselor and began an exercise program.

2008: Named Best Rapper Alive by Vibe readers

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

2009: Bestselling artist of the 2000s

By 2009, Eminem was the bestselling music artist from 2000 to 2009 in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.

2009: Billboard Artist of the Decade

In 2009, Eminem received the Billboard Music Award for Artist of the Decade (2000-2009).

2009: Return to Music with Relapse

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

July 2010: Court of Appeals ruling in F.B.T. Productions v. Aftermath Records

In July 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in F.B.T. Productions, LLC v. Aftermath Records that F.B.T. Productions and Eminem were owed a royalty of 50 percent of Aftermath's net revenue from licensing his recordings.

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

In December 2010, Billboard recognized the "Great Eminem Recovery" as number one on its Top 25 Music Moments of 2010, highlighting Eminem's successful comeback.

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.

March 2011: The Marshall Mathers LP Certified Diamond

In March 2011, The Marshall Mathers LP achieved Diamond certification from the RIAA, signifying 10 million units sold, and had sold 21 million copies worldwide.

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: Global Icon Award at MTV Europe Music Awards

In 2013, Eminem received the Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony.

2013: Eminem receives awards and performs at Wembley Stadium

In 2013, Eminem was named the first YouTube Music Awards Artist of the Year, received the Global Icon Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and earned two digital diamond certifications from the RIAA. He later played two concerts at Wembley Stadium.

2014: Most-streamed artist on Spotify

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

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.

November 2022: Eminem Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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 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.