Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is credited with popularizing hip hop in middle America and is critically acclaimed as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
At age 14 he began rapping in clubs in Detroit, Michigan, and, when unexcused absences kept him in the ninth grade for the third year, he quit school, determined to make it in hip-hop music.
As Eminem, he made a name for himself in the hip-hop underground, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Detroit-based rap sextet D12 (also known as the Dirty Dozen).
His first album, Infinite (1996), sold poorly, however, and he continued to work menial jobs.
When Eminem placed second in the freestyle category at the 1997 Rap Olympics in Los Angeles, he came to the attention of Dr. Dre.
The hit song “My Name Is” and the instant credibility of Dr. Dre’s involvement, the album sold several million copies.
In 2000 Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP, which set a record in the United States for the fastest-selling rap album.
The incredible success of the album, which included the provocative hit singles “The Real Slim Shady” and “Stan,” brought more controversy.
The incredible success of the album, which included the provocative hit singles “The Real Slim Shady” and “Stan,” brought more controversy.