Eminem Success Story

 The gifted producer is often overshadowed by his media presence, which usually focuses on the controversial lyrics of his songs. Misunderstood genius, or misogynistic homophobe, Eminem has had a profound impact on the lives of disaffected youth who could relate with his white lower-class experience.

Childhood

Mathers was born into a poor, working-class family on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph Missouri. He spent most of his impoverished childhood shuttling between his hometown and Detroit, and initially starting rapping as a teenager under the name M&M, which Mathers took from his own initials. To confront the unavoidable racial boundaries of being a white rapper, he decided his best approach was to become a battle rapper and earn the respect of the underground hip-hop audience. 

Beginning

At age 14 he started competing against other Detroit MCs in local clubs, but it wasn’t until 1995 when he made his recording debut with a group called Soul Intent. This demo introduced him to a rapper named Proof, who appeared on that single’s B-side, and soon after Eminem and Proof started a new group called D12 (with four other MCs: Bizarre, KonArtis, Swift, and Kuniva).

Career

Eminem simultaneously introduced his solo career with the two independent releases Infinte (1996), and The Slim Shady EP (1997). These albums brought a feast of violent and twisted lyrics to the table, most of which were drawn from experiences in his personal life. The inner troubles of his childhood, relationships with his mother, girlfriend and his recent first born daughter, all became central themes in his raps.

The controversial moral outlook of many of the lyrics is redeemed by Eminem’s claim to be voicing his thoughts through the character Slim Shady. Through this persona he is free to expresses raw and uncensored thoughts. Whether the content of his raps are true, embellished or completely fictitious, only adds to the captivation of the music.

"The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed"- Marshall Bruce Mathers III

Eminem’s has mastered the art of controversial lyric writing. Constantly in and out of the spotlight, his overnight success came as a stark contrast to the rough upbringing of his poverty filled childhood. Although in his latest releases a more poignant voice has appeared, he will be remembered for bringing a new level of raw emotion and veracity in the mainstream rap genre.

Marshall Bruce Mathers III (Eminem) Biography Part 2