Eminem (1972– )

US rap artist. He is known for his aggressive, violent, and blackly comic lyrics. His career was launched by influential rap artist and producer Dr Dre, who helped him record the successful but controversial The Slim Shady LP (1999). With the subsequent albums The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) and The Eminem Show (2002) he became one of the biggest-selling artists worldwide, and had continued success with Encore (2004). He made his acting debut in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile (2002). ‘Lose Yourself’ (2002), from the 8 Mile soundtrack, became his first US number one hit single, and won an Academy Award.

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and spent his early childhood moving between there and Detroit, Michigan. He settled in Warren, Michigan, with his mother when he was 12. Having developed an interest in rap from a young age, he began to perform at the age of 14. He dropped out of high school and took several odd jobs while trying to break into the rap scene. He began recording as part of the rap duo Soul Intent before releasing his debut independent release, Infinite, in 1996. The Slim Shady EP soon followed, gaining him wide acclaim in the hip-hop world. Featuring the hit single ‘My Name Is’, the full-length album went triple platinum and won two Grammy Awards.

He also helms the rap group D12 under his Shady Records label.