Eminem, also known as Slim Shady and born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers in music history. At 52 years of age, he has made a significant impact on the hip-hop scene with his audacious and often contentious lyrics paired with an impressive flow.
He is recognized for his role in bringing hip-hop to the heart of Middle America and serving as a trailblazer for white rappers in the genre. Numerous artists, including The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Lana Del Rey, have acknowledged Eminem’s influence on their music.
Shooting to fame in 1999 with his album “The Slim Shady LP,”the artist has remained a prominent figure, frequently featured in headlines due to his provocative statements and disputes with fellow musicians such as Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Machine Gun Kelly.
Despite his public persona, several aspects of his life are less known.
Discover 6 Intriguing Facts About Eminem: From Family Feuds to Record-Breaking Achievements
1) He left school after repeating the ninth grade multiple times
As reported by BET, the “Lose Yourself”star exited Michigan’s Lincoln High School after struggling academically, having to retake the ninth grade thrice.
In spite of his academic challenges, Eminem developed a love for the English language, indulging in comic books and delving into the dictionary.
He stated in an interview on Biography.com:
“I found that no matter how poor my school performance was, English always stood out for me. I wanted a vast vocabulary at my fingertips, ready to use whenever necessary.”
Reflecting on his educational journey during a February 2001 LA Times interview, he expressed:
“I was intelligent, but I despised school. Failing ninth grade three times made me want to focus solely on rap. I would spend hours rapping in my room or at friends’ houses.”
2) His tumultuous relationship with Kim Scott
Eminem met Kim Scott at a party when he was just 15, and she was 13, leading to a relationship that would become tumultuous. Kim started living with him at his mother’s home. Their rocky romance inspired songs such as “Kim,””97 Bonnie & Clyde,”and “Love The Way You Lie”featuring Rihanna.
Their relationship was characterized by ups and downs, resulting in two marriages: the first in 1999 and again in 2006. Ultimately, Eminem initiated divorce proceedings in 2007, which concluded with an agreement outside of court by December that same year.
In the song “Kim,”the rapper poignantly reflects on their troubled dynamic. A part of the second verse includes:
“You really used me, Kim, you really put me through it/ I never thought cheating on you would haunt me/ But we were just kids back then, I was only eighteen/ That was a long time ago; I believed we cleared the air.”
3) He holds a Guinness World Record for the highest word count in a single
Eminem’s renowned track “Rap God,”released in October 2013, further cemented his status as a premier figure in the rap industry. This single is part of his eighth studio album, “The Marshall Mathers LP 2.”
The song not only topped charts but also captured a Guinness World Record for containing the most words in a single. According to the record, “Rap God”has 1,560 words featured in a duration of six minutes and four seconds.
The Guinness World Records notes:
“Rap God”by Eminem (USA) boasts 1,560 words within a brisk 6 min 4 sec – averaging a rapid 4.28 words per second! In just a 15-second span, “Slim Shady”delivers 97 words (6.46 words per second) at lightning speed.”
4) He faced bullying during his youth
Eminem has been vocal about his childhood experiences with bullying during his time at Dort Elementary School. In his 1998 song “Brain Damage,”he refers to instances involving a school bully. Excerpts from the second verse state:
“Long before my daughter Hailie was born/ I endured daily torment from a hefty kid named DeAngelo Bailey/ An eighth grader who acted out because his dad was a boxer/ Each day would find me shoved into lockers.”
Post-release of “Brain Damage,”DeAngelo Bailey sued Eminem claiming invasion of privacy, alleging the narrative was fictional for Eminem’s credibility. However, in 2003, the court ruled that the song did not inflict any harm on Bailey.
During a segment with Anderson Cooper on CBS’s 60 Minutes in November 2010, Eminem discussed his bullying experiences, indicating that he coped with these challenges by immersing himself in music.
5) Eminem is a devoted fan of the Beastie Boys
Eminem has long admired the Beastie Boys, a pioneering hip-hop group from the 1980s, citing them as significant influences on his work. A prime example is his success with the platinum-certified single “Berzerk,”which samples their iconic party anthem “Fight For Your Right.”
“Berzerk”hit the airwaves in August 2013 as the lead single from his album “The Marshall Mathers LP 2.”The accompanying music video showcases Eminem donning apparel reminiscent of that worn by the Beastie Boys.
In an interview with AllHipHop on August 19, 2023, Mix Master Mike, a close collaborator with the Beasties, revealed Eminem’s intent to work with the group, nurtured by excitement over the concept. However, those plans fell through as the group hesitated out of respect for their late band member, Adam “MCA”Yauch.
Mike shared:
“I was working on securing verses from Eminem. He was thrilled because the Beastie Boys were his heroes. It felt like a dream for him.”
6) He faced legal action for defamation from his mother
Eminem’s contentious relationship with his mother, Debbie Nelson, has been well-documented. The artist has released numerous tracks like “My Name Is,””Cleanin’ Out My Closet,”and “My Mother,”where he criticizes her for neglect and mistreatment.
In “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,”a notable lyric states:
“Witnessing your mama taking pills in the kitchen/ Complaining someone always rummaging through her purse/ Struggling through public housing, victim of Münchausen Syndrome/ My entire life, I was led to believe I was unwell when I wasn’t.”
In response, Debbie Nelson sued Eminem for $11 million, claiming defamation from his lyrics. An ABC News report on August 8, 2001, revealed that she was awarded $25,000, of which she ultimately received about $1,600 after legal fees.
Years later, in 2013, Eminem released “Headlights,”which many interpret as a heartfelt apology to his mother, featuring the line:
“I dove in headfirst without considering the impact of my words/ My mom probably suffered the most.”
On October 23, 2024, Eminem expressed his support for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris at a rally in Detroit, voicing his belief in free speech without fear of consequences.
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