Eminem's Kevo

Eminem, true name Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a rap artist. Simultaneously one of the most controversial and lauded rap artists in recent history, Eminem has skyrocketed to success with his hard-hitting, urban, and often offensive music. Much of his music inspiration comes from his childhood, which was unfortunate. Eminem's father left his family at the age of fifteen months and his mother was forced to constantly move due to financial difficulties.

Eminem dropped out of high school after failing the ninth grade three times and sought fame in order to support his girlfriend and their forthcoming child. His first album Infinite was sold out of the back of his car and didn't achieve the fame he had expected. It wasn't until producer Dr. Dre listened to Eminem's demo disc and witness his performance at the 1997 Rap Olympics that Eminem received his break. Eminem's first studio album, The Slim Shady LP, was a success as was his follow up, The Marshall Mathers LP. The Marshall Mathers LP was more of a critical success, however, earning the rapper three Grammy awards.

Enimem's success continued with the release of The Eminem Show and the soundtrack to his movie 8 Mile Soundtrack. Both were hits in the United States, bolstering Eminem's popularity. Controversy surrounded the artist before the release of these works, though, prompting boycotts by women's and gay rights organizations. Due to legal and personal issues, Eminem decided to take a break from solo recording after the release of Curtain Call: The Hits. During his break from recording, Eminem plans on producing a number of rap artists under Shady Records; moreover, he will continue to collaborate with fellow producer Dr. Dre. Eminem also runs a clothing line called Shady Ltd., as well as a Sirius Satellite station entitled Shade 45.

Eminem has had considerable problems with his family, namely his former wife and child. His former wife, Kim, delivered a daughter Hailie at the age of eighteen. Their relationship has been rocky due to Eminem's violent criminal record and drug use prompting a divorce in 2001. Earlier this year, Eminem remarried his daughter's mother; however, divorce papers were filed 11 weeks following the day of marriage. Custody of their daughter, Hailie was contested in 2001; in the current divorce proceedings, custody is once again being disputed.

• Da Hip-Hop Watch (2000)
• The Wash (2001)
• 8 Mile (2002)
• Have Gun Will Travel (2007)

• Infinite (1996)
• The Slim Shady LP (1999)
• The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
• The Eminem Show (2002)
• 8 Mile Soundtrack (2002)
• Encore (2004)
• Curtain Call: The Hits (2005)