Eminem is one of the best-selling rappers of all time. His story is one of adversity and overcoming obstacles. Eminem, otherwise known as Marshall Mathers, was born in 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Marshall Bruce Mathers and Deborah Nelson-Mathers. His father left when he was sixth months old, and as a result, his mother and he frequently moved in order to be able to keep up with bills. In his songs, he details a horrifying childhood, claiming his mother abused drugs and fed him paint thinner, but since then, he has apologized to his mother for his accusations. When he was 14, his mother allowed two young girls, Kim and Dawn Scott, to move into their home. Eminem soon after entered into a relationship with Kim. When he was 17 years old, he dropped out of high school after being held back three times his freshman year. He spent the next few years working as a dishwasher at a local motel to help his mother pay bills, although she still kicked him out very often. In 1995, when Eminem was 23, he and Kim had Hailie, and two years later, he and Kim tied the knot. In 1997, Eminem flew to California to compete in the 1997 Rap Olympics, placing second. Talent Scouts at the competition gave Eminem’s mixtape to Dr. Dre, and from there, his career took off. Dr. Dre received a lot of criticism for wanting to sign Eminem because he was white. Dre responded, “I don’t give a fuck if you’re purple; If you can kick it, I’m working with you.”
Eminem’s music was so popular because it gave something for everyone to relate to, even if it doesn’t directly apply to their situation. He uses powerful metaphors to relate to all walks of life. He used his difficult and obstacle-filled life to inspire those who listened to his music. He helped to usher in a new era of hip hop, one that could apply to anyone. Before Eminem, hip-hop and rap was intended primarily for African Americans. He helped to show that hardships are hardships, regardless of your skin color. It doesn’t matter who you are, you can listen to whatever you want.
His first music was under the sadistic alter ego, Slim Shady. In this album, he rapped mostly about drugs and women; as his career progressed, his music took on many serious topics, including his children, his ex-wife, his addiction, and the ongoing war in the hip hop community that resulted in the unnecessary shortening of the lives of many young rappers. In his song “Toy Soldiers”, he calls for the end of a fatal war that has caused him to watch his friends endure a lot of pain and suffering. He claims that there is no more room for hate in the hip hop community. It is a community for understanding, not for death threats.
Many are quick to point out his sometimes negative lyrics, but few point out that he has even started his own charity, called the Marshall Mathers Foundation, which strives to help disadvantaged youth in his home state of Michigan. He also voices his support for charities such as the Eight Mile Boulevard Association, as well as ninemillion.org.
Although some of the content in Eminem’s music is racy, he always points out that he is just joking about doing some of those things. He encourages others to not take the same path that he did. His songs point out flaws in today’s society and pop culture that many choose not to see. Eminem’s music serves as an inspiration to us all. Whether or not we have been through similar situations, we can all derive similarities through his extended metaphors and his humorous outlook on life. Eminem is a constant reminder that no matter where you come from, you can be as successful as you want to be.
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