Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known as “Eminem,” was born Oct. 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri but grew up in Detroit, Michigan.
Eminem began performing at age 13 and played with the group, “Soul Intent.” His first independent album, “Infinite,” was released in 1996 and he sold it out of the back of his car. It received no airplay and Eminem’s style was criticized as being too much like other rappers like Nas.
Eminem’s next album was 1997’s “The Slim Shady EP.”
Rapper Dr. Dre signed Eminem after seeing him at the 1997 Rap Olympics. Interscope Records released “The Slim Shady LP,” in 1999, which went on to become one of the most popular albums of the year along with going triple platinum. A shroud of controversy followed the album which included tracks like “97’ Bonnie and Clyde,” where Eminem describes taking his infant daughter along while he disposes of the body of his wife. Eminem’s next album was 2000’s “The Marshall Mathers LP.” The single, “The Real Slim Shady,” became a monster hit as well as causing controversy yet again with its claims against artists like Christina Aguilera.
A barrage of legal troubles has beset Eminem’s musical success. His mother filed suit against him for comments made about her in his hit, “My Name Is.” Eminem has also had troubles with his wife, Kim. Eminem was charged with a misdemeanor for brandishing a firearm after witnessing his wife kissing another man in June 2004. He pleaded guilty to weapons possession and in exchange for the charges being dropped, received two years probation and ordered to pay $100,000 in damages. His wife, Kim attempted suicide in July of 2000 and this incident prompted Eminem to file for divorce a few months later. A lawsuit over custody of their daughter, Hailie ended in their agreeing to joint custody of the child with Kim having physical child custody. Later, the couple reconciled and moved in together. Yet the reconciliation didn’t last and Kim filed for divorce in 2001. But they remarried on Jan. 14, 2006 but less than 11 weeks later, Kim filed for divorce.