Join us at VHDP as we look back on 10 of the most iconic moments in the legendary career of the Rap God himself — starting with the game-changing day he recorded “My Name Is” with Dr. Dre…

1. The Day Eminem Recorded “My Name Is” with Dr. Dre

“My Name Is” was the first song Dr. Dre and Eminem recorded together, marking the beginning of one of the most significant collaborations in rap history. The track earned Eminem his first Grammy Award and helped propel the success of The Slim Shady LP album.

2. Sleeping Through the Oscars Instead of Attending

For most people in the entertainment industry, winning a prestigious award is a sign that you’ve made it. You’ve earned the respect of your peers and are considered a master of your craft. But Eminem doesn’t care. At the 75th Academy Awards, “Lose Yourself” became the first rap song in history to win Best Original Song. But because of the negative stereotypes surrounding rap, Eminem didn’t think he’d win. So instead of going to the ceremony, he decided to stay home and sleep.

3. “8 Mile” – When the Film, the Album, and the Song All Hit No.1

Eminem’s career as a rapper and an actor came together in this film. Eminem proved himself to be a capable actor as he played B-Rabbit, an aspiring rapper who wants to make it big in the hip hop scene while fighting for his and his sister’s lives. His label Shady Records also produced the soundtrack for the film, including the song “Lose Yourself” which won numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Song. In addition, “8 Mile” brought him the rare distinction of having the film, album, and lead single hit #1 in the same week.

4. Breaking a World Record with “Rap God”

His 2013 album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 was considered a return to form and received positive reviews. The album included the song “Rap God” – one of Eminem’s most famous songs. In addition, “Rap God” also showed off Eminem’s high-level rapping skills, with his complex rhymes while rapping as fast as possible. “Rap God” set the record for the song with the “most words” with 1,560 words. That’s about four words per second – breaking the world record.

5. Best Rap Album at the Grammys… twice

When Eminem released “The Marshall Mathers LP” in 2000, the album sold 1.78 million copies in its first week. But more than that, it made history by earning him his second consecutive Grammy for Best Rap Album, making him the first artist to do so.

6. Marshall Mathers Foundation

Despite his frequent charitable giving, Eminem doesn’t often talk about it. Most of his donations come with the condition of confidentiality. Much of the charity’s work is done in Eminem’s hometown of Detroit, focusing on helping disadvantaged youth.

7. Eminem hits 1 billion views on YouTube

In 2011, Eminem became the third artist and the first rapper to reach 1 billion views on YouTube. And the song that helped him do it was “Love the Way You Lie”, a collaboration with Rihanna.

8. First Artist to Have 10 Consecutive Debut Albums Reach #1

Eminem has cemented his place in music history. With his tenth studio album Music to Be Murdered By, Eminem made music history. Not just rap history, but music history. By debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, Eminem became the first artist to have ten consecutive albums debut at number one. The streak began with his second studio album The Marshall Mathers LP.

9. Shady Records Founding

Following the success of “The Slim Shady” LP, Eminem founded Shady Records with his manager Paul Rosenberg in 1999, where they produced artists such as Obie Trice, D12, and most famously, 50 Cent. Fiddy’s first album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” became the best-selling debut album in U.S. history. As of 2017, 18 of Shady Records’ 24 albums have been certified platinum. In 2004, the company branched out into radio, launching Shade 45 on Sirius XM.

10. “Without Me” at the MTV Movie Awards

The most popular song of the 2000s – “Without Me”. The song was everywhere, reaching number 1 in fifteen countries. It became Eminem’s breakthrough hit, and he performed it at the 2002 MTV Movie Awards. Eminem performed Proof live to perfection. The performance itself was nothing short of epic, but it showed a superstar at the top of his game.

11. 50 Cent’s Walk of Fame Ceremony

Eminem doesn’t make public appearances very often. But when he does, he tends to support his longtime friends. Eminem helped launch 50 Cent’s career. So it made sense that he would be at 50 Cent’s 2020 Walk of Fame induction. And Eminem was there to show his support, giving a heartfelt speech, praising 50 Cent’s talent, the pride he feels in him, and their decades-long friendship.

12. Eminem’s surprise appearance at the 2006 BET AWARDS

After Eminem’s childhood friend Proof was murdered in April 2006, the rapper fell into a deep depression and took a long break. However, in June of that year, still grieving, he was forced to return to the stage due to his love for Busta Rhymes. During that surprise appearance, Eminem performed “Touch It” with Busta Rhymes at the BET Awards, adding a rap verse of his own.