Complete List Of Eminem Songs From A to Z

Feature Photo: DOD News Features, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known globally as Eminem, was born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, and raised in the working-class neighborhoods of Detroit, Michigan. His early life was defined by instability—abandonment by his father, an often-contentious relationship with his mother, and the constant upheaval of changing schools. Hip-hop became his outlet, and by his teenage years, he was participating in local rap battles under the name “M&M,” a name that would evolve into Eminem as he sharpened both his delivery and lyrical style.

He began attracting local attention in Detroit’s underground rap scene during the early 1990s and released his debut independent album, Infinite, in 1996. Though the project was a commercial failure and criticized for sounding too much like other mainstream acts, it was a pivotal step in his development. Eminem responded by adopting a more aggressive, distinct style under the persona of “Slim Shady,” which allowed him to explore darker, more controversial themes with biting wit and shocking honesty.

The Slim Shady EP, released in 1997, caught the attention of Dr. Dre, co-founder of Aftermath Entertainment. Dre signed Eminem and co-produced his major label debut, The Slim Shady LP, which was released in February 1999. The album became a massive commercial success, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and eventually going quadruple platinum in the United States. Singles like “My Name Is” introduced the world to Eminem’s provocative, satirical voice and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

In May 2000, Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP, which became one of the fastest-selling albums in U.S. history, selling over 1.7 million copies in its first week. The album featured hit singles like “The Real Slim Shady,” “The Way I Am,” and “Stan,” which would go on to be considered one of the most critically acclaimed rap songs of all time. The album was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys and is widely viewed as a benchmark in hip-hop lyricism, production, and cultural impact.

Eminem followed up with The Eminem Show in 2002, an album that balanced political commentary, personal struggles, and commercial appeal. It debuted at No. 1 and produced hits like “Without Me,” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” and “Sing for the Moment.” That same year, he starred in the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, which became both a critical and box office success. The film’s theme song, “Lose Yourself,” became his first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003.

In 2004, Encore continued Eminem’s chart dominance with singles like “Just Lose It” and “Mockingbird,” though the album received more mixed critical reviews. Over the next several years, he faced a number of personal challenges, including addiction to prescription drugs, the death of close friend Proof, and a hiatus from music. After a five-year absence from solo releases, he returned with Relapse in 2009, a dark, horrorcore-inspired album that marked his re-entry into the industry. Though it received mixed reviews, it won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

The following year, Eminem released Recovery, a project that moved away from the themes of Relapse and focused more on personal growth and redemption. It was a critical and commercial comeback, featuring massive hits like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie,” the latter featuring Rihanna. The album spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went on to become the best-selling album worldwide in 2010.

He continued his streak with The Marshall Mathers LP 2 in 2013, which included hits like “Rap God” and “The Monster” (another collaboration with Rihanna). The album debuted at No. 1 and won two Grammy Awards. In the years that followed, Eminem released Revival (2017), Kamikaze (2018), and Music to Be Murdered By (2020), continuing to spark debate, admiration, and controversy with his lyricism and commentary.

Across his career, Eminem has released 11 studio albums and has sold over 220 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His impact spans multiple generations of fans and artists, and his technical skill as a rapper—flow, rhyme schemes, cadence—has been widely studied and praised in both academic and artistic circles.

Eminem has received an extraordinary number of awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, 8 American Music Awards, and 17 Billboard Music Awards. He has also won an Academy Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. His accolades reflect both commercial dominance and cultural influence, solidifying his place as one of the most significant figures in modern music.

Outside of music, Eminem has invested time and resources into his hometown of Detroit. He founded the Marshall Mathers Foundation, which provides support for disadvantaged youth. He has also made appearances on television, starred in film, and helped shape the careers of other artists through his Shady Records imprint, including 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and D12.

His journey—from a high school dropout in a struggling Detroit neighborhood to a global music icon—is defined by defiance, reinvention, and an unwavering belief in the power of words. Whether confronting personal demons or industry norms, Eminem has built a career on saying what others won’t, and doing it with unmatched lyrical precision.

Today, Eminem remains a vital voice in hip-hop and continues to release music that pushes the genre’s boundaries. He has left a permanent imprint not only as a rapper but also as a cultural provocateur and storyteller. Decades into his career, he still commands the spotlight, and his catalog continues to shape the future of rap music.