The rapper extraordinaire. The real slim shady. The bleach blonde white dude who really knows how to write some slick lyrics. To his family he is Marshall Mathers. To us, he is Eminem. The most controversial rock musician of the 21st century. With several Grammy awards and platinum records to his name. Eminem is often a closed book with regards to his personal life (apart from when he is rapping about it in his songs). Here are 10 secrets you didn’t know about his life.
Number Ten: His Mother Sued Him
When Eminem wrote the lyric ‘My mother does more dope than I do’ in hit single ‘My Name Is’. His Mother sued him for defamation. Filing a suit for a reported $10 million. She stated to have suffered emotional turmoil and sleepless nights. Talk about family feuds!
Number Nine: He Was Once A Target For The Secret Service
Rapping about Ex President George Bush on the unreleased song ‘We As American’. Eminem got in to a spot of bother when writing. ‘Fuck money / I don’t rap for dead presidents / I’d rather see the president dead’. Prompting a rumored reaction from the American Secret Service.
Number Eight: Elton John Helped Him Kick Drugs
When trying to quit the highly addictive prescription drug, Vicodin. Eminem asked Elton John for help. Having previously performed together. Elton spent 18 months helping him kick his addiction for good.
Number Seven: He Was Bullied
Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Detroit. Eminem was regularly beaten up as a child. With his small height being a prime target for bullies. When he was nine years old he was beaten so badly that he was put into a coma for a little over a week.
Number Six: He Didn’t Want To Be A Rapper
As a youngster Eminem wasn’t interested in rapping or music. With a burning desire to become a comic book artist instead. He often drew and enjoyed art. Still carrying a torch for comics and cartoons. It is extremely evident in his music videos and his alter ego, Slim Shady.
Number Five: He Has An Oscar!
It doesn’t always take people a long time to win an Oscar (Looking at you Leonardo Di Caprio). With the movie, 8 Mile winning an Academy Award for best original song, the world was shocked. As Eminem didn’t attend the ceremony to collect the award. People often forget that he ever won it in the first place!
Number Four: He Is Very Generous
Often depicted as angry, egocentric and a bit of an ass. Eminem is actually a pretty cool guy, who has set up a number of foundations that support various charities all over the world. Focusing mainly in the palce where he grew up, Michigan. He is particularly geared towards helping the youngsters with his youth programs all over the state.
Number Three: He Competed In The ‘Olympics’
Kind of. Competing in the 1997 Rap Olympics in Los Angeles. Eminem stunned audiences as he battled into second place behind non other than the famous freestyler Otherwize. Attracting attention due to his style of rapping and superb confidence. He was put in touch with producer Jimmy Iovine, who would then propel him to stardom.
Number Two: He Never Finished School
With such witty and cleverly written lyrics it can often be a shock to see that it was written by someone who didn’t finished their education. Failing 9th grade three times and eventually dropping out at aged 17. Eminem insists he was only bored and not just a dumb idiot.
Number One: Eminem
Although it may be obvious it is surprising how little people know. With various suggestions and rumors such as ‘Every Mother Is Nice Not Mine’ to the Chocolate Candy. However it is actually an acronym for his real name. Marshall Mathers.