Legendary rapper Eminem has been around the block a few times, but there are some things that hardly anybody knows about this somewhat secretive artist. Well, we’ve got 15 little-known facts about one of the world’s best rappers.
Number Fifteen: “Eminem” Derives From His Initials
Most people are aware that Eminem’s real name is Marshall Mathers. But the name “Eminem” comes from his initials, M.M.
Number Fourteen: He Sucked at School
Though he is wildly successful now, Eminem failed the ninth grade three times before he dropped out. Who knows what would have happened if he had passed that last time!
Number Thirteen: He’s Worth Millions
He came from humble roots, but today, he’s worth millions – $160 million, to be exact. He has remained humble in spite of his success. Unlike many other rappers, Eminem earned his money purely through his musical ventures, rather than through sponsorships.
Number Twelve: He Nearly Killed His Mom
While Eminem’s mother was pregnant with him, she went through 73 hours of labor before giving birth to him, and she nearly died in the process. She was 15 at the time.
Number Eleven: He Does His Best Thinking on the Toilet
Eminem invented the character of “Slim Shady” when he was on the toilet. We doubt he knew how successful the character would become at the time, with no pants on and all.
Number Ten: He Can’t Compute
Despite the growing age of technology and electronic devices being used in rap and hip-hop music, he still doesn’t properly know how to use a computer. He apparently has avoided computers on purpose as a way to escape all of the negative comments about him. We honestly can’t blame him, as many celebrities experience anxiety and can be traumatized by things they read about themselves.
Number Nine: He Won With “Lose Yourself”
He wrote hit single “Lose Yourself” in just one take when he was on the set of his first film 8 Mile. He went on to receive a Grammy for the Best Male Solo Rap Performance and was nominated for Record of the Year.
Number Eight: He’s a Criminal
When he was just 20 years old, he was the driver in a drive-by shooting. However, the drive-by shooting was just with paintballs, but he was still arrested. The case was dismissed when the drive-by victim didn’t show up to court.
Number Seven: He Hated Vanilla Ice
Vanilla Ice became wildly popular in the ’90s, and Eminem had a lot of disdain for his fame. It reportedly “crushed” Eminem that Vanilla Ice was so popular, and Eminem lost a lot of his drive to rap because of Vanilla Ice.
Number Six: Shady Records Rap Off
If you’re an aspiring rapper and want to be part of Eminem’s label, Shady Records, you’ll have to take part in a rap battle with Eminem first. Good luck not feeling intimidated there.
Number Five: Friendship With Dre
He was so poor when he met the legendary Dr. Dre that he was wearing an ugly yellow tracksuit given to him by a sponsor. He apparently didn’t have money to buy any decent clothing. Dre apparently thought Eminem looked like a banana.
Number Four: Comatose Child
When Eminem was just nine years old, a bully at school beat him up so badly. He spend an entire week in a coma.
Number Three: Subliminal Beef
Rap giants Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and Kanye have all targeted Eminem through their music, and he has allegedly had “subliminal beef” with them for a long time. It looks like the rappers have been sending hidden messages to each other for years.
Number Two: Size Matters
Though he is a small, slender man, he wears XXL-sized clothing. Whether this has to do with an ego issue or something else is yet to be determined.
Number One: PB&…What?
A crackhead once broke into Eminem’s house, but instead of holding him up at gunpoint and asking him for money, he made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead. We’re wondering if he used creamy or crunchy peanut butter.