Eminem
Eminem (born Marshall Bruce Mathers) is known and loved all over the world and not only by fans of hip-hop and rap. He also touched the hearts of lovers of pop music and more "heavy" alternative directions, especially after a joint performance of a famous rapper with a living legend of American rock music Marilyn Manson. Eminem is also the first hip-hop performer in history listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for general number of sales, during his career he received 13 Grammys and a lot of other prestigious awards.
But the start-up of Eminem was rather modest. He made his debut as a member of a group «Soul Intent» and then he recorded his solo album titled «Infinite» which, however, was received by the general public rather tepidly. Probably, it was because in 1996 there were too many hip-hop performers and against their background a white-skinned youth in wide trousers didn't stand out. Perhaps, Marshall was short of skills or experienced guidance but, in any case, his first project was a failure and a newcomer musician had to string himself up not to give up and continue working on himself and searching his own unique style.
Marshall spent several years for buildup not without considerable assistance of a famous producer and rap-performer Dr.Dre who was interested in works of a beginner and helped him to make his way to the scene. For the first time Eminem was widely talked about in 1999 after the release of his second album «The Slim Shady LP» and demonstration on MTV a video to a song «My Name Is». He was criticized for sharp texts, seeing in them propaganda of racial hatred, homophobia and chauvinism. However, the performer himself denied all the charges, emphasizing the difference between shocking words and shocking deeds.
In 2000 the performer recorded the third studio album «The Marshall Mathers LP» that became the most significant album in Eminem's career. There were sold more than 20 million of copies of this album all over the world and the album itself was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as "Quickest-selling rap-album in the world". In spring of 2011 it was certified diamond. However, the album received not only acknowledgement of listeners but also severe criticism on the part of protectors of sexual minority rights. Moreover, plenty of obscenities provoked disputes as to necessity of censorship control. However, while some listeners kept expressing their indignation the others bought up the album on a mass scale. Videos to the songs «Stan», «The Way I Am» and «Real Slim Shady» were frequent on MTV and topped the charts and in 2011, despite the protests of some sections of the population, Eminem received three Grammy Awards.
In autumn, 2002 there was released an autobiographical film "8 Mile" with Eminem in the leading part. He recorded a soundtrack to the film – the song «Lose Yourself» that not only won him an «Oscar» but it also entered the «500 Greatest Songs of All Time» list of Rolling Stone magazine, having taken the 166th position.
Up to now Eminem is one of the most famous, loved and best-selling hip-hop performers throughout all continents. Having become a world level star, he goes on to feature in films, give interviews as well as carry out producing activities. In total, there were sold out more than 86 million of copies of his albums all over the world and in 2008 Eminem was voted as the best performer over the whole history of hip-hop music.
