“Without Me” quickly became an international anthem of the Hip Hop white boy. His videos were clouded the airwaves, his singles bombarded the radio, and his image began to concentrate the streets as fans began to bleach their hair and wear baggy white tees at every occasion. The track also won the Grammy for Best Solo Rap Performance in 2001.ĭuring the height of his career, it was hard to picture the rap game without his influence. The song peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on the Euro Hot 100, #1 in Canada, and #1 in the UK. With this record, Eminem again defined who he was as both a persona and an artists given listeners an authentic picture of who and what Slim Shady actually is. There had been both a rise in white rap in the Midwest and a surge of young white american’s taking Eminem’s violent message literally. Naturally as a byproduct of his success, Eminem had to deal with both imitators and impostors sullying his name. #3 The Real Slim Shady – The Marshall Mathers LPĪs the first single for Eminem’s third album, “The Real Slim Shady” set the record straight as who the number one white rapper in the game was. The song was another international hit for Eminem, claiming the#1 spot in twelve countries and won Best International Artist Video at the MuchMusic Video Awards. Featuring and altered version of Dido‘s “Thank You”, the songs somber melodic tone creates a theatrical experience for the listener. The song describes the relationship of Eminem and one of his supporters from the perspective of a crazed obsessive fan. Since, rappers Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt have found a immense level of success from utilizing similar tactics.Īlthough it may have only hit the 51st spot on the Billboard Hot 100, “Stan” is one of the most creative rap songs ever written. This was the first time in Hip Hop artist used this tactic of shocking vulgarity to grab the attention of the masses. This song can also be credited as one of Eminem’s most grotesque. Not only is it the first to win him a Grammy for Best Solo Rap Performance in 2000, but it was his first released under Dr. Serving as Eminem’s introduction to the mainstream, “My Name Is” is one of Eminem’s most important singles. “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” was Eminem’s second Top 10 single, peaking at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (along with being a top 10 hit around the world). It’s common Marshall Mathers didn’t have the most pleasant growing up experience nor does he have the best relationship with his mother and, in “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” Eminem goes into detail about some of the events of his life that led to him being the man he is today. What makes Eminem so likable is how fearlessly personal he gets with his music. #6 Cleanin’ Out My Closet – The Eminem Show This single was one of Eminem’s international hits, peaking at #1 on the Hot singles charts of seven different countries while only peaking at# 6 in the US).
Featuring a spoof of Bad Santa, botched Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, and Madonna impersonations, and Slim Shady streaking, this may be one of his most outrageous videos. “Just Lose It” is no short of that trend. As a whole, this single was Eminem’s rebuttal to Interscope Records requesting he tone down his controversial image and fold more into the pop-rapper role they wanted him to play.Īlong with being a serious lyricist, Eminem is known for some rap music’s most comedic song/video combos. Eminem was under constant threat of lawsuit during the early 2000’s and this particular single was a response to some of those instances specifically. At the beginning of his career, his constant use of profanity and reliance on shock value built up a long list of enemies.
It’s no secret that Eminem is one of Hip Hop’s most controversial figures. #8 The Way I Am – The Marshall Mathers LP This single peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 2004 Grammy’s.
The track touches on themes and events in Eminem’s life regarding being a father along with his infamous relationship with ex-wife Kim. Dedicated to his daughter, Hailie, “Mockingbird” is a very personal single going into depth about Eminem’s love for and relationship with her.