Eminem

Grammy Award-winning controversial hard-core rap artist who burst on the music scene with the release of 1999's The Slim Shady LP, a double platinum recording that shocked many with its lyrics about drug use, rape, and murder. However offensive his lyrics, Eminem has earned praised for his nimble-tongued rhyming ability.

A high-school dropout, Eminem performed with a number of rap groups, including Soul Intent, before embarking on a solo career. In 1997 he released Infinite on an independent label. That same year he competed in several rap contests, placing second in Los Angeles' Rap Olympics. The rap community began to take notice. His The Slim Shady EP (1998) landed him guest appearances on MC Shabaam Sahdeeq's single “Five Star General” and Kid Rock's Devil without a Cause album. Impressed with Eminem's ability, Dr. Dre signed the rapper to his Aftermath label, and The Slim Shady LP was released in early 1999 and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts. He is perhaps the first white rap artist to gain a wide following, as well as healthy record sales. He won two Grammy Awards in 2000 for Best Solo Performance for the single “My Name Is” and for Best Rap Album. Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP was released in May 2000. While the album went straight to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, selling more than 1.7 million copies in its first week, it also created more controversy over sexist and homophobic lyrics