The Evolution of Eminem

Today is Em's 43rd birthday—and what a ride it's been.

Eminem: "We As Americans" - The lyrics: “I don’t rap for dead presidents, I rather see the president dead, it’s never been said but I set precedents."Released during George W. Bush’s first term, Eminem flipped the iconic phrase to express his disgust at the administration.(Photo: Scott Gries/PictureGroup)
Hi, Marshall - Eminem was born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, in Saint Joseph, Missouri. His father skipped out when he was 18 months old, and he was raised solely by his mother. They moved to Detroit when he was a teenager. (Photo: WENN.com)
The Slim Shady EP - Em began rhyming as a kid, and signed a production deal with the Bass Brothers in 1992. He slowly built a name for himself by tearing through the competition at area MC battles and releasing music independently. But 1997's much-bootlegged The Slim Shady EP was when it all came together. The album, which spread like wildfire through underground circles, introduced hip hop to Eminem's Slim Shady persona and his trademark style, featuring half-disturbing, half-hilarious references to drug abuse, violence, poverty, mental problems, baby-mama beef and inctricate, rapid-fire rhymes. (Photo: Shady Records)4. Eminem & Dr. Dre\r - The most commercially successful duo on this list. Dre's cosign and production work gave Em's intricate battle-tested stylings instant cred on both the corner and the airwaves; in turn, the Detroit MC gave Dre new energy and new relevance in the new millennium. Highlights: "My Name Is," "Kill You," "The Real Slim Shady"\r\r\r(Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect/Getty Images)

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The Evolution of Eminem - Today, October 17, is Eminem's 43rd birthday — and what a four decades it's been. With ten No. 1 albums, tens of millions of records sold and literally countless amazing verses, there's no denying that Marshall Mathers is one of the best to ever do it. But he didn't get to the top of the world overnight — click on to read the Evolution of Eminem. (Photo: Scott Gries/PictureGroup)

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