Marshall Bruce Mathers III -- aka Eminem or Slim Shady -- was born in 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Although he was known for his fighting and truancy in high school, he soon became a contemporary American rapper, record producer and actor who has won an Academy Award and nine Grammies.

Eminem's recording career was launched in 1999 with the release of his first major album, a Grammy-winner titled "The Slim Shady LP." His next rap album, "The Marshall Mathers LP," became the fastest-selling hip hop album in history, and helped to skyrocket his fame and popularity. Since 2005, Eminem has been on what he calls "a hiatus." However, rumor has it that he will be releasing a brand new album soon.