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The Truth Behind Eminem's Relationship With His Mom

There is no doubt Eminem is a complicated person. His 25-year career has been defined by feuds, violence and toxic male aggression. However, amid the chaos, the rapper has maintained the ability to lay bare his vulnerabilities and acknowledge his weaknesses. Nothing illustrates that complexity better than the fraught relationship between Eminem and Eminem's mom, Debbie Nelson Mathers (maiden name Nelson). Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, didn’t have the best upbringing. Raised in poverty, his parents grappled with addiction and relationship troubles, scarring the young rapper as he was beginning to carve out an identity. As such, he harbored resentment for his mom and dad, and swore he would break the pattern when it came to his own daughter. Of course, reality doesn’t often pan out the way you hoped. The Detroit rapper had to stand up and address his failures head-on. Through this journey, he could rediscover his relationship with his mother, and the place she occupies in his life. What Happened With Eminem's Mom? (Photo by Nicky J. Sims/Redferns)Debbie was only 18 years old when she gave birth to Marshall Bruce Mathers III. Eminem’s father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., abandoned them as soon as his son was born, leaving the young mother to raise their child alone. RELATED: Dave Bautista Realized Why He Hated Being Rich - Until He Did One Thing for His MomThe mother-and-son duo faced destitution and eviction at every turn, and moved frequently, in search of financial stability. Debbie was in no position to shoulder the responsibilities of parenthood. However, Eminem's mother worked hard to make ends meet, even if the outcomes weren’t always satisfactory. Unfortunately, her childcare abilities weren’t up to her son’s liking. As is his modus operandi, Eminem badmouthed Debbie in the charged lyrics to "My Name Is," the opening track of his 1999 album The Slim Shady LP. In the song, he claims his mother did “more dope than” he did: “I told her I'd grow up to be a famous rapper / Make a record about doin' drugs and name it after her.”Debbie Mathers Sues Eminem Over 'My Name Is' LyricsYoung Marshall Mathers III and mom Debbie Nelson Mathers (Image: My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem)Debbie Mathers Briggs (her current husband, John Briggs, is her fourth) was blindsided by the admission. Shortly after the release of "My Name Is," she sued her son for $11 million, claiming defamation of character. Eminem’s team responded by saying his music only reflected the truth. His lawyer also said the lawsuit was a “result of a lifelong strained relationship between [Eminem] and mother,” and that it was pretty “painful” to be sued by your own mother. Debbie was awarded a $25,000 settlement in 2001, but $23,354.25 of that went to her attorney.The animosity between Eminem and his mother didn’t subside, however. In 2002, Eminem released "Cleanin' Out My Closet," in which he accused her of suffering from Münchausen syndrome by proxy, a disorder in which a caregiver makes up an illness or injury in a person under their care. RELATED: How Tom Hanks' Tragic Childhood Changed Him - ForeverAs if that weren't enough, he made more references to her substance abuse in the song "My Mom": “My mom loved Valium and lots of drugs /That's why I am like I am 'cause I'm like her.” He also wrote how she added Valium in his food multiple times. and would threaten to throw him in the basement if he didn’t eat his meal. My mom/ There's no one else quite like my mom /I know I should let bygones be bygones/ But she's the reason why I am high on what I'm high onEminem, "My Mom"Why Did Eminem Apologize To His Mom?It’s difficult to distinguish who’s telling the truth when the atmosphere is so incendiary. However, Debbie did try to provide a context in her 2008 memoir My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.RELATED: How Stranger Things' Jamie Campbell Bower Overcame Addiction“At first I went along with it for Marshall's sake -- if I made one mistake as a mother, it was giving in to my eldest son's every whim,” she wrote, alluding to how she may have added Valium to his food. but only at his insistence. She also insisted that it was an uphill battle to care for her son, given her wretched circumstances. Just because she made some terrible decisions of her own doesn’t mean Eminem should have taken the liberty to defame her at every opportunity. He never knew his father, and I did all I could to make up for it. I wasn't happy when he made up a whole new life for himself - what mother wants to be known as a pill-popping alcoholic who lives on welfare?Debbie Nelson on My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.With time, Eminem forgave his mother and apologized to her. There’s only so much room for hatred and anger, and when the years weigh down on you, you begin to realize how everyone goes through a hard time. Who Was Eminem's Father?Eminem, in a promo for his Detroit restaurant, Mom's SpaghettiIn his 2013 song "Headlights," Eminem discussed forgiving his mother, questioning if he had taken his resentment “too far.” He also shed light on the role of his father, Marshall Bruce Mathers, Jr. — or lack thereof — in exacerbating tensions between himself and his mother. If he hadn’t abandoned the family at such a critical juncture, mother and son wouldn’t have had to endure so much hardship.RELATED: Ben Affleck’s Sobriety Journey Proves You’re More Than Your Parents’ MistakesAt the end of the day, the 50-year-old “loves” his mother, and says she’s “still beautiful” to him. She “did her best” to raise him and his younger half-brother, Nate, even though the “cross” she bore was the heaviest of all. But regardless, I don't hate you 'cause, Ma / You're still beautiful to me, 'cause you're my Ma [...] All you did, all you said, you did your best to raise us both /Foster care, that cross you bear, few may be as heavy as yours.Eminem, "Headlights"Eminem opened Mom's Spaghetti restaurant in Detroit in 2021. However, it's not a sign that he's mended fences with mother Debbie (by all accounts, their relationship remains strained). Instead, it's a reference to his song "Lose Yourself," from the soundtrack to his 2002 acting debut, 8 Mile. The menu includes vegan meatballs, and a spaghetti sandwich (Eminem's favorite).Let Go of BitternessEminem clung onto so much rage in the first 40 years of his life that he and his mother still remain a little “estranged." It’s OK to feel a grudge, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t call out people for their dangerous behavior. However, as you grow older, consider whether the antagonism is worth your time. Our priorities shift, we become wiser, and we tend to forgive ourselves and each other for the past. The bitterness will only deter you in your journey, haunting you every step of the way till you’re ready to combust. Instead, free yourself. It feels good to look forward to the future and not have any regrets about the past. So if you have the opportunity to rid yourself of the bitterness, take it. KEEP READING: Eminem Celebrates 10 Years Sober, Inspires People Struggling with Addiction to Open Up

Eminem's Life Story: From Bullied Dropout to Hip Hop Knockout
Success Stories

Eminem's Life Story: From Bullied Dropout to Hip Hop Knockout

Eminem is well known in the entertainment industry for possibly all the wrong reasons. His countless run-ins with the law and controversial lyrics have continually shocked, outraged, and fascinated millions. With blatantly violent records ranging from choleric to downright hilarious, Eminem has earned himself global recognition and an evergrowing fanbase. RELATED: 15 Eminem Lyrics to Teach You to Never Back Down Although if you look beyond his rebellious music and sensationalized court cases, Eminem is a dedicated father and artist with a passion to prove himself to those who doubt him. With years of highs and lows to get to where he is now, Eminem is proud to tell the story of his struggling beginnings. As a scrawny outcast bouncing between schools and sketchy neighborhoods, he had his work cut out for him. There was no glitter or glamour while he earned $5.50/hr washing dishes or when he found his trailer home robbed of everything except the bed. From bullied and broke to best-selling Hip Hop artist, Eminem shows us why giving up is not an option. How to Share With Just Friends How to share with just friends. Posted by Facebook on Friday, December 5, 2014 Growing up as a misfit On October 17th, 1972, Marshall Bruce Mathers III was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, to a 15-year-old mother and a runaway father. He and his mother bounced between Missouri and Michigan - never settling anywhere long enough for Marshall to call it home. They lived in public housing projects as his drug-abusing mother failed to hold a job for more than a few months at a time. Eventually, they settled in a reputedly rough neighborhood in Detroit, where gangs would frequently bully Marshall for reasons he didn't yet understand. Things weren't much better for him at school. Marshall was always the "new kid" so he made very few friends and mostly kept to himself. He was smart but did badly in almost every subject - all except English. Marshall found the power of words fascinating and would study the dictionary to expand his vocabulary. He also loved comic books, devouring them daily and dreaming of illustrating his own comic books in the future. At nine years old, his shy and reserved nature made him a target for older students. He was cornered in the hallways, shoved into lockers, and beaten up in the bathroom. One episode of bullying sent him to the hospital with cerebral hemorrhage, where he drifted in and out of consciousness for five days. He would write a song about it years later, called Brain Damage. As the bullying continued and he began having nightmares, Marshall opted to skip school. His grades plummeted and before he knew it, he had failed Grade 9 three times over. There seemed to be nothing going for him until his Uncle Ronnie played him his first rap song - "Reckless" featuring Ice-T. He was instantly hooked. Fighting for the chance to rap While scrounging for work under the threat of being kicked out by his mother, Marshall poured his heart and soul into the only thing that mattered: music. At 14, he began rapping with a high-school friend. They frequently skipped class to participate in freestyle rap battles at a nearby school's lunchroom. Soon enough, Marshall felt like he needed to earn the approval of more than just the high-school crowd. In preparation, he took his initials and renamed himself as "M&M" - which eventually became "Eminem". On Saturdays, he and a handful of budding rappers squeezed into open mic contests at the Hip-Hop Shop on West 7 Mile. Being a white boy in a predominantly black scene, he stood out for all the wrong reasons and was constantly booed on stage. However, Eminem was determined to gain their respect and never missed a single battle. It didn't take long after he opened his mouth to become known as a force to be reckoned with. His fierce rhymes and creative insults often left his opponent stepping down from the stage in surprise. At 24 years old, with a daughter on the way and an unrelenting need to prove himself, he released his first album called Infinite. It was almost entirely about his upcoming child and was majorly ignored by local DJs and radios. The criticism was brutal and many told him to "go into Rock & Roll instead." It seemed like the end of the line for Eminem's career in rap - except he had no intentions of quitting. Sometimes you just feel tired, weak. When you do, you gotta find that inner strength, that motivation to not give up. Fired, evicted, and chasing the dream With the doubt of others spurring him on, Eminem wrote and practiced his rhymes with renewed rage and purpose. He would even rap the food orders he received at Gilbert's Lodge - a family-style restaurant where he cooked and washed dishes. After the birth of his daughter, Hailie, Eminem worked over 60 hours per week before he was suddenly fired. With no job, a failed career, and his girlfriend leaving him, Eminem was at an all-time low. He stopped writing music and began taking painkillers to get through the day. While living alone in a crime-ridden neighborhood and unable to see his daughter, he took one too many in an attempt to end his own life. Fortunately, his suicide attempt was unsuccessful and Eminem soon returned to his music, crafting angrier and moodier tracks than ever before. One day, while on the toilet practicing new rhymes, an idea popped into his mind. Maybe his youthful rage could be included in his music using an alter ego. And so "Slim Shady" was born, a cutthroat personality Eminem would use to channel his darkest thoughts. At 25, with his eye on the first prize of $500 and a Rolex, Eminem decided to try his luck at the 1997 Rap Olympics in L.A. The night before the event, he came home to a locked door and an eviction notice. Eminem had nowhere else to go, so he broke a window and climbed in. There was no heat, no water, and no electricity - but he slept on the floor nonetheless, anticipating his upcoming opportunity of being heard by top rappers. Losing the battle but winning the war Eminem was never a confident person, so standing on a stage in front of hundreds of people was no easy feat. But as soon as he held the mic, his fear disappeared and all his pent-up rage came through in his lyrics. By the end of the Olympics, a man in the crowd yelled "Just give it to the white boy. It's over!" But the judges refused and gave him second place instead. Eminem was crushed. He returned broke and humiliated to live with his mother, girlfriend, and daughter in a routinely robbed trailer home. However, a copy of his performance was recorded on cassette and passed around. It eventually made its way to the ears of rap producer Dr. Dre - who was instantly impressed. Dre brushed off the resounding criticism and sent out for Eminem, who was undoubtedly astounded that one of his idols wanted to see him. Soon after, Eminem ambled into Dr. Dre's recording studio, with bleached blond hair and a bright yellow sweatsuit. Dre had his doubts upon seeing him, but those vanished as he witnessed Eminem blurt out the rhymes for "My Name Is" on the first try. A single that would later earn the young rapper worldwide acclaim. At 27 years old, Eminem was still struggling to pay rent for his trailer home when his album Slim Shady LP was released. It was like nothing ever heard before in the rap scene. His alter ego "Slim Shady" proved to be a ruthless comedian, combining childish humor with homicidal rage. Shady's lyrics reflected the adversity in Eminem's life and his dreams of revenge for those who wronged him. The album was an instant success, selling over three million copies and winning Eminem a Grammy Award. With money finally rolling in, his very first purchase was a house for his family in a safe neighborhood. Success, setbacks, and renewed purpose Over the next few years, Eminem released a handful of albums which became top hits worldwide. However, they also sparked a firestorm of criticism due to his controversial lyrics. Fame hit Eminem like a ton of bricks, and his dream of becoming a renowned rapper soon turned into a nightmare. When he wasn't being besieged by lawsuits and spiteful family members, he was dogged by the paparazzi and crazed fans. In 2002, while working over 16 hours a day on his movie 8 Mile, Eminem came to a breaking point. He ate nothing but fast food and sleeping pills, becoming unrecognizable to his fans and leading him to another near-death experience. The prospect of leaving his daughter alone urged him to attend church meetings and rehab. With the help of an unlikely mentor - Sir Elton John - Eminem returned to his music in 2008. He now had a more positive perspective, making his latest records more upbeat and inspirational for those struggling with similar situations. He went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. After a lifetime of fighting his way to the top, Eminem had finally earned the respect of major league Hip Hop artists and more. He is an acclaimed rapper, writer, producer, and even actor. Today, he continues to produce successful records while taking care of his daughter. He also takes time to work with at-risk youth, helping them overcome the same hurdles he once faced. Regardless of your stance towards his music, Eminem's life story is an inspiration to anyone who feels like it's them against the world. He makes a point to tell those feeling hopeless that even when no one believes in you, you have to be the biggest fan of your craft. He insists that you never give up in the fight to prove the world wrong. Because in this crazy, unpredictable life - you have one shot, one opportunity - to make yourself proud. Don't be afraid to try. You can always make something of your life.

15 Eminem Lyrics to Teach You to Never Back Down
Musicians

15 Eminem Lyrics to Teach You to Never Back Down

One of the most controversial and best-selling rappers out there, Eminem has never ceased to shock critics and impress his fans. His rapping skills, humor, and passion rapidly placed him at the top of the charts and brought him worldwide fame.Since 1999, when he released his first album – The Slim Shady LP – Marshal Mathers created songs that express heavy emotion and describe the harsh reality we live in, while also openly sharing the struggles Eminem faced in his life, both as an individual and as an artist.From a turbulent childhood to overcoming addiction and raising his daughter, Eminem talks about his struggles through his lyrics. Using strong words, Mathers has inspired and motivated millions of fans worldwide.“Lose yourself”, a commercial success and Eminem’s best work to date, easily comes to everyone’s mind when being asked to name a song that would motivate them.So if you’re feeling low or overwhelmed, or maybe you just need a little something to keep you going:Here are 15 Eminem lyrics to help you find that inner strengthThis is your moment, and every single minute you spendTryna hold on to it because you may never get it again.Till I colapseSuccess is my only motherf---in' option, failures not!Lose yourselfYou don’t get another chance, life is no Nintendo game.Love the way you lieWhen I say I'ma do something I do it, I don't give a damn what you think, I'm doing this for me.Not afraidYou only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blowThis opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo!Lose yourselfSeize the moment try to freeze it and own it, squeeze it and hold it. 'Cause we consider these minutes golden.Sing for the momentThere's no mountain I can't climb. There's no tower too high. No plane that I can't learn how to fly.My dad’s gone crazyGod gave you shoes to fit you. So put ‘em on and wear ‘em. Be yourself man be proud of who you are… Never let anyone tell you you ain’t beautiful.BeautifulCause we see them dollar signs and let the cash blind us. Money'll brainwash you and leave your ass mindless, while snakes slither in the grass spineless.Rock bottomWhy do we say that until we get that person that we think'sGonna be that one, then once we get 'em it's never the sameYou want them when they don't want youSoon as they do, feelings changeSpace BoundMy confidence is up, this stage is my pedestalI'm unstoppable, Incredible HulkYou're trapped in my medicine ballDrop the worldI'm standing up, Imma face my demons, I'm manning up, Imma hold me ground.Not AfraidNo wonder I had to unlearn everything my brain was taughtGuts Over FearThe passion in the flame is ignitedYou can't put it out once we light itForeverIn the land of the killers a sinner's mind is a sanctumHoly or unholy, only have one homie.Sing for the momentBut you gotta search within youAnd gotta find that inner strengthAnd just pull that shit out of youAnd get that motivation to not give upAnd not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face, and collapse.Till I colapse‘Cause some things just don't changeIt's better when they stay the sameCold wind blowsI said this looks like a job for meSo everybody, just follow me!‘Cause we need a little controversy‘Cause it feels so empty without meWithout me

Eminem: Never Stop Believing in Yourself
Goalcast Originals

Eminem: Never Stop Believing in Yourself

Eminem - Prove Them Wrong Eminem opens up about the hard road he took from failure to success, and urges us never to quit on our dreams, no matter the obstacles. Transcript: "The first time I grabbed a mic, I got booed. I remember that, it was very traumatic for me. I just remember that being so fucking traumatic, and I think I went home, like man, 'I quit.' And then, you know, maybe a couple days later, a week later, hour later, whatever it was, I don't know, I got the urge, like, 'No man, I got to get up, got to do it again.' "Like always, with everything, you got to take the good with the bad. There's new problems you're going to have with everything, if it wasn't my success, and I was still try to look for a job, or working in a dead-end job, and didn't have any money to eat with, it would be those kind of problems that I would have. Those type of family problems. How are we going to feed Hailey? How we going to raise her? How are we going to stay together? How are we going to pay our rent? "I think one of my greatest inspirations, or things that I would feed off of, basically was just, obviously, people not believing in the, you know, the cloud of doubt, that kind of, hung over my head, and wanted to just prove everybody wrong, you know what I mean? I wanted to make it, and I was going to make it regardless of what anybody said."