Twenty-five years on, “The Marshall Mathers LP” is still moving like a new release. And, once again, Eminem’s most confrontational album proves its long life.
Recently, the record surpassed 5.7 billion streams on Spotify, a figure that keeps climbing fast. Moreover, the album now pulls in over two million streams every day, quietly reinforcing its status as a modern classic. As a result, it stands as Eminem’s second most-streamed project on the platform.
A Cultural Shock That Never Faded
Released on May 23, 2000, “The Marshall Mathers LP” arrived as a cultural jolt. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and stayed there for 8 weeks. At the time, it sold 1.78 million copies in its first week, a record that remains untouchable.
Back then, the album reshaped rap’s public image. Tracks like “The Real Slim Shady,” “Stan,” and “The Way I Am” cut deep into pop culture. Meanwhile, features from Dido, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Nate Dogg expanded its reach.
However, shock value alone never explained its staying power. Instead, the album’s emotional clarity and technical precision kept listeners returning.
Streaming Keeps the Album Alive
Today, streaming tells the story more clearly than sales once did. Since crossing five billion streams in January, momentum has only increased. If current trends hold, six billion streams by spring looks realistic.
Importantly, new listeners keep finding the album. At the same time, long-time fans return to it for familiar reasons. Therefore, its streaming growth reflects both discovery and loyalty.
A Vinyl Reissue Sparks a Chart Revival
Interestingly, the album achieved something impossible in 2000. This October, a 25th anniversary vinyl reissue sent it back onto the charts.
According to Luminate, weekly sales jumped 2,220%, rising from under 250 copies to nearly 5,500. Naturally, vinyl accounted for most of that surge.
Consequently, “The Marshall Mathers LP” re-entered multiple Billboard charts. It debuted at No. 7 on the Vinyl Albums chart, marking Eminem’s sixth Top 10 there. It also returned to Top Album Sales (No. 23), Billboard 200 (No. 129), and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (No. 39).
Ultimately, “The Marshall Mathers LP” refuses to fade into nostalgia. Instead, it continues to sound loudly, even decades later. And, in the streaming era, it is closer to the listeners than ever.
Listen to the album below:
