It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since the world was rocked by Eminem’s masterpiece, “The Eminem Show”! Originally slated for a June 4, 2002 release, the album dropped nine days early on May 26 to beat the leaks.
This time, for his fourth album, Eminem not only showcased his lyrical prowess but also stepped into the role of a producer, crafting most of the project alongside his trusted collaborator Jeff Bass. He also orchestrated a stellar lineup of features, with Obie Trice, D12, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, Dina Rae, and even his daughter Hailie Jade, all lending their voices to the mix.
The anticipation for “The Eminem Show” was electric, and it did not disappoint. Debuting at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and holding the top for six non-consecutive weeks, the album moved a staggering 1.3 million copies in its second week alone. It dominated the charts worldwide, topping the UK Albums Chart for five weeks straight.
Singles like “Without Me”, “Cleanin’ Out My Closet”, “Superman”, and “Sing for the Moment” became instant classics, while” ‘Till I Collapse”, which was not even released as a single, took place as a fan favourite.
“The Eminem Show” wasn’t just a chart-topper. It became the best-selling album of 2002 in both the US and worldwide, holding the title of best-selling hip hop album ever and becoming Em’s biggest commercial success to date. Certified Diamond by the RIAA and boasting over 27 million copies sold globally, “The Eminem Show” stands as one of the best-selling albums of all time.
The accolades kept rolling in. At the 2003 Grammys, “The Eminem Show” was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Rap Album, while “Without Me” took home Best Music Video. Critics hailed it as one of the best albums of 2002 and the decade.
Twenty-two years later, “The Eminem Show” remains Marshall’s most popular album, according to streaming numbers. In several days, it will reach 7 billion streams on Spotify, gaining over 4 million new plays on the platform daily.
For over 20 years, “The Eminem Show” has been proving that Slim Shady’s raw talent, his ability to push boundaries, and his undeniable influence on the music world are unparalleled.
Listen to the album below:
