Early Life and Childhood
Eminem's early life was marked by turmoil, poverty, and frequent relocations. Here is a timeline of the significant events that shaped his childhood.
October 17, 1972
Birth
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Deborah R. Nelson Mathers-Briggs and Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr.
18 months old
Father's Departure
Eminem's father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., abandoned the family when Eminem was just 18 months old, leaving his mother to raise him alone.
1986
Interest in Hip-Hop
Eminem began showing interest in hip-hop and rap music at the age of 14. He started rapping in clubs in Detroit, Michigan.
1989
High School Dropout
Due to frequent unexcused absences, Eminem was kept in the ninth grade for the third year. He eventually dropped out of high school to pursue a career in hip-hop.
