It’s been just over fifteen years since Eminem first dropped into our world with his irreverent rhymes and controversial persona. Now, in collaboration with Complex, Detroit’s bad boy of rap is sharing his story and that of his label, Shady Records, which also celebrated its fifteenth anniversary last year.
On Not Afraid: The Shady Records Story, Slim Shady is joined by Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and his manager Paul Rosenberg for a 32-minute-long look at the history of this influential label. Shot in Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York, the documentary recounts the rise of the imprint from its beginnings to world dominance by the middle of the aughts.
Marshall Mathers is particularly compelling here, as he describes his rise from a humble street rapper to one of the most successful names in hip-hop. In addition, he gives props to the many artists he discovered and signed to his label, including 50 Cent, D12, Obie Trice, Slaughterhouse, and Yelawolf.
Highlights include Dr. Dre revealing the moment he found out Eminem was white, the doubts from Interscope about Eminem starting his own label, a snafu at the airport that almost caused 50 Cent to miss a critical meeting with Eminem, and Proof’s heartbreaking death.
As Eminem states in the video: ““Within the next 15 years, we’ll try to keep shit going and try to sign new exciting acts. Hopefully discover the next whatever.” Given the track record he’s had so far, there’s no reason to doubt he won’t continue on the same trajectory.
Watch Not Afraid: The Shady Records Story below: