rappers info

proof

DeShaun Dupree Holton (October 2, 1973 - April 11, 2006), better known by his stage name Proof, was an American rapper and actor from Detroit, Michigan. During his career, he was a member of the groups Goon Sqwad, 5 Elementz, Promatic, and most notably, D12. He was a close childhood friend of rapper Eminem, who lived on the same block. In 2006, Proof was shot and killed during an altercation at the CCC nightclub in Detroit. Contents [hide] •1 Early life •2 Music career ◦2.1 Solo work •3 Death •4 Discography •5 Filmography •6 Videography •7 References •8 Further reading •9 External links Early life[edit] This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2012) Holton was born to Pepper Holton, a single mother. His father, Mckinley Jackson, was a music producer who left to pursue his career prior to Holton's birth. Holton grew up in Warren, Michigan where he met childhood friend and future musical collaborator Marshall Mathers, who would later rise to fame as Eminem. Music career[edit] Originally known as Maximum, under the moniker "Proof", Holton first rose to national prominence as a part of the rap group D12, a hip-hop group he was instrumental in forming. Early individual accomplishments include being featured in The Source's "Unsigned Hype" column in 1999 and nearly winning the 1998 Blaze Battle. His first television appearance was in the video for Aaliyah's "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number". In 2000, Proof toured with Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg in the Up In Smoke Tour, performing as a hype man for Eminem. He gained further exposure in 2001 with the release of Devil's Night, D12's debut album on Interscope Records. The following year, Proof collaborated with Dogmatic on "Promatic" and joined Eminem's "Anger Management" tour in support of the release.[1] He appeared in the film 8 Mile along with Eminem and Xzibit, although the character based on him, Future, was portrayed by Mekhi Phifer. Proof appeared as Lil' Tic, a freestyle rapper who rap battles the lead character, B-Rabbit, played by Eminem.[2] To capitalize on the publicity from the film, Proof released a six-song EP called Electric CoolAid: Acid Testing.[3] Proof also starred in a cameo role, alongside the rest of D12, in The Longest Yard, appearing as "Basketball Convicts" during the credits.[clarification needed] Solo work[edit] Proof released a solo album featuring collaborations with 50 Cent, Method Man, Nate Dogg, B-Real of Cypress Hill, T3 of Slum Village, Obie Trice, Eminem, and D12. The album was released on his own Iron Fist Records label in conjunction with Alliance Entertainment's IDN Distribution. Proof said that he did not produce the record with Shady Records or Aftermath because he wanted to "build his own thing".[citation needed] Called Searching for Jerry Garcia, the album was released on August 9, 2005 on his own Iron Fist Records label, ten years to the day following Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia's death. It contained the prophetic song Kurt Kobain in which he wrote of his own death and 'passing the sign' to 1st Born as his protégé once he was gone.[4][5] Proof has said that he considered Garcia to be a "genius" who suffered from common character flaws. Proof has stated his admiration for Garcia's eclectic style, saying that Garcia "went against the grain".[6] Proof stated how he wanted to be remembered in an interview with SOHH.com shortly after his album release: "I want people to say that I was a true artist, that I did it best and stayed true to Hip Hop roots [...] I'd want people to understand I did it for the love, not for the charts."[7] The album received favorable reviews, which commented on its "eclectic" and "introspective" nature.[8] Despite its list of guest appearances and favorable reviews, the release did not make a significant impact on the charts. Proof also recorded a track, "How I Live," with Twiztid for their album Independents Day shortly before his death.[citation needed] Besides these, he recorded during his Gold Coast tour in 2006, which was exactly two weeks before his death, a song with "Liquidsilva" from Australia. Death[edit] On April 11, 2006, Proof was shot four times by Mario Etheridge, after an altercation broke out during a game of billiards at the CCC Club on 8 Mile Road in Detroit, Michigan. A pool game between Proof and Keith Bender turned into a heated argument and then escalated into a physical altercation. Etheridge, who was Bender's cousin, fired a warning shot into the air. There have been many conflicting reports about Proof and Keith Bender's roles in the shooting, but it was reported that Proof then shot Bender in the head during the altercation.[9] Bender was not immediately killed by the gunshot but died a week later from his injuries.[10] In response to Proof allegedly shooting Bender, Etheridge then shot Proof four times, twice in the head and twice in the back, killing him at the scene. At the time of his death, Proof's blood alcohol content was 0.32, four times the legal DUI limit. An autopsy revealed that he did not have any illegal drugs in his system. Proof's lawyer, David Gorosh, accused the police and the media of being "reckless" for suggesting that his client fired the first shots without having any hard evidence. A few weeks after both men's death, Bender's family began a wrongful death suit against Proof's estate.[11][12] Authorities determined that Etheridge was acting lawfully in defense of another; however, he was found guilty of carrying an illegal firearm and discharging it inside of a building.[13] On April 19, 2006, Proof was buried in the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit to a full house of 2,660, including long time friend Eminem, Royce Da 5'9, R&B singer Dina Rae and thousands more mourning outside.[14] Seven months after Proof's death, his close friend Reginald "Mudd" Moore, who was with him at the nightclub where he was killed, gave an exclusive interview with XXL magazine where he told a different account of what happened that night. In Mudd's version of the events, Proof is portrayed neither as the instigator nor a cold-blooded killer. According to Mudd, the night started out with him and Proof and two of their friends bar hopping and having a guys' night out. They arrived at the Triple C club at around 3:30am where a fight between Keith Bender and Proof escalated over a pool game. The bouncer Mario Etheridge then pulled out his gun and fired two shots into the air to break the fight up, but instead the shots caused panic. According to Mudd, an intoxicated Proof pushed him out of the way and reached for his gun and fired once into the air. Keith Bender then came from behind and started attacking Proof trying to get the weapon out of his hand. Etheridge then came over and started shooting in the direction of both Proof and Bender, killing them both.[15] Discography[edit] Main article: Proof discography Solo albums •2004: I Miss the Hip Hop Shop •2005: Searching for Jerry Garcia Discography with D12 •1997: The Underground EP •2001: Devil's Night •2004: D12 World Filmography[edit] •8 Mile (2002), Lil Tic •The Longest Yard (2005), Basketball Convict Videography[edit] •"Age Ain't Nothing But a Number" (1995), extra •"The Real Slim Shady" (2000), extra •"Shit on You" (2000) •"Purple Pills" (2001) •"Fight Music" (2001) •"Rap Name" (2002), extra •"Nightmares" (2003), extra •"My Band" (2004) •"40 Oz" (2004) •"How Come" (2004) •"U R The One" (2004) •"Like Toy Soldiers" (2005) - acting as Bugz •"Welcome 2 Detroit" (2005), extra •"Gurls Wit Da Boom" (2005) •"When The Music Stops" (2005) •In Da Club- 50 Cent (2003) extra References[edit] 1.Jump up ^ "Proof: Reviews, Discography...". Music.com. June 18, 2004. Retrieved April 12, 2006. 2.Jump up ^ "8 Mile (2002)". IMDB.com. Retrieved April 12, 2006. 3.Jump up ^ David Friedman. "Interview with Proof". Murder Dog. Archived from the original on March 26, 2006. Retrieved April 12, 2006. 4.Jump up ^ "Kurt Kobain YouTube Video with lyrics". Youtube.com. Retrieved July 18, 2010. 5.Jump up ^ "DeShaun Holton: Information". Answers.com. Retrieved April 12, 2006. 6.Jump up ^ "Proof "Searching for Jerry Garcia" Review". Hip Hop Galaxy. Retrieved April 12, 2006. 7.Jump up ^ "The Proof Is In The Music". SOHH.com. 8.Jump up ^ "Proof - Searching For Jerry Garcia Album Review". Hip Hop DX. Retrieved April 12, 2006. 9.Jump up ^ Lawrence Van Gelder, Arts Briefly: Rapper Who Was Killed Fired First Shot, Police Say, The New York Times, April 14, 2006, Accessed November 17, 2008. 10.Jump up ^ Lawrence Van Gelder, Arts Briefly: Another Death in Shooting At Detroit Nightclub, The New York Times, April 19, 2006, Accessed November 17, 2008. 11.Jump up ^ Lawrence Van Gelder, Arts Briefly: Wrongful Death Suit Against Rapper's Estate, The New York Times, May 3, 2006, Accessed November 19, 2009. 12.Jump up ^ "Proof's Estate sued for damages by Bender's family". BBC News. May 6, 2012. 13.Jump up ^ Lawrence Van Gelder, Arts Briefly: Proof's Killer Convicted, The New York Times, September 22, 2006, Accessed November 17, 2008. 14.Jump up ^ Bozza, Anthony (April 20, 2006). "Proof positive". The Observer (The Guardian UK). Retrieved December 15, 2012. 15.Jump up ^ "The Death of Proof Bare Witness - XXL". Xxlmag.com. October 2, 2006. Retrieved December 9, 2013. Further reading[edit] •Anthony Bozza (May 20, 2006). "The true story behind the killing of Eminem's friend Proof". The Observer. Retrieved October 7, 2012. •XXL (October 2, 2006). "The Death of Proof: Bare Witness". Retrieved October 7, 2012. External links[edit] Wikimedia Commons has media related to Proof (rapper). •Proof at the Internet Movie Database [show]v · t · eProof Albums I Miss the Hip Hop Shop · Searching for Jerry Garcia Mixtapes Grown Man Shit With D12 Devil's Night · D12 World Related Articles Discography · D12 · Eminem [show]v · t · eD12 Eminem · Bizarre · Kuniva · Swifty McVay · Fuzz ScootaBugz · Proof · Mr. Porter Studio albums Devil's Night · D12 World Singles "Shit on You" · "Purple Pills" · "Ain't Nuttin' But Music" · "Fight Music" · "My Band" · "How Come" Related articles Discography · Shady Records Authority control WorldCat · VIAF: 29282102 · LCCN: no2006035664 · ISNI: 0000 0001 1440 5525 · BNF: cb14623900c (data) Persondata Name Proof Alternative names Holton, DeShaun Dupree Short description American rapper Date of birth October 2, 1973 Place of birth Detroit, Michigan, United States Date of death April 11, 2006 Place of death Detroit, Michigan, United States Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Proof_(rapper)&oldid=595010508" Categories: •1973 births •2006 deaths •Midwest hip hop musicians •African-American male rappers •Deaths by firearm in Michigan •Rappers from Detroit, Michigan •Shady Records artists •Eminem •Songwriters from Michigan Hidden categories: •Use mdy dates from December 2013 •Articles with hCards •Articles needing additional references from October 2012 •All articles needing additional references •Wikipedia articles needing clarification from April 2012 •All articles with unsourced statements •Articles with unsourced statements from February 2011 •Articles with unsourced statements from October 2012 •Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers •Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers •Wikipedia articles with ISNI identifiers •Wikipedia articles with BNF identifiers

kanye west

Kanye Omari West (/ˈkɑːnjeɪ/; born June 8, 1977) is an American hip hop recording artist, songwriter, record producer, film director, entrepreneur and fashion designer from Chicago, Illinois. West first gained prominence as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records; he achieved recognition for his work on rapper Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001), as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and Janet Jackson. His style of production originally used high-pitched vocal samples from soul songs incorporated with his own drums and instruments. He later broadened his influences to include 1970s R&B, baroque pop, trip hop, arena rock, folk, alternative, electronica, synthpop, industrial, and classical music. West was raised in a middle-class household in Chicago, Illinois, and began rapping in the third grade, becoming involved in the city's hip hop scene. West attended art school for one semester before dropping out to pursue music entirely in the late 1990s. Although his real desire was to become a rapper, record executives did not take West seriously, viewing him as a producer first and foremost. After being signed to Roc-A-Fella in 2002, West released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004 to commercial and critical acclaim. The baroque-inspired Late Registration followed in 2005, and Graduation in 2007. West switched rapping for singing on his emotive 2008 effort 808's & Heartbreak, and embraced maximalism on 2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Following several collaborations, West released his sixth album, Yeezus, in 2013. West is one of the best-selling and among the most awarded artists in popular music. West has won a total of 21 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists of all-time and the most awarded artist of anyone his age.[1] TIME has also named West one of the 100 most influential people in the world as well as being listed in a number of Forbes annual lists.[2] Several of his studio albums, most prominently Late Registration and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, have been ranked amongst the greatest albums of all time. West's background and style, from his debut album, deviated from the then-dominant "gangster" persona in hip hop, and he would later alter the genre stylistically as rappers adopted his alternative aesthetic. An outspoken and controversial celebrity, West has often been the source of incidents at award shows, and his dapper and flamboyant fashion sense has also attracted media attention and set West apart from other rappers. West runs his own record label GOOD Music and has directed several short films. Contents [hide] •1 Early life •2 Music career ◦2.1 1996-2002: Career beginnings ◦2.2 2003-04: The College Dropout ◦2.3 2005-06: Late Registration ◦2.4 2007-08: Graduation ◦2.5 2008-09: 808s & Heartbreak ◦2.6 2010-12: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and collaborations ◦2.7 2013-present: Yeezus •3 Other ventures ◦3.1 Business ventures ◦3.2 Fashion ◦3.3 Philanthropy •4 Artistry •5 Personal life ◦5.1 Relationships ◦5.2 Mother's death ◦5.3 Legal issues •6 Controversies ◦6.1 General media ◦6.2 Award shows ◦6.3 Alleged anti-Semitic comments •7 Legacy and influence •8 Accolades •9 Discography •10 Videography •11 Filmography •12 Bibliography •13 References •14 External links Early life West moved to Chicago, Illinois at age three and became involved in its hip hop scene as a teen.Kanye West was born on June 8, 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of three, West's parents divorced and he moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois.[3][4] His father is Ray West, a former Black Panther who was one of the first black photojournalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and later a Christian counselor,[4] and who opened the Good Water Store and Café in Lexington Park, Maryland in November 2006,[5] with startup capital from his son.[6] West's mother, Dr. Donda C. (Williams) West,[7][8] was a Professor of English at Clark Atlanta University, and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to serve as West's manager. He was raised in a middle-class background, attending Polaris High School[9] in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois after living in Chicago.[10] At the age of 10, Kanye moved with his mother to Nanjing, China, where his mother was teaching at Nanjing University as part of an exchange program. According to his mother, Kanye was the only foreigner in his class, but settled in well and quickly picked up the language, although he has since forgotten most of it.[11] When asked about his grades in high school, West replied, "I got A's and B's. And I'm not even frontin'".[12] West demonstrated an affinity for the arts at an early age; he began writing poetry when he was five years old.[13] His mother recalled that she first took notice of West's passion for drawing and music when he was in the third grade.[14] Growing up in the city, West became deeply involved in its hip hop scene. He started rapping in the third grade and began making musical compositions in the seventh grade, eventually selling them to other artists.[15] At age thirteen, West wrote a rap song called "Green Eggs and Ham" and began to persuade his mother to pay $25 an hour for time in a recording studio. The studio that West and his mother attended sessions was a small, crude basement studio where a microphone hung from the ceiling by a wire clothes hanger. Although this wasn't what West's mother wanted, she nonetheless supported him.[13] West crossed paths with producer/DJ No I.D., otherwise known as "The Godfather of Chicago Hip Hop", with whom he quickly formed a close friendship. No. I.D. soon became West's mentor, and it was from him that West learned how to sample and program beats after he received his first sampler at the age of fifteen.[16] After graduating from West Aurora High School, West received a scholarship to attend Chicago's American Academy of Art in 1997 and began taking painting classes, but shortly after transferred to Chicago State University to major in English. However, it soon became apparent to West that his busy class schedule was a detriment to his musical work, and at the age of 20 he made the decision to drop out of college to pursue his dream of becoming a musician.[17] This action greatly displeased his mother, who was a professor at the university from which he withdrew. She later commented, "It was drummed into my head that college is the ticket to a good life... but some career goals don't require college. For Kanye to make an album called College Dropout it was more about having the guts to embrace who you are, rather than following the path society has carved out for you."[18] Music career 1996-2002: Career beginnings Kanye West began his early production career in the mid-1990s, making beats primarily for burgeoning local artists, eventually developing a style that involved speeding up vocal samples from classic soul records. His first official production credits came at the age of nineteen when he produced eight tracks on Down to Earth, the 1996 debut album of a Chicago rapper named Grav.[19] For a time, West acted as a ghost producer for Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie. Due to his association with D-Dot, West wasn't able to release a solo album, so he formed and became a member and producer of the Go-Getters, a late-1990s Chicago rap group composed of him, GLC, Timmy G, Really Doe, and Arrowstar.[20][21] His group was managed by John Monopoly, Don C, and Happy Lewis under the management firm Hustle Period. The Go-Getters released their first and only studio album World Record Holders in 1999. The album featured other Chicago-based rappers such as Rhymefest, Mikkey Halsted, and Shayla G while the production was handled by West, Boogz, and Brian "All Day" Miller.[20] West spent much of the late-1990s producing records for a number of well-known artists and music groups.[22] The third song on Foxy Brown's second studio album Chyna Doll was produced by West. Her sophomore effort subsequently became the very first hip-hop album by a female rapper to debut at the top of the U.S. Billboard 200 chart in its first week of release. [22] West produced three of the tracks on Harlem World's first and only album The Movement alongside Jermaine Dupri and the production duo Trackmasters. His songs featured rappers Nas, Drag-On, and R&B singer Carl Thomas.[22] The ninth track from World Party, the last Goodie Mob album to feature the four founding members prior to their breakup, was co-produced by West with his manager Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie.[22] At the close of the millennium, West ended up producing six songs for Tell 'Em Why U Madd, an album that was released by D-Dot under the alias of The Madd Rapper; a fictional character he had created for a skit on The Notorious B.I.G.'s second and final studio album Life After Death. West's songs featured guest appearances from rappers such as Ma$e and Eminem.[22] West got his big break in the year 2000, when he began to produce for artists on Roc-A-Fella Records. West came to achieve recognition and is often credited with revitalizing Jay-Z's career with his contributions to the rap mogul's influential 2001 album The Blueprint.[23] The Blueprint is consistently ranked among the greatest hip-hop albums, and the critical and financial success of the album generated substantial interest in West as a producer.[24] Serving as an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, West produced records for other artists from the label, including Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Cam'ron. He also crafted hit songs for Ludacris, Alicia Keys, and Janet Jackson.[23][25][26][27] Despite his success as a producer, West's true aspiration was to be a rapper. Though he had developed his rapping long before he began producing, it was often a challenge for West to be accepted as a rapper, and he struggled to attain a record deal.[26] Multiple record companies ignored him because he did not portray the gangsta image prominent in mainstream hip hop at the time.[28] After a series of meetings with Capitol Records, West was ultimately denied an artist deal.[15] According to Capitol Record's A&R, Joe Weinberger, he was approached by West and almost signed a deal with him, but another person in the company convinced Capitol's president not to.[15] Desperate to keep West from defecting to another label, then-label head Damon Dash reluctantly signed West to Roc-A-Fella Records. Jay-Z later admitted that Roc-A-Fella was initially reluctant to support West as a rapper, claiming that many saw him as a producer first and foremost, and that his background contrasted with that of his labelmates.[28][29] West's breakthrough came a year later on October 23, 2002, when, while driving home from a California recording studio after working late, he fell asleep at the wheel and was involved in a near-fatal car crash.[30] The crash left him with a shattered jaw, which had to be wired shut in reconstructive surgery. The accident inspired West; two weeks after being admitted to hospital, he recorded a song at the Record Plant Studios with his jaw still wired shut.[30] The composition, "Through The Wire", expressed West's experience after the accident, and helped lay the foundation for his debut album, as according to West "all the better artists have expressed what they were going through".[31][32] West added that "the album was my medicine", as working on the record distracted him from the pain.[33] "Through The Wire" was first available on West's Get Well Soon... mixtape, released December 2002.[34] At the same time, West announced that he was working on an album called The College Dropout, whose overall theme was to "make your own decisions. Don't let society tell you, 'This is what you have to do.'"[35] 2003-04: The College Dropout Carrying a Louis Vuitton backpack filled with old disks and demos to the studio and back, West crafted much of his production for his debut album in less than fifteen minutes at a time. He recorded the remainder of the album in Los Angeles while recovering from the car accident. Once he had completed the album, it was leaked months before its release date.[26] However, West decided to use the opportunity to review the album, and The College Dropout was significantly remixed, remastered, and revised before being released. As a result, certain tracks originally destined for the album were subsequently retracted, among them "Keep the Receipt" with Ol' Dirty Bastard and "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" with Consequence.[36] West meticulously refined the production, adding string arrangements, gospel choirs, improved drum programming and new verses.[26] West's perfectionism led The College Dropout to have its release postponed three times from its initial date in August 2003.[37][38] The College Dropout was eventually issued by Roc-A-Fella in February 2004, shooting to number two on the Billboard 200 as his debut single, "Through the Wire" peaked at number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks.[39] "Slow Jamz", his second single featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx, became an even bigger success: it became the three musician's first number one hit. The College Dropout received near-universal critical acclaim from contemporary music critics, was voted the top album of the year by two major music publications, and has consistently been ranked among the great hip-hop works and debut albums by artists. "Jesus Walks", the album's fourth single, perhaps exposed West to a wider audience; the song's subject matter concerns faith and Christianity. The song nevertheless reached the top 20 of the Billboard pop charts, despite industry executives' predictions that a song containing such blatant declarations of faith would ever make it to radio.[40][41] The College Dropout would eventually be certified triple platinum in the US, and garnered West 10 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, and Best Rap Album (which it received).[42] At the time, the focal point of West's production style was the use of sped-up vocal samples from soul records.[43] However, due in part to the acclaim of The College Dropout, such sampling had been much copied by others; with that overuse, and also because West felt he had become too dependent on the technique, he decided to find a new sound.[44] 2005-06: Late Registration Beginning his sophomore effort that fall, West would invest two million dollars and take over a year to craft his second album.[45] West was significantly inspired by Roseland NYC Live, a 1998 live album by English trip hop group Portishead, produced with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.[46] Early in his career, the live album had inspired him to incorporate string arrangements into his hip hop production. Though West had not been able to afford many live instruments around the time of his debut album, the money from his commercial success enabled him to hire a string orchestra for his second album Late Registration.[46] West collaborated with American film score composer Jon Brion, who served as the album's co-executive producer for several tracks.[47] Although Brion had no prior experience in creating hip-hop records, he and West found that they could productively work together after their first afternoon in the studio where they discovered that neither confined his musical knowledge and vision to one specific genre.[48] Late Registration sold over 2.3 million units in the United States alone by the end of 2005 and was considered by industry observers as the only successful major album release of the fall season, which had been plagued by steadily declining CD sales.[49] While West had encountered controversy a year prior when he stormed out of the American Music Awards of 2004 after losing Best New Artist,[50] the rapper's first large-scale controversy came just days following Late Registration's release, during a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims. In September 2005, NBC broadcast A Concert for Hurricane Relief, and West was a featured speaker. When West was presenting alongside actor Mike Myers, he deviated from the prepared script. Myers spoke next and continued to read the script. Once it was West's turn to speak again, he said "George Bush doesn't care about black people."[31] West's comment reached much of the United States, leading to mixed reactions; President Bush would later call it one of the most "disgusting moments" of his presidency.[51] West raised further controversy in January 2006 when he posed on the cover of Rolling Stone wearing a crown of thorns.[31] 2007-08: Graduation West performing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 2007.Fresh off spending the previous year touring the world with U2 on their Vertigo Tour, West felt inspired to compose anthemic rap songs that could operate more efficiently in large arenas.[52] To this end, West incorporated the synthesizer into his hip-hop production, utilized slower tempos, and experimented with electronic music and influenced by music of the 1980s.[53][54] In addition to U2, West drew musical inspiration from arena rock bands such as The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin in terms of melody and chord progression.[54][55] To make his next effort, the third in a planned tetralogy of education-themed studio albums,[56] more introspective and personal in lyricism, West listened to folk and country singer-songwriters Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash in hopes of developing methods to augment his wordplay and storytelling ability.[46] Graduation, West's third studio album, garnered major publicity when its release date pitted West in a sales competition against rapper 50 Cent's Curtis.[57] Upon their September 2007 releases, Graduation outsold Curtis by a large margin, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and selling 957,000 copies in its first week.[58] Graduation once again continued the string of critical and commercial successes by West, and the album's lead single, "Stronger", garnered the rapper his third number-one hit.[59] "Stronger", which samples French house duo Daft Punk, has been accredited to not only encouraging other hip-hop artists to incorporate house and electronica elements into their music, but also for playing a part in the revival of disco and electro-infused music in the late 2000s.[60] Ben Detrick of XXL cited the outcome of the sales competition between 50 Cent's Curtis and West's Graduation as being responsible for altering the direction of hip-hop and paving the way for new rappers who didn't follow the hardcore-gangster mold, writing, "If there was ever a watershed moment to indicate hip-hop's changing direction, it may have come when 50 Cent competed with Kanye in 2007 to see whose album would claim superior sales."[61] 2008-09: 808s & Heartbreak West performing in Austin, Texas, March 2009West's life took a different direction when his mother, Donda West, died of complications from cosmetic surgery involving abdominoplasty and breast reduction in November 2007.[62] Months later, West and fiancée Alexis Phifer ended their engagement and their long-term intermittent relationship, which had begun in 2002.[63] The events profoundly affected West, who set off for his 2008 Glow in the Dark Tour shortly thereafter.[64] Feeling his emotions could not be conveyed through rapping, West discovered the voice audio processor Auto-Tune to use whilst singing, which would become a central part of his next effort. Recorded mostly in Honolulu, Hawaii in three weeks,[65] West announced his fourth album, 808s & Heartbreak, at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, where he performed its lead single, "Love Lockdown". Music audiences were taken aback by the uncharacteristic production style and the presence of Auto-Tune, which typified the pre-release response to the record.[66] 808s & Heartbreak, which features extensive use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine and contains themes of love, loneliness, and heartache, was released by Island Def Jam to capitalize on Thanksgiving weekend in November 2008.[67][68] Reviews were positive, though slightly more mixed than his previous efforts. Despite this, the record's singles demonstrated outstanding chart performances. Upon its release, the lead single "Love Lockdown" debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a "Hot Shot Debut",[69] while follow-up single "Heartless" performed similarly and became his second consecutive "Hot Shot Debut" by debuting at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.[70] While it was criticized prior to release, 808s & Heartbreak had a significant effect on hip-hop music, encouraging other rappers to take more creative risks with their productions.[71] In 2012, Rolling Stone journalist Matthew Trammell asserted that the record was ahead of its time and wrote, "Now that popular music has finally caught up to it, 808s & Heartbreak has revealed itself to be Kanye's most vulnerable work, and perhaps his most brilliant."[72] West's controversial incident the following year at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards was arguably his biggest controversy, and led to widespread outrage throughout the music industry.[73] During the ceremony, West crashed the stage and grabbed the microphone from winner Taylor Swift in order to proclaim that, instead, Beyoncé's video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", nominated for the same award, was "one of the best videos of all time". He was subsequently withdrawn from the remainder of the show for his actions. West's tour with Lady Gaga was cancelled in response to the controversy, and it was suggested that the incident was partially responsible for 808s & Heartbreak's lack of nominations at the 52nd Grammy Awards.[74] 2010-12: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and collaborations West performing with Jay-Z on their Watch the Throne Tour in 2011Following the highly publicized incident, West took a brief break from music and threw himself into fashion, only to hole up in Hawaii for the next few months writing and recording his next album.[75] Importing his favorite producers and artists to work on and inspire his recording, West kept engineers behind the boards 24 hours a day and slept only in increments. Noah Callahan-Bever, a writer for Complex, was present during the sessions and described the "communal" atmosphere as thus: "With the right songs and the right album, he can overcome any and all controversy, and we are here to contribute, challenge, and inspire."[75] A variety of artists contributed to the project, including close friends Jay-Z, Kid Cudi and Pusha T, as well as off-the-wall collaborations, such as with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.[76] My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, West's fifth studio album, was released in November 2010 to rave reviews from critics, many of whom described it as his best work that solidified his comeback.[77] In stark contrast to his previous effort, which featured a minimalist sound, Dark Fantasy adopts a maximalist philosophy and deals with themes of celebrity and excess.[43] The record included the international hit "All of the Lights", and Billboard hits "Power", "Monster", and "Runaway", the latter of which accompanied a 35-minute film of the same name.[78] During this time, West initiated the free music program G.O.O.D. Fridays through his website, offering a free download of previously unreleased songs each Friday of the week, a portion of which were included on the album. Dark Fantasy went on to go platinum in the United States,[79] but its omission as a contender for Album of the Year at the 54th Grammy Awards was viewed as a "snub" by several media outlets.[80] West at Coachella on April 17, 2011Following a headlining set at Coachella 2011 that was described by The Hollywood Reporter as "one of greatest hip-hop sets of all time,"[81] West released the collaborative album Watch the Throne with Jay-Z. By employing a sales strategy that released the album digitally weeks before its physical counterpart, Watch the Throne became one of the few major label albums in the Internet age to avoid a leak.[82][83] "*****s in Paris" became the record's highest charting single, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.[78] In 2012, West released the compilation album Cruel Summer, a collection of tracks by artists from West's record label GOOD Music. Cruel Summer produced four singles, two of which charted within the top twenty of the Hot 100: "Mercy" and "Clique".[78] West also directed a film of the same name that premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in custom pyramid-shaped screening pavilion featuring seven screens.[84] 2013-present: Yeezus West performing during the Yeezus Tour, a promotion for the album of the same nameSessions for West's sixth solo effort begin to take shape in early 2013 in his own personal loft's living room at a Paris hotel.[85] Determined to "undermine the commercial,"[86] he once again brought together close collaborators and attempted to incorporate Chicago drill, dancehall, acid house, and industrial music.[87] Primarily inspired by architecture,[85] West's perfectionist tendencies led him to contact producer Rick Rubin fifteen days shy of its due date to strip down the record's sound in favor of a more minimalist approach.[88] Initial promotion of his sixth album included worldwide video projections of the album's music and live television performances.[89][90] Yeezus, West's sixth album, was released June 18, 2013 to rave reviews from critics.[91] It became the rapper's sixth consecutive number one debut.[92] Def Jam issued "Black Skinhead" to radio in July 2013 as the album's lead single.[93] On September 6, 2013, Kanye West announced he would be headlining his first solo tour in five years, to support Yeezus, with fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar, accompanying him along the way.[94][95] On November 10, 2013, actor Will Ferrell announced that West and actor Paul Rudd are working on an Anchorman album stating: "He's doing an album with Paul Rudd — which I shouldn't have said, anyway it's out there," Ferrell, dressed as Ron Burgundy said. "I think they were just comparing notes and laying down some tracks, as they say in the biz. Rudd is doing all the hooks. That's a big deal. I heard the album's terrible, by the way. Awful."[96] On November 24, 2013, West stated that he was working on and recording his next studio album, hoping to release it by mid-2014.[97] The album is being produced by Rick Rubin and Q-Tip.[98] Other ventures Business ventures In August 2008, West revealed plans to open 10 Fatburger restaurants in the Chicago area; the first was set to open in September 2008 in Orland Park. The second followed in January 2009, while a third location is yet to be revealed, although the process is being finalized. His company, KW Foods LLC, bought the rights to the chain in Chicago.[99] Fashion In September 2005, West announced that he would release his Pastelle Clothing line in spring 2006, claiming "Now that I have a Grammy under my belt and Late Registration is finished, I am ready to launch my clothing line next spring."[100] The line was developed over the following four years - with multiple pieces teased by West himself - before the line was ultimately cancelled in 2009.[101][102] In 2009, West collaborated with Nike to release his own shoe, the Air Yeezys, with a second version released in 2012. In January 2009, West introduced his first shoe line designed for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week. The line was released in summer 2009.[103] West has additionally designed shoewear for Bape and Italian shoemaker Giuseppe Zanotti.[104] On October 1, 2011, Kanye West premiered his women's fashion label, DW Kanye West[105] at Paris Fashion Week. He received support from DSquared2 duo Dean and Dan Caten, Olivier Theyskens, Jeremy Scott, Azzedine Alaïa, and the Olsen twins, who were also in attendance during his show. His debut fashion show received mixed-to-negative reviews,[106] ranging from reserved observations by Style.com[107] to excoriating commentary by The Wall Street Journal,[108] The New York Times,[109] the International Herald Tribune, Elleuk.com, The Daily Telegraph, Harper's Bazaar and many others.[110][111][112] West performing at The Museum of Modern Art's annual Party, May 2011On March 6, 2012, West premiered a second fashion line at Paris Fashion Week.[113][114] The line's reception was markedly improved from the previous presentation, with a number of critics heralding West for his "much improved" sophomore effort.[115] On December 3, 2013, Adidas officially confirmed a new shoe collaboration deal with West.[116] Philanthropy West (alongside his mother) founded the "Kanye West Foundation" in Chicago in 2003, tasked with a mission to battle dropout and illiteracy rates, while partnering with community organizations to provide underprivileged youth access to music education.[117] In 2007, the West and the Foundation partnered with Strong American Schools as part of their "Ed in '08" campaign.[118][119] As spokesman for the campaign, West appeared in a series of PSAs for the organization, and hosted an inaugural benefit concert in August of that year.[120] In 2008, following the death of West's mother, the foundation was rechristened "The Dr. Donda West Foundation." [117][121] The foundation ceased operations in 2011.[122] West has additionally appeared and participated in many fundraisers, benefit concerts, and has done community work for Hurricane Katrina relief, the Kanye West Foundation, the Millions More Movement, 100 Black Men of America, a Live Earth concert benefit, World Water Day rally and march, Nike runs, and a MTV special helping young Iraq War veterans who struggle through debt and PTSD a second chance after returning home.[123] Artistry West working in the studio with his mentor No ID (left)At the start of his career, West often used pitched-up vocal samples, usually from soul songs, in his production, along with his own drums and instruments.[124] His first major release featuring his trademark vocal sampling style was "This Can't Be Life", a track from Jay-Z's The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West said he sped up the drum beat of Dr. Dre's "Xxplosive" to use as a replacement for his drums on "This Can't Be Life".[125] West has said that Wu-Tang Clan producer RZA influenced him in his style,[10][126] and has said on numerous occasions that Wu-Tang rappers Ghostface Killah and Ol' Dirty Bastard were some of his all-time favorites, "Wu-Tang? Me and my friends talk about this all the time... We think Wu-Tang had one of the biggest impacts as far as a movement. From slang to style of dress, skits, the samples. Similar to the [production] style I use, RZA has been doing that."[127] RZA himself has spoken quite positively of the comparisons, stating in an interview for Rolling Stone, "All good. I got super respect for Kanye. He came up to me about a year or two ago. He gave me mad praising and blessings... For people to say Wu-Tang inspire Kanye, Kanye is one of the biggest artists in the world. That goes back to what we say: 'Wu-Tang is forever.' Kanye is going to inspire people to be like him."[128] After hearing his work on The Blueprint, RZA claimed that a torch-passing had occurred between him and West, saying, "The shoes gotta be filled. If you ain't gonna do it, somebody else is gonna do it. That's how I feel about rap today."[128] West accompanied by an 11-piece chamber orchestra.While his use of sampling has lessened over time, West's production continues to feature distinctive and intricate string arrangements. This characteristic arose from him listening to the English trip hop group Portishead, whose 1998 live album Roseland NYC Live, with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra inspired him to incorporate string sections into his hip hop production.[46] Though he was unable to afford live instruments beyond violin riffs provided by Israeli violinist Miri Ben-Ari around the time of his debut album, its subsequent commercial success allowed him to hire his very own eleven-piece string orchestra. For a time, West stood as the sole current pop star to tour with a string section.[46] West has stated on several occasions that outside of his musical career, he favors listening to rock music over hip-hop.[129] He cites Franz Ferdinand, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers, Keane, Radiohead, Kaiser Chiefs, Modest Mouse, and Coldplay as some of his favorite musical groups.[129][130][131] Additionally, on Graduation, West drew inspiration from arena rock bands such as U2, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin for melody and chord progression.[132] Both a fan and supporter of indie culture, West uses his official website to promote obscure indie rock bands, posting up music videos and mp3s on a daily basis.[133] This musical affinity is mutual, as West has collaborated with indie artists such as Santigold, Peter Bjorn and John, Lykke Li and Bon Iver while his songs have gone on to be covered countless times by myriad rock bands.[134] West's mascot and trademark is "Dropout Bear," a teddy bear which has appeared on the covers of three of his six solo albums as well as various single covers and in his music videos.[135] Personal life Relationships West's fiancée Kim Kardashian, pictured in September 2012West began dating designer Alexis Phifer on-and-off in 2002, and they became engaged in August 2006. The pair ended their 18-month engagement in 2008.[136] West subsequently dated model Amber Rose from 2008 until the summer of 2010.[137] West has been in a relationship with reality star and longtime friend[138] Kim Kardashian since April 2012.[139] They have a daughter, North "Nori" West, who was born on June 15, 2013, at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.[140][141] West and Kardashian became engaged in October 2013.[142][143] Mother's death Donda West in August 2007On November 10, 2007, at approximately 7:35 p.m., paramedics responding to an emergency call transported West's mother, Donda West, to the nearby Centinela Freeman Hospital in Marina del Rey, California. She was unresponsive in the emergency room, and after resuscitation attempts, doctors pronounced her dead at approximately 8:30 p.m,[144] at age 58.[145] The Los Angeles County coroner's office said in January 2008 that West had died of heart disease while suffering "multiple post-operative factors" after plastic surgery. She had undergone liposuction and breast reduction.[145] Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Andre Aboolian had refused to do the surgery because West had a health condition that placed her at risk for a heart attack.[144] Aboolian referred her to an internist to investigate her cardiac issue.[144] She never met with the doctor recommended by Aboolian and had the procedures performed by a third doctor, Jan Adams.[144] Adams sent condolences to Donda West's family but declined to publicly discuss the procedure, citing confidentiality. West's family, through celebrity attorney Ed McPherson, filed complaints with the Medical Board against Adams and Aboolian for violating patient confidentiality following her death.[146] Adams had previously been under scrutiny by the medical board.[147][148] He appeared on Larry King Live on November 20, 2007, but left before speaking. Two days later, he appeared again, with his attorney, stating he was there to "defend himself". He said that the recently released autopsy results "spoke for themselves".[149] The final coroner's report January 10, 2008, concluded that Donda West died of "coronary artery disease and multiple post-operative factors due to or as a consequence of liposuction and mammoplasty".[150] The funeral and burial for Donda West was held in Oklahoma City on November 20, 2007.[151] West held his first concert following the funeral at The O2 in London on November 22. He dedicated a performance of "Hey Mama", as well as a cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'", to his mother, and did so on all other dates of his Glow in the Dark tour.[152] At a December 2008 press conference in New Zealand, West spoke about his mother's death for the first time. "It was like losing an arm and a leg and trying to walk through that", he told reporters.[153] California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the "Donda West Law," legislation which makes it mandatory for patients to provide medical clearance for elective cosmetic surgery.[154] Legal issues In December 2006, Robert "Evel" Knievel sued West for trademark infringement in West's video for "Touch the Sky." Knievel took issue with a "sexually charged video" in which West takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and attempts flying a rocket over a canyon. The suit filed in federal court claims infringement on his trademarked name and likeness. Knievel also claims the "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damage his reputation. The suit seeks damages and to stop distribution of the video.[155] West's attorneys argued that the music video amounted to satire and therefore was covered under the First Amendment. Just days before his death in November 2007, Knievel amicably settled the suit after being paid a visit from West, saying, "I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman."[156] On September 11, 2008, West and his road manager/bodyguard Don "Don C." Crowley were arrested at Los Angeles International Airport and booked on charges of felony vandalism after an altercation with the paparazzi in which West and Crowley broke the photographers' cameras.[157][158] West was later released from the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division station in Culver City on $20,000 bail bond. On September 26, 2008, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said it would not file felony counts against West over the incident. Instead the case file was forwarded to the city attorney's office, which charged West with one count of misdemeanor vandalism, one count of grand theft and one count of battery and his manager with three counts of each on March 18, 2009.[159] West's and Crowley's arraignment was delayed from an original date of April 14, 2009.[160] West was arrested again on November 14, 2008 at the Hilton hotel near Gateshead after another scuffle involving a photographer outside the famous Tup Tup Palace nightclub in Newcastle upon Tyne. He was later released "with no further action", according to a police spokesperson.[161] On July 19, 2013, West was leaving LAX as he was surrounded by dozens of paparazzi. West became increasingly agitated as a photographer continued to ask him why people were not allowed to speak in his presence. West then says, "I told you don't talk to me, right? You trying to get me in trouble so I steal off on you and have to pay you like $250,000 and shit." Then he allegedly charged the man and grabbed him and his camera. The incident captured by TMZ, took place for a few seconds before a female voice can be heard telling West to stop. West then released the man, and his camera, and drove away from the scene. Medics were later called to the scene on behalf of the photographer who was grabbed. It was reported West could be charged with felony attempted robbery behind the matter.[162] However, he was charged with misdemeanor criminal battery and attempted grand theft, he was scheduled for arraignment for the charges on October 10, 2013.[163] Controversies General media West has had several controversies throughout his career. On September 2, 2005, during a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina relief on NBC, A Concert for Hurricane Relief, West was a featured speaker. When West was presenting alongside actor Mike Myers, he deviated from the prepared script. Myers spoke next and continued to read the script. Once it was West's turn to speak again, he said "George Bush doesn't care about black people." At this point, telethon producer Rick Kaplan cut off the microphone and then cut away to Chris Tucker, who was unaware of the cut for a few seconds. Still, West's comment reached much of the United States.[164][165] Bush stated in an interview that the comment was "one of the most disgusting moments" of his presidency.[51] In November 2010, in a taped interview with Matt Lauer for the Today Show, West expressed regret for his criticism of Bush. "I would tell George Bush in my moment of frustration, I didn't have the grounds to call him a racist," he told Lauer. "I believe that in a situation of high emotion like that we as human beings don't always choose the right words." The following day, Bush reacted to the apology in a live interview with Lauer saying he appreciated the rapper's remorse. "I'm not a hater," Bush said. "I don't hate Kanye West. I was talking about an environment in which people were willing to say things that hurt. Nobody wants to be called a racist if in your heart you believe in equality of races."[166] Reactions were mixed, but some felt that West had no need to apologize. "It was not the particulars of your words that mattered, it was the essence of a feeling of the insensitivity towards our communities that many of us have felt for far too long," argued Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons.[167] Bush himself was receptive to the apology, saying, "I appreciate that. It wasn't just Kanye West who was talking like that during Katrina, I cited him as an example, I cited others as an example as well. You know, I appreciate that."[168] The rap musician later launched a tirade on Twitter directed at talk show host Jimmy Kimmel after his ABC program Jimmy Kimmel Live! ran a sketch on September 25, 2013 involving two children re-enacting West's recent interview with BBC Radio 1 in which he calls himself the biggest rock star on the planet. Kimmel reveals the following night that West called him to demand an apology shortly before taping.[169] In December 2013, West sparked controversy when he compared his career to that of police officer or war veteran. When talking about his performances in a radio interview with Saturday Night Online, he said "this is like being a police officer or something, in a war or something." Many criticized West for the statement and felt that it was disrespectful to soldiers.[170] Award shows In 2004, West had his first of a number of incidents involving music award events. At the American Music Awards of 2004, West stormed out of the auditorium after losing Best New Artist to country singer Gretchen Wilson. He later commented, "I felt like I was definitely robbed [...] I was the best new artist this year."[50] After the 2006 Grammy nominations were released, West said he would "really have a problem" if he did not win the Album of the Year, saying, "I don't care what I do, I don't care how much I stunt - you can never take away from the amount of work I put into it. I don't want to hear all of that politically correct stuff."[171] On November 2, 2006, when his "Touch the Sky" failed to win Best Video at the MTV Europe Music Awards, West went onto the stage as the award was being presented to Justice and Simian for "We Are Your Friends" and argued that he should have won the award instead.[172][173] Hundreds of news outlets worldwide criticized the outburst. On November 7, 2006, West apologized for this outburst publicly during his performance as support act for U2 for their Vertigo concert in Brisbane.[174] He later spoofed the incident in the season premiere of Saturday Night Live. On September 9, 2007, West suggested that his race had something to do with his being overlooked for opening the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in favor of Britney Spears; he claimed, "Maybe my skin's not right."[175] West was performing at the event; that night, he lost all 5 awards that he was nominated for, including Best Male Artist and Video of the Year. After the show, he was visibly upset that he had lost at the VMAs two years in a row, stating that he would not come back to MTV ever again. He also appeared on several radio stations saying that when he made the song "Stronger" that it was his dream to open the VMAs with it. He has also stated that Spears has not had a hit in a long period of time and that MTV exploited her for ratings.[176] On September 13, 2009, during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards while Taylor Swift was accepting her award for Best Female Video for "You Belong with Me", West went on stage and grabbed the microphone to proclaim that Beyoncé's video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", nominated for the same award, was "one of the best videos of all time". He was subsequently removed from the remainder of the show for his actions.[73][177][178] When Beyoncé later won the award for Best Video of the Year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", she called Swift up on stage so that she could finish her acceptance speech.[177] West was criticized by various celebrities for the outburst,[73][179][180][181][182] and by President Barack Obama, who called West a "jackass".[183][184][185][186] In addition, West's VMA disruption sparked a large influx of Internet photo memes with blogs, forums and "tweets" with the "Let you finish" photo-jokes.[187] He posted a Tweet soon after the event where he stated, "Everybody wanna booooo me but I'm a fan of real pop culture... I'm not crazy y'all, I'm just real."[188] He then posted two apologies for the outburst on his personal blog; one on the night of the incident, and the other the following day, when he also apologized during an appearance on The Jay Leno Show.[180][189] After Swift appeared on The View two days after the outburst, partly to discuss the matter, West called her to apologize personally. Swift said she accepted his apology.[190][191][192] In September 2010, West wrote a series of apologetic tweets addressed to Swift including "Beyonce didn't need that. MTV didn't need that and Taylor and her family friends and fans definitely didn't want or need that" and concluding with "I'm sorry Taylor." He also revealed he had written a song for Swift and if she did not accept the song, he would perform it himself.[193] However, on November 8, 2010, in an interview with a Minnesota radio station, he seemed to recant his past apologies by attempting to describe the act at the 2009 awards show as "selfless" and downgrade the perception of disrespect it created.[194][195] Alleged anti-Semitic comments During a November 26, 2013, radio interview, Kanye was explaining why he believed that President Obama had problems pushing policies in Washington. He said: ""Man, let me tell you something about George Bush and oil money and Obama and no money. People want to say Obama can't make these moves or he's not executing. That's because he ain't got those connections. Black people don't have the same level of connections as Jewish people...We ain't Jewish. We don't got family that got money like that."[196] In response to Kanye's comments, the Anti-defamation League stated: "This is classic anti-Semitism. There it goes again, the age-old canard that Jews are all-powerful and control the levers of power in government. As a celebrity with a wide following, Kanye West should know better. We hope that he will take responsibility for his words, understand why they are so offensive, and apologize to those he has offended."[197] However, Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, defended Kanye West, stating: "You are telling Kanye West he should know better. He does know better, and that's why he said what he said... You know what Mr. Foxman? "I wish you and I could have a dialogue. You wouldn't put that small time stuff over on me that you put on scared to death negroes, that if they mention Jew and you call them anti-semitic they start bowing to you and your pressure."[198][199] On December 21, 2013, West backed off of the original comment and told a Chicago radio station that "I thought I was giving a compliment, but if anything it came off more ignorant. I don't know how being told you have money is an insult."[200] Legacy and influence Mr. West has had the most sui generis hip-hop career of the last decade. No rapper has embodied hip-hop's often contradictory impulses of narcissism and social good quite as he has, and no producer has celebrated the lush and the ornate quite as he has. He has spent most of his career in additive mode, figuring out how to make music that's majestic and thought-provoking and grand-scaled. And he's also widened the genre's gates, whether for middle-class values or high-fashion and high-art dreams. ""—Jon Caramanica, The New York Times[85]West has been an outspoken and controversial celebrity throughout his career. He posed as Jesus Christ for the cover of Rolling Stone and accused President George W. Bush of not "car[ing] about black people."[31] He has also frequently spoken out against homophobia in hip hop music.[31] His dapper and flamboyant fashion sense has also attracted media attention and set West apart from other rappers.[31] Allmusic editor Jason Birchmeier writes of his impact, "As his career progressed throughout the early 21st century, West shattered certain stereotypes about rappers, becoming a superstar on his own terms without adapting his appearance, his rhetoric, or his music to fit any one musical mold."[31] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times said that West has been "a frequent lightning rod for controversy, a bombastic figure who can count rankling two presidents among his achievements, along with being a reliably dyspeptic presence at award shows (when he attends them)."[85] Village Voice Media senior editor Ben Westhoff dubbed West the greatest hip hop artist of all time, writing that "he's made the best albums and changed the game the most, and his music is the most likely to endure."[201] Rolling Stone credited West for transforming hip hop's mainstream, "establishing a style of introspective yet glossy rap on The College Dropout and Late Registration, two of the decade's best records", and called him "as interesting and complicated a pop star as the 2000s produced—a rapper who mastered, upped and moved beyond the hip-hop game, a producer who created a signature sound and then abandoned it to his imitators, a flashy, free-spending sybarite with insightful things to say about college, culture and economics, an egomaniac with more than enough artistic firepower to back it up."[202] The sales competition between rapper 50 Cent's Curtis and West's Graduation altered the direction of hip hop and helped pave the way for new rappers who did not follow the hardcore-gangster mold.[61] Rosie Swash of The Guardian viewed the sales competition as a historical moment in hip-hop, because it "highlighted the diverging facets of hip-hop in the last decade; the former was gangsta rap for the noughties, while West was the thinking man's alternative."[203] West's 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak polarized both listeners and critics, but was commercially successful and impacted hip hop stylistically,[31] as it laid the groundwork for a new wave of artists who generally eschewed typical rap braggadocio for intimate subject matter and introspection, including B.o.B, Kid Cudi, Childish Gambino,[204] Frank Ocean,[205] The Weeknd, and Drake.[206][207] According to Ben Detrick of XXL magazine, West effectively led a new wave of artists, including Kid Cudi, Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Kidz in the Hall, and Drake, who lacked the interest or ability to rap about gunplay or drug-dealing.[61] Both Drake and Casey Veggies have acknowledged being influenced directly by West.[208][209] English singer-songwriter Adele stated that she drew from the music of West for her acclaimed second studio album 21. Adele explained that West is one of the several artists that she has "loved forever" who have something in [them] that has really inspired the sophomore album."[210] West's first five solo studio albums, all of which have gone platinum, have received numerous awards and critical acclaim.[211] All of his albums have been commercially successful, with Yeezus, his sixth solo album, becoming his fifth consecutive No. 1 album in the U.S. upon release.[212] West has had six songs exceed 3 million in digital sales as of December 2012, with "Gold Digger" selling 3,086,000, "Stronger" selling 4,402,000, "Heartless"[213] selling 3,742,000, "E.T." selling over 4,000,000, "Love Lockdown" selling over 3,000,000,[214][215] and "*****s in Paris" selling over 3,000,000,[216][217] placing him third in overall digital sales of the past decade.[218][219] He has sold over 30 million digital songs in the United States making him one of the best-selling digital artists of all-time.[220] Kanye West was the inspiration for Coinye West, a cryptocurrency;[221][222] his lawyers served a cease-and-desist letter.[223] Accolades Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kanye West As of 2013, West has won a total of 21 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists of all-time.[1] About.com ranked Kanye West No. 8 on their "Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers" list.[224] On May 16, 2008, Kanye West was crowned by MTV as the year's No. 1 "Hottest MC in the Game."[225] On December 17, 2010, Kanye West was voted as the MTV Man of the Year by MTV.[226] Billboard ranked Kanye West No. 3 on their list of Top 10 Producers of the Decade.[227] West has also been included in the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world as well as being listed in a number of Forbes annual lists.[2] In their 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, Rolling Stone included three of West's albums—The College Dropout at number 298,[228] Late Registration at number 118,[229] and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy at number 353.[230] Discography Main articles: Kanye West discography and Kanye West production discography •The College Dropout (2004) •Late Registration (2005) •Graduation (2007) •808s & Heartbreak (2008) •My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) •Watch the Throne (with Jay-Z) (2011) •Yeezus (2013) Videography •The College Dropout Video Anthology (2004) •Late Orchestration (2005) Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2008 The Love Guru Himself Cameo appearance 2009 We Were Once a Fairytale Himself Short film, directed by Spike Jonze 2010 Runaway Griffin Short film, also director and writer 2012 Cruel Summer Ibrahim Short film, also director, producer and writer 2013 Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues J.J. Jackson of MTV News Television Year Title Role Notes 2007 Entourage Himself Season 4, Episode 11 2010-2012 The Cleveland Show Kenny West (voice) Episodes: "Brotherly Love", "You're the Best Man, Cleveland Brown", "Harder, Better, Faster, Browner", "March Dadness", "Menace II Secret Society" 2012 Keeping Up with the Kardashians Himself Bibliography •Thank You and You're Welcome (2009)

eminem

Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972),[1] better known by his stage name Eminem and by his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter, and actor. In addition to his solo career, Eminem is a member of his group D12, as well as one half of the hip hop duo Bad Meets Evil, alongside Royce da 5'9". Eminem is one of the world's best-selling music artists and is the best-selling artist of the 2000s.[2] He has been listed and ranked as one of the greatest artists of all time by many magazines, including Rolling Stone magazine which ranked him 82nd on its list of The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.[3] The same magazine declared him The King of Hip Hop.[4] Including his work with D12 and Bad Meets Evil, Eminem has achieved ten number-one albums on the Billboard 200. His worldwide albums sales stand at more than 115 million, singles 120 million, and the estimated sale of over 220 million records worldwide.[5][6] As of early January 2012, he has sold 49.1 million albums and 42 million tracks the United States.[7] After releasing his independent debut album Infinite in August 1996, Eminem rose to mainstream popularity with the release of his February 1999 album The Slim Shady LP. The LP also earned Eminem his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The Slim Shady LP was followed by The Marshall Mathers LP in May 2000 and The Eminem Show in late May 2002, both of which also won Best Rap Album Grammy Awards, making Eminem the first artist to win Best Rap Album for three consecutive LPs. This was followed by another studio release in November 2004 titled Encore. Eminem then went on hiatus after touring in 2005. He released his sixth album Relapse in May 2009. In June 2010, Eminem released his seventh studio album Recovery. Recovery was an international success and was named the best-selling album of 2010 worldwide, becoming the rapper's second album, after The Eminem Show, to become the internationally best-selling album of its year. Eminem won Grammy Awards for both Relapse and Recovery, giving him a total of 13 Grammys in his career.[8] His eighth studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 was released in early November 2013. Eminem has opened other ventures, including his own record label Shady Records with his manager Paul Rosenberg. He also has his own radio channel, Shade 45 on Sirius XM Radio. In November 2002, Eminem starred in the hip hop drama film 8 Mile. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, becoming the first rap artist ever to win the award.[9] He has also made cameo appearances in The Wash (2001), Funny People (2009), and the television series Entourage. Contents [hide] •1 Life and career ◦1.1 1972-95: Early life and beginnings ◦1.2 1996-99: Early career, Infinite, and The Slim Shady LP ◦1.3 2000-02: The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show ◦1.4 2003-07: Encore and musical hiatus ◦1.5 2008-09: Relapse and Refill ◦1.6 2010-11: Recovery and Bad Meets Evil reunion ◦1.7 2012-present: The Marshall Mathers LP 2 •2 Other ventures ◦2.1 Shady Records and D12 ◦2.2 Acting career ◦2.3 Memoirs ◦2.4 Advertising ◦2.5 Charity •3 Artistry ◦3.1 Influences and rapping technique ◦3.2 Alter egos ◦3.3 Featurings and productions ◦3.4 Comparisons to other artists •4 Personal life ◦4.1 Family ◦4.2 Legal troubles ◦4.3 Drug issues ◦4.4 Proof's death ◦4.5 Homophobia controversy •5 Legacy •6 Tours •7 Discography •8 Filmography •9 Bibliography ◦9.1 Autobiographies •10 Awards and nominations •11 Business ventures •12 See also •13 References ◦13.1 Notes ◦13.2 Further reading •14 External links Life and career 1972-95: Early life and beginnings Marshall Bruce Mathers III was born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is the only child of Marshall Bruce Mathers, Jr. (born c. 1951) and Deborah R. "Debbie" Nelson (born 1955). Eminem is of English, German, Scottish, and Swiss descent.[10] Debbie was 14 when she first met 18-year-old Bruce[11] and nearly died during Eminem's 73-hour birth.[12] His parents were in a band called Daddy Warbucks, playing Ramada Inns along the Dakota-Montana border before their relationship went sour. Bruce left the family shortly thereafter, moving to California.[13] From later relationships, Bruce has two other children, Michael and Sarah (born c. 1982),[14] while Debbie has a son Nathan Kane "Nate" Samara (known as Nate Kane) (born February 3, 1986). During childhood, Eminem and Debbie shuttled between Missouri and Michigan, rarely staying in one house for more than a year or two and mostly living with family members. In Missouri, they lived in various cities and towns, including Saint Joseph, Savannah, and Kansas City,[15] before finally settling in Warren, Michigan when Eminem was eleven.[13][16] As a teen, Eminem wrote letters to his father Bruce. According to Debbie, all of these came back "return to sender."[13] Friends and family contend Eminem was a happy child but also "a bit of a loner" who often was bullied; one such persecutor, De'Angelo Bailey, beat Eminem so significantly that he suffered a severe head injury. In response, Debbie Nelson filed a lawsuit against the school in 1982, but the case was dismissed the following year.[12] Eminem spent much of his formative years living in a largely black lower-middle-class Detroit neighborhood.[13] He and Debbie were one of three white households on their block, and Eminem was confronted and beaten up by African-Americans on several occasions.[13] As a child, Eminem developed an interest in storytelling and aspired to become a comic book artist before discovering hip hop.[17] Eminem heard his first rap song, "Reckless" featuring Ice-T, at age nine on the Breakin' soundtrack, which he received as a gift from Debbie's half-brother Ronald "Ronnie" Polkinghorn. Ronnie committed suicide ten years later; the loss affected Eminem so greatly that he stopped speaking for days and was absent at the funeral.[13] His home life was seldom stable, and Eminem frequently fought with his mother, who was once described by a social worker as having a "very suspicious, almost paranoid personality." Debbie bristled at any suggestion that she was less than an ideal mother when her son became famous, contending that she sheltered Eminem and was responsible for his success. In 1987, Debbie allowed runaway Kimberly Ann "Kim" Scott to stay at their home; several years later, Eminem would begin an on-and-off relationship with Kim.[12] After spending three years in ninth grade due to truancy and poor grades,[18] he dropped out of Lincoln High School at age 17. Although he was highly interested in English, he was never into literature (preferring to read comic books instead) and disliked math and social studies.[19] He worked several jobs to help his mother with bills, later maintaining that he would often be kicked out regardless. When she would leave to play bingo, Eminem would blast the stereo and write lyrics.[13] At the age of 14, he began rapping with high-school friend Mike Ruby, the two adopting the names "Manix" and "M&M," which soon morphed into Eminem.[1][12] Eminem grew ready to test his skills by sneaking into neighboring Osborn High School with friend and fellow rapper Proof for lunchroom freestyle battles.[20] On Saturdays, the two friends attended open-mic contests at the Hip-Hop Shop, located on West 7 Mile. The spot was considered the "ground zero" for the Detroit rap scene.[13] While struggling to succeed in a predominantly black industry, he gained the approval of underground hip hop audiences.[1][21][22] To put together verses, Eminem wanted the most words to rhyme, and would write long words or phrases out on paper and, underneath, proceed to rhyme each syllable.[19] Even though it would often make little sense, the drill helped him practice.[19] Based on his growing profile and reputation, he was recruited to join several rap groups. The first of these was the New Jacks, and after they disbanded, he joined Soul Intent, who released a single in 1995.[1] This single also featured Proof, and the two rappers broke off on their own to form D12, a six-member crew that functioned more as a Wu-Tang-styled collective than a regularly performing group.[13] Eminem had his first run-in with the law at age 20, when he was arrested for involvement with a drive-by shooting with a paintball.[12] 1996-99: Early career, Infinite, and The Slim Shady LP Eminem was soon signed to FBT Productions, run by brothers Jeff and Mark Bass, and recorded his debut album, Infinite, under their independent label Web Entertainment.[23] Subjects covered in Infinite included his struggles with raising his newborn daughter Hailie Jade Scott Mathers while on limited funds. During this period, Eminem's rhyme style was primarily inspired by rappers Nas and AZ and his work lacked the comedically violent slant he would later gain fame for.[24] Infinite was largely ignored by Detroit disc jockeys, and the feedback Eminem received—"Why don't you go into rock and roll?"—led him to craft angrier, more moody tracks.[13] During this time, he and Kim Scott lived in a high-crime neighborhood, where their house was burglarized numerous times.[13] He held a minimum-wage job of cooking and dishwashing at the rustic, family-style restaurant Gilbert's Lodge at St. Clair Shores for some time.[25] Eminem was described by his former boss as a model employee, once working 60 hours a week in a six-month period shortly after Hailie's birth.[12] Shortly before Christmas, he was fired from his job at Gilbert's Lodge. "It was, like, five days before Christmas, which is Hailie's birthday. I had, like, forty dollars to get her something."[13] After the release of Infinite, Eminem's personal struggles and abuse of drugs and alcohol culminated in an unsuccessful suicide attempt.[1] By March 1997, he was fired from Gilbert's Lodge for the last time, and was still living in his mother's mobile home with Kim and Hailie.[12] Things began to pick up when Eminem developed his sadistic, ultra-violent alter ego Slim Shady. The character, "a drug-dealing, bloodthirsty thug who spits furious rhymes about murder, rape, drugs and living by the law of the urban jungle," tapped into Eminem's rage and resentment.[12] In the spring of 1997, he recorded his debut EP, the Slim Shady EP, issued later that winter by Web Entertainment.[13] The EP features constant references to drug use, sexual acts, mental instability, and over-the-top violence. Other departures were his exploration of more serious themes—such as dealing with poverty and marital and family difficulties—and his direct and self-deprecating response to criticism.[1] Hip-hop magazine The Source featured Eminem in its "Unsigned Hype" column in March 1998.[26] After being evicted from his home, he traveled to Los Angeles to participate in the 1997 Rap Olympics, an annual nationwide rap battle competition. He placed second, and the staff at Interscope Records who attended the event sent a copy of the Slim Shady EP to company CEO Jimmy Iovine. Iovine played the tape for record producer Dr. Dre, founder of Aftermath Entertainment. Dr. Dre recalled, "In my entire career in the music industry, I have never found anything from a demo tape or a CD. When Jimmy played this, I said, 'Find him. Now.'" Dr. Dre faced criticism from associates for hiring a white rapper, but maintained confidence in his decision: "I don't give a **** if you're purple: If you can kick it, I'm working with you."[13] Eminem, who had idolized Dr. Dre since listening to his group N.W.A as a teenager, was nervous to work with him on the album: "I didn't want to be starstruck or kiss his ass too much..... I'm just a little white boy from Detroit. I had never seen stars, let alone Dr. Dre."[27] However, he became more comfortable working with Dr. Dre after a series of highly productive recording sessions.[28] Eminem released The Slim Shady LP in February 1999. It became one of the most popular albums of the year, going triple platinum by the end of the year.[29] With the album's popularity came controversy surrounding many of the album's lyrics. In "'97 Bonnie and Clyde", he describes a trip with his infant daughter, disposing of his wife's body. Another song, "Guilty Conscience", ends with his encouraging a man to murder his wife and her lover. "Guilty Conscience" marked the beginning of the friendship and musical bond that Dr. Dre and Eminem would share. The two label-mates would later collaborate on a line of hit songs, including "Forgot About Dre" and "What's the Difference" from Dr. Dre's album 2001, "Bitch Please II" from The Marshall Mathers LP, "Say What You Say" from The Eminem Show, "Encore/Curtains Down" from Encore, and "Old Time's Sake" and "Crack a Bottle" from Relapse. Dr. Dre would go on to make at least one guest appearance on all of Eminem's studio albums under the label Aftermath.[30] The album has now been certified 4× platinum by the RIAA. With the release of it, Eminem was accused of imitating the style and subject matter of underground rapper Cage.[31][32] 2000-02: The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show The Marshall Mathers LP was released in May 2000. It went on to sell 1.76 million copies in its first week, breaking the records set by Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle as the fastest-selling hip hop album and by Britney Spears' ...Baby One More Time as the fastest-selling solo album in United States history.[33][34] The first single released from the album, "The Real Slim Shady", was a success and created some controversy by insulting celebrities and making dubious claims about them; he states, among other things, that Christina Aguilera performed oral sex on Fred Durst and Carson Daly.[35] In his second single, "The Way I Am", he reveals to his fans the pressures from his record company to top "My Name Is" and sell more records. Although Eminem had parodied shock rocker Marilyn Manson in the music video for "My Name Is", the artists are reportedly on good terms; Manson is name-dropped in "The Way I Am" and also appeared in its music video, as well as performing a remix of the song with Eminem in concert.[36] In the third single, "Stan" (which samples Dido's "Thank You"), Eminem attempts to deal with his new-found fame, taking on the persona of a deranged fan who kills himself and his pregnant girlfriend, mirroring "'97 Bonnie & Clyde" on The Slim Shady LP.[21] In the music video of "Stan", Eminem was shown writing with his left hand, ending the fan debate over his dominant hand. Q magazine named "Stan" the third-greatest rap song of all time,[37] and the song came tenth in a similar survey conducted by Top40-Charts.com.[38] The song has since become highly acclaimed and was ranked 290th in Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list.[39] In July 2000, Eminem became the first white person to be featured on the cover of The Source magazine.[26] The Marshall Mathers LP has been certified 10× Platinum by the RIAA. Eminem performing on tour in promotion of The Eminem Show.Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony in 2001;[40] the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), an organization that perceived Eminem's lyrics to be homophobic, condemned the openly gay John's decision to perform with Eminem.[41] Entertainment Weekly put it on its end-of-the-decade, "best-of" list, saying, "It was the hug heard 'round the world. Eminem, under fire for homophobic lyrics, shared the stage with a gay icon for a performance of "Stan" that would have been memorable in any context."[42] On February 21, the day of the ceremony, GLAAD held a protest outside the Staples Center, the venue where the Grammy ceremony was held.[43] Music tours that he participated in for 2001 included the Up in Smoke Tour with rappers Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Ice Cube,[44] the Family Values Tour with the band Limp Bizkit,[45] and headlining the Anger Management Tour with Papa Roach, Ludacris, and Xzibit. Eminem released The Eminem Show in May 2002. It became another hit for the rapper, reaching number one on the charts and selling well over 1.332 million copies in its first full week of sales.[29] It featured the single "Without Me", in which Eminem makes derogatory comments about boy bands, Limp Bizkit, Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney, and Moby, among others. The Eminem Show has been certified 10× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album reflected on the impact of his rise to fame, his relationship with his wife and daughter, and his status in the hip-hop community. He also addresses the charges he faced over assaulting a bouncer he saw kissing his wife in 2000. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic felt that while there was clear anger present on several tracks, this album was considerably less inflammatory than The Marshall Mathers LP.[46] However, L. Brent Bozell III, who previously criticized The Marshall Mathers LP for its lyrical content that Bozell perceived to be misogynistic, noted The Eminem Show for its extensive use of obscene language, giving Eminem the nickname "Eminef" for the bowdlerization of mother****er, an obscenity prevalent in the album.[47] The Eminem Show was the best-selling album of 2002.[48] 2003-07: Encore and musical hiatus On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service admitted that it was "looking into" allegations that Eminem had threatened the President of the United States.[49] The lyrics that had led to this were "**** money / I don't rap for dead presidents / I'd rather see the president dead / It's never been said, but I set precedents". These lyrics come from the track "We As Americans", which was later released on a bonus CD accompanying deluxe editions of Eminem's fourth major album, Encore.[50] Encore was released in 2004. The album was another chart-topper. Its sales were driven partly by its first single, "Just Lose It", which features attacks on Michael Jackson. On October 12, 2004, a week after the release of "Just Lose It", Michael Jackson called into the Los Angeles-based Steve Harvey radio show to report his displeasure with the video, which parodies Jackson's child molestation trial, plastic surgery, and an incident in which Jackson's hair caught on fire while filming a Pepsi commercial in 1984. The lyrics to "Just Lose It" refer to Jackson's legal troubles, although Eminem does state in his song "that's not a stab at Michael / That's just a metaphor / I'm just psycho". Many of Jackson's supporters and friends spoke out about the video, including Stevie Wonder, who called the video "kicking a man while he's down" and "bullshit",[51] and Steve Harvey, who declared, "Eminem has lost his ghetto pass. We want the pass back."[51] In the video, Eminem parodied Pee-wee Herman, MC Hammer, and "Blond Ambition"-era Madonna.[52] Regarding Jackson's protest, "Weird Al" Yankovic, who parodied the Eminem song "Lose Yourself" on a track titled "Couch Potato" on his 2003 album Poodle Hat, told the Chicago Sun-Times, "Last year, Eminem forced me to halt production on the video for my 'Lose Yourself' parody because he somehow thought that it would be harmful to his image or career. So the irony of this situation with Michael is not lost on me."[53] Black Entertainment Television was the first channel to stop airing the video. MTV, however, announced that it would continue airing the video. The Source, through its CEO Raymond "Benzino" Scott, wanted not only for the video to be pulled, but for the song to be removed from the album and for Eminem to publicly apologize to Jackson.[54] In 2007 Jackson and Sony bought Famous Music LLC from Viacom. This deal gave him the rights to songs by Eminem, Shakira, and Beck, among others.[55] Despite the comedic theme of the lead single, Encore had its fair share of serious subject matter, including the anti-war track "Mosh". On October 25, 2004, a week before the 2004 US Presidential election, Eminem released the video for "Mosh" on the Internet.[56] The song was strongly critical of President George W. Bush, with lyrics such as "**** Bush" and "this weapon of mass destruction that we call our president".[57] The video features Eminem gathering up an army of people, including rapper Lloyd Banks, presented as victims of the Bush administration, and leading them to the White House. However, once the army breaks in, it is revealed that they are there to simply register to vote, and the video ends with the words "VOTE Tuesday November 2" on the screen. After Bush was re-elected, the video's ending was changed to Eminem and the protesters invading while Bush was giving a speech.[58] In 2005, some industry insiders speculated that Eminem was considering ending his rapping career after six years and several multi-platinum albums. Speculation began in early 2005 about a double-disc album to be released late that year, rumored to be titled The Funeral.[59] The album later manifested itself as a greatest hits album under the name Curtain Call: The Hits in December. In July 2005, the Detroit Free Press broke news of a potential final bow for Eminem as a solo performer, quoting members of his inside circle who said that he would begin to fully embrace the role of producer and label executive. On the same day of the release of the compilation album, Eminem denied that he was retiring on Detroit-based WKQI's "Mojo in the Morning" radio show, but implied that he would at least be taking a break as an artist, saying "I'm at a point in my life right now where I feel like I don't know where my career is going ... This is the reason that we called it 'Curtain Call', because this could be the final thing. We don't know."[60] He released The Re-Up with the members of his record label, Shady Records. It was released in 2006. In 2005, Eminem was a subject of Bernard Goldberg's book, 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America; he ranked No. 58.[61] Goldberg cited a 2001 column by Bob Herbert of The New York Times claiming, "In Eminem's world, all women are whores and he is eager to rape and murder them."[62] Goldberg cited Eminem's song "No One's Iller" from the Slim Shady EP as an example of misogyny in his music.[63] In summer 2005, Eminem embarked on his first US concert run in three years, the Anger Management 3 Tour, featuring 50 Cent, G-Unit, Lil Jon, D12, Obie Trice, The Alchemist, and others. In August 2005, Eminem canceled the European leg of the tour and subsequently announced that he had entered drug rehabilitation for treatment for a "dependency on sleep medication".[64] Curtain Call: The Hits was released on December 6, 2005, under Aftermath Entertainment.[65] In its first week it sold nearly 441,000 copies in the US and was Eminem's fourth straight No. 1 album on the Billboard Hot 200.[66] The album has been certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA.[67] In September 2007, Eminem called into New York radio station Hot 97 during an interview with 50 Cent and said he was "in limbo" and "debating" about when and if he would release another album. He said, "I'm always working - I'm always in the studio. It feels good right now, the energy of the label. For a while, I didn't want to go back to the studio..... I went through some personal things. I'm coming out of those personal things [and] it feels good."[68] 2008-09: Relapse and Refill Eminem, along with D12, performing in May 2009Eminem made an appearance on his Sirius channel Shade 45 in September 2008, during which he said, "Right now I'm kinda just concentrating on my own stuff, for right now and just banging out tracks and producing a lot of stuff. You know, the more I keep producing the better it seems like I get 'cause I just start knowing stuff."[69] It was around this time that Interscope finally confirmed the existence of a new Eminem album,[70] with Spring 2009 later being stated as the period in which the album is due.[71] In December 2008, he gave more details on the album, which he recently reported was being titled Relapse. He said, "Me and Dre are back in the lab like the old days, man. Dre will end up producing the majority of the tracks on 'Relapse'. We are up to our old mischievous ways ... let's just leave it at that."[72] On March 5, 2009, Eminem reported in a press release that he would be releasing two new albums that year. Relapse, the first album, was released on May 19, while the first official single, "We Made You", and its music video were both released on April 7.[73] While Relapse did not manage to sell as well as Eminem's previous efforts, it was still a commercial success that received some critical acclaim, while also re-establishing his presence in the hip hop world. Relapse was named one of the top albums of 2009. Relapse has sold more than five million copies worldwide. During the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, Sacha Baron Cohen descended upon the audience wearing an angel's costume and landed on top of Eminem with his buttocks facing toward Eminem's face, resulting in Eminem storming out of the awards ceremony in disgust. Three days later, Eminem stated it was a staged act that they had planned together.[74] On October 30, Eminem performed at the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans as a headliner in his first full performance in 2009.[75] The performance included several songs from Relapse, as well as many of Eminem's older hits and an appearance by D12. On November 19, Eminem announced on his website that Relapse: Refill would be released on December 21. The album was a re-release of the Relapse album with seven bonus tracks, including "Forever" and "Taking My Ball". In a statement he described the forthcoming CD: "I want to deliver more material for the fans this year like I originally planned ... Hopefully these tracks on The Refill will tide the fans over until we put out Relapse 2 next year ... I got back in with Dre and then a few more producers, including Just Blaze, and went in a completely different direction which made me start from scratch. The new tracks started to sound very different than the tracks I originally intended to be on Relapse 2, but I still want the other stuff to be heard."[76] 2010-11: Recovery and Bad Meets Evil reunion Eminem and Rihanna performing "Love the Way You Lie" at E3 Expo Party in 2010On April 14, 2010, Eminem tweeted, "There is no Relapse 2", to his followers. This caused people to believe that he was not releasing an album at all, but it simply meant that the album title would be changed to Recovery. He confirmed this by tweeting, "RECOVERY", with a link to his website. Eminem said, "I had originally planned for Relapse 2 to come out last year. But as I kept recording and working with new producers, the idea of a sequel to Relapse started to make less and less sense to me, and I wanted to make a completely new album. The music on Recovery came out very different from Relapse, and I think it deserves its own title." His seventh studio album, Recovery, was released on June 18.[77] In the US, Recovery sold 741,000 in its first week to land atop the Billboard 200.[78][79] It became Eminem's sixth consecutive number-one album in the US and achieved international commercial success, charting at number one in several other countries. It stayed at number-one on the US Billboard 200 chart for five consecutive weeks and a total of seven weeks.[80][81] Recovery was reported by Billboard to be the best-selling album of 2010, making Eminem the first artist in Nielsen SoundScan history to have two year-end best-selling albums.[82] Recovery is the best-selling digital album in history.[83] The first single, "Not Afraid", was released on April 29, and debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video was released on June 4.[84] "Not Afraid" was followed by a second single, "Love the Way You Lie", which debuted at number 2 and then rose to the top.[85] "Love the Way You Lie" was the best-selling single of 2010 in the United Kingdom, even though it did not reach number 1 there; this is the first time this has happened in the UK since 1969.[86] Despite some criticism toward its consistency, Recovery received positive reviews from most music critics. As of November 21, 2010 (2010-11-21)[update], the album had sold three million copies in the US.[87] Recovery was also named the best-selling album worldwide of 2010, joining The Eminem Show, which was the best-seller of 2002, giving him two worldwide year-end number one albums.[88][89] With Recovery, Eminem achieved the record for most successive US No.1 albums by a solo artist.[90] Eminem appeared at the 2010 BET Awards,[91] performing "Not Afraid" and "Airplanes, Part II", with B.o.B. He also performed at the Activison E3 concert. In June 2010, Eminem and Jay-Z announced they would perform together in a pair of concerts in Detroit and New York. The event was dubbed The Home & Home Tour. The first two concerts rapidly sold out, prompting the scheduling of an additional show at each venue.[92] BET also named Eminem the number one rapper of the 21st century.[93] Eminem opened the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards on September 12, 2010, performing "Not Afraid" and "Love the Way You Lie", with Rihanna singing the chorus.[94] Due to the success of Recovery and the Home & Home Tour, he was named the 2010 Hottest MC in the Game by MTV[95] and "Emcee of the Year" by hip hop news website HipHopDX.[96] Eminem and Rihanna collaborated once again to make "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)", the sequel to their hit single "Love the Way You Lie". Unlike on the original "Love the Way You Lie", on the sequel Rihanna is the main vocalist. The song is said to be from the female perspective.[97] In December 2010, in Billboard's "The Top 25 Music Moments of 2010", The "Great Eminem Recovery" was named the number one music moment of 2010.[98] Eminem appeared at the 2011 Grammy Awards on February 13, 2011, performing "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)" with Rihanna and Adam Levine, and "I Need a Doctor" with Dr. Dre and Skylar Grey.[99] In February 2011, it was announced that "Space Bound" would be released as the fourth single from Recovery, and that a music video for the song would also be released and was shot with former porn star Sasha Grey.[100][101] The long-awaited video was released on June 24 on the iTunes Store.[102] Eminem performing in 2011.In 2010, Eminem started collaborating with Royce da 5'9" on their first EP as Bad Meets Evil. The duo was formed in 1999 and has reunited. The EP, entitled Hell: The Sequel, was released on June 14, 2011.[103] Eminem was featured on "Writer's Block" by Royce da 5'9", which was officially released on April 8, 2011.[104] On May 3, 2011, they released the lead single "Fast Lane" for the upcoming sequel, for which a music video was shot.[105] In March 2011, within days of each other, both The Eminem Show and The Marshall Mathers LP were certified diamond by the RIAA. This makes Eminem the only rapper to have two diamond-certified albums.[106] Also, Eminem climbed to the top of the Facebook charts by being the most followed person with more than 60 million "likes", outscoring Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Michael Jackson.[107] Eminem is also the first artist in five years to have two number one albums in a 12-month period: Recovery and the collaborative Hell: The Sequel.[108] Early in 2011, Eminem leaked "2.0 Boys", for which Yelawolf and Slaughterhouse collaborated upon signing to Shady Records in January 2011 and performing it in April 2011.[109] Bad Meets Evil released their next single, "Lighters", on July 6, 2011, and they premiered a music video in late August.[110][111] On August 6, 2011, Eminem took several of his songs throughout his music career to a live performance at the Lollapalooza 2011, performing with various artists featured in their respective songs.[112] 2012-present: The Marshall Mathers LP 2 On May 24, 2012, Eminem announced he was working on his next studio album.,[113] set to be released in 2013.[114] Even without a title or release date, the album was included in multiple "Most Anticipated Albums of 2013" lists; including MTV, Complex Magazine where it was listed in sixth position; and XXL Magazine, where it was listed in fifth.[115] On June 30, 2012, Eminem talked about the album with DJ Whoo Kid, on his own radio station, Shade 45. He stated that the material is taking shape, and that Dr. Dre will be involved in some way.[116] On August 30, 2012, Slaughterhouse member Royce da 5'9" gave his thoughts on the album, stating "I'm not so sure how the world is going to respond from some of the things that I've heard from him." Close friend and fellow rapper 50 Cent is also confirmed to feature on the album.[117] Eminem also was featured on Pink's album The Truth About Love on the track "Here Comes The Weekend". On February 11, 2013, Shady Records President and Eminem manager Paul Rosenberg announced that Eminem's eighth studio album would be released after Memorial Day, 2013. "We fully expect to be releasing a new Eminem album in 2013. He's been working on it for some time," said Rosenberg. "It's safe to say that it will be post-Memorial Day at some point, but we're not exactly sure when. We've got some dates locked in for him to perform live in Europe in August, so we're trying to see what else lines up." The album remained untitled.[118] On March 22, 2013 Dr. Dre said that Eminem was close to finishing the album and that he worked together with Eminem on it.[119] Producer No I.D. has been confirmed to produce on the album.[120] Eminem performing on the November 2, 2013 episode of Saturday Night Live.On August 14, 2013, a song titled "Survival" featuring Liz Rodrigues, with production by DJ Khalil was premièred in the multiplayer trailer for the video game Call of Duty: Ghosts. A following press release revealed the first single from his eighth studio album would be released soon.[121][122] During the 2013 VMAs, it was revealed that Eminem's next album would be titled The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (a sequel to his previously released album The Marshall Mathers LP) and would be released on November 5, 2013.[123] The lead single "Berzerk" was released on August 25, 2013. It debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The following singles were "Survival", which was showcased during the Call of Duty: Ghosts reveal trailer,[124] "Rap God", and "The Monster" featuring Rihanna. On November 3, 2013, Eminem was made the first YouTube Music Awards Artist of the Year.[125] The Marshall Mathers LP 2 was released as planned on November 5, 2013, by Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records, and Interscope Records. The standard edition contains 16 tracks, while the deluxe edition also includes a second disc with another 5 tracks. It became Eminem's seventh album to debut at No 1 on the Billboard 200. The album also has the second-largest debut sales week of the year.[126][127] After the album was released Eminem became first lead artist since The Beatles to have four singles score in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[128][129][130] On November 10, 2013, Eminem won the "Global Icon" award at the 2013 MTV EMA Music Awards.[131] In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, becoming Eminem's seventh consecutive No. 1 album in the UK. By achieving such a feat, Eminem became the first American act to score seven consecutive UK Number 1 albums and is now on par with The Beatles in second place for the most chart-topping U.K. albums in a row.[132][133][134] The album also secured Eminem's position in Canada as the best-selling artist and with the best-selling album in 2013.[135] In January 2014, Mark Bass of the Bass Brothers confirmed that D12, had been recently recording at the F.B.T. studio and he had been mixing their recorded material. He also confirmed that Eminem was featured on at least three songs that have been completed.[136] Other ventures Shady Records and D12 Main articles: Shady Records and D12 As Eminem succeeded in multi-platinum record sales, Interscope granted him his own record label. He and his manager Paul Rosenberg created Shady Records in late 1999. He followed this by signing his own Detroit collective D12 and rapper Obie Trice to the label. In 2002, Eminem signed 50 Cent through a joint venture between Shady and Dr. Dre's Aftermath label. In 2003, Eminem and Dr. Dre signed Atlanta rapper Stat Quo to the Shady/Aftermath roster. DJ Green Lantern, the former DJ for Eminem, was signed to Shady Records until a dispute related to the 50 Cent and Jadakiss feud forced him to depart from the label; he is no longer associated with Eminem. The Alchemist is now officially Eminem's tour DJ. In 2005, Eminem signed another Atlanta rapper, Bobby Creekwater, to his label along with West Coast rapper Cashis.[18] On December 5, 2006, Shady Records released compilation album, Eminem Presents: The Re-Up. It started out as a mixtape but Eminem found that the material was better than expected and released it as a full album. It was meant to help launch the new artists under the roster, like Stat Quo, Cashis and Bobby Creekwater.[137] Around the time of recording Infinite, Eminem and rappers Proof and Kon Artis gathered the group of rappers now collectively in the group D12, short for "Detroit Twelve" or "Dirty Dozen", performing in the manner of the multi-man group Wu-Tang Clan.[138] In 2001, Eminem brought his rap group, D12, to the popular music scene, and the group's debut album Devil's Night came out that year.[139] The first single released off of the album was "Shit on You", followed by "Purple Pills", an ode to recreational drug use. For radio and television, the censored version was heavily rewritten to remove many of the song's references to drugs and sex and was renamed "Purple Hills". While that single was a hit, the album's second single, "Fight Music", was not as successful.[140] After their debut, D12 took a three-year break from the studio, later regrouping to release their second album, D12 World, in 2004, which featured the popular hit single release "My Band".[139] In April 2006, D12 member (and Eminem's childhood friend) Deshaun "Proof" Holton was killed in a club brawl on 8 Mile Road in Detroit, Michigan, with US military veteran Keith Bender, Jr., who also died in the fray. The eruption is suspected to have been due to an argument over a game of pool. Proof was then allegedly shot by the bouncer Mario Etheridge, Bender's cousin. He was taken by private vehicle to St. John Health's Conner Creek Campus, an outpatient emergency treatment site, but pronounced dead on arrival. Eminem and former Detroit Shady Records artist Obie Trice spoke at the funeral.[141] D12 member Bizarre said that Eminem is not featured on his new album Blue Cheese & Coney Island because "he's busy doing his thing".[142] D12 released a mixtape in 2011 titled Return of the Dozen Volume 2 only featuring Eminem on one song, "Fame" unlike the group's previous mixtape Return of the Dozen where Eminem is not on any tracks. Acting career Although he had a small part in the 2001 film, The Wash, Eminem made his official Hollywood acting debut with the semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile, released in November 2002. He has said the movie is not an account of his life, but a representation of growing up in Detroit. He recorded several new songs for the soundtrack, including "Lose Yourself," which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003. "Lose Yourself" would go on to become the longest running No. 1 hip hop single.[143] However, the song was not performed at the ceremony, due to Eminem's absence at the ceremony. His collaborator, Luis Resto, who co-wrote the song, accepted the award.[144] Eminem has participated in various voice acting roles. Some of these include the video game 50 Cent: Bulletproof, where he voices an aging corrupt police officer who speaks in Ebonics and guest spots on the Comedy Central television show Crank Yankers, and a web cartoon called The Slim Shady Show, which has since been pulled off-line and is instead sold on DVD.[145] He will be involved in either the soundtrack or scoring.[146] He was also in the running for the part of David Rice in 2008's film Jumper after Tom Sturridge was dropped just two weeks before filming. Concerns over not having a more prominent actor prompted the director, Doug Liman, to consider other actors for the role. He eventually selected Hayden Christensen over Eminem.[147] He also had a cameo appearance in the 2009 movie Funny People, in which he is involved in an argument with Ray Romano. It was reported on November 8, 2009, that Eminem will star in the upcoming 3D horror anthology, Shady Talez, to be produced by John Davis.[148][149] A four-issue comic book series based on the film was expected to be published sometime in 2010.[150] Eminem appeared alongside Christina Aguilera on the Entourage Season 7 finale titled 'Lose Yourself' as himself.[151] Eminem is set to play a boxer in the upcoming film Southpaw. Peter Schiff will produce the film,[152] and Antoine Fuqua is reportedly the leading candidate to direct.[153] In January 2011, a report surfaced that Eminem will star in the upcoming thriller, Random Acts of Violence. His co-star Paul Walker died in a car accident on November 30, 2013.[154] Eminem was offered the lead role in the 2013 sci-fi film Elysium but reportedly turned it down, leading director Neill Blomkamp to instead cast Matt Damon.[155] Memoirs On October 21, 2008, Eminem released a tell-all autobiography entitled The Way I Am, which details his struggles with poverty, drugs, fame, heartbreak and depression, along with stories about his rise to fame and commentary on past controversies. This book also contains some of the original lyric sheets from songs such as "Stan" and "The Real Slim Shady."[156] Eminem's mother, Debbie Nelson, also released an autobiography entitled My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem in November 2008, which explains Nelson's life growing up, meeting Marshall Bruce Mathers, Jr. (Eminem's father) and Eminem's rise to, and struggle with, fame. Advertising Eminem was featured in two commercials that aired during Super Bowl XLV. The first, for Lipton's Brisk Iced Tea, was a one-minute spot that featured him as a claymation figure.[157] The other was a two-minute ad, at that time the longest in Super Bowl history, for the Chrysler 200. It featured Eminem driving through Detroit and ended with him taking the stage at the Fox Theatre with "Lose Yourself" playing as the soundtrack.[158][159] Charity Eminem has also founded his own charity named The Marshall Mathers Foundation, assisting disadvantaged youth. The foundation frequently works in conjunction with a charity founded by Norman Yatooma, a high profile Detroit attorney.[160] Artistry Influences and rapping technique Eminem has named several MCs who influenced his rapping style, including Esham,[161] Kool G Rap,[162] Masta Ace,[163] Big Daddy Kane,[162] Newcleus,[163] Ice-T,[163] Mantronix,[163] Melle Mel (specifically the track "The Message"),[163] LL Cool J,[163] Beastie Boys,[163] Run-D.M.C.,[163] Rakim,[163] and Boogie Down Productions.[163] In the book How to Rap, Guerilla Black notes that Eminem studied other MCs to create his rapping technique: "Eminem listened to everything and that's what made him one of the greats".[164] In the same book, Eminem is praised for various aspects of his rapping technique by numerous other MCs; these techniques include his varied and humorous subject matter,[165] connecting with his audience,[166] carrying a concept over a series of albums,[167] complex rhyme schemes,[168] his ability to bend words so that they rhyme,[169] his use of multisyllabic rhymes,[162] fitting many rhymes in each bar,[170] complex rhythms,[171] clear enunciation,[172] use of melody,[173] and syncopation.[174] He is also known to write the majority of his lyrics down on paper, as documented in his book The Way I Am, as well as taking a few days or a week to craft lyrics,[175] being a "workaholic",[176] and "stacking" vocals.[177] Alter egos Eminem uses alter egos in his songs to use different styles of rapping and subject matters. His most famous and popular alter ego, "Slim Shady", originated from the Slim Shady EP. While under this personality, Eminem makes violent and dark songs with a comical twist.[178] Though his Slim Shady persona has remained, Eminem did not include it in Recovery as much because he did not feel it fit the theme.[179] Another character Eminem has portrayed is Ken Kaniff. Ken was originally played by fellow Detroit rapper Aristotle in the Slim Shady LP, who appeared in a prank call skit toward Eminem. After the Slim Shady LP, an argument led to Eminem taking the character of Ken Kaniff and playing him in several skits starting in the Marshall Mathers LP and onward (except for Encore and Recovery). In his Ken Kaniff personality, Ken is a homosexual who pokes fun at Eminem's songs. Aristotle, the original creator of Ken Kaniff, became angry over Eminem taking his character and created a mixtape in which he raps in his Ken persona denigrating Eminem.[180] Featurings and productions See also: Eminem production discography and Eminem guest appearances Although he typically collaborates with various rappers under Aftermath Entertainment and Shady Records, such as Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, D12, Obie Trice and also, Yelawolf, Eminem has collaborated with many other artists, including Redman, Kid Rock, DMX, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Drake, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Xzibit, Method Man, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, Sticky Fingaz, T.I., and Young Jeezy among others. Eminem rapped a verse in a live performance of Busta Rhymes' "Touch It" remix at the 2006 BET Music Awards on June 27, 2006. Eminem was featured on Akon's single "Smack That" which appeared on his album Konvicted. He was featured on Lil Wayne's hit song "Drop the World". He is featured on the lead single off 50 Cent's fifth studio album Street King Immortal titled "My Life". Eminem is also an active rap producer. Besides being the executive producer of D12's first two albums, Devil's Night and D12 World, he has executive produced Obie Trice's Cheers and Second Round's on Me as well as 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin' and The Massacre.[181] In addition, Eminem has produced songs by other famous rappers, such as Jadakiss' "Welcome To D-Block", Jay-Z's "Renegade" and "Moment of Clarity" Lloyd Banks' "On Fire", "Warrior Part 2", and "Hands Up", Tony Yayo's "Drama Setter", Trick-Trick's "Welcome 2 Detroit", and Xzibit's "My Name" and "Don't Approach Me".[182] Most of The Eminem Show was produced by Eminem himself, with co-production from longtime collaborator Jeff Bass.[183] He split the production with Dr. Dre on Encore. In 2004, Eminem was the Executive Producer of 2Pac's posthumous album Loyal to the Game with 2Pac's mother Afeni Shakur.[184] He produced the UK No. 1 single "Ghetto Gospel" which featured Elton John.[185] He has produced "The Cross" off Nas's album God's Son.[186] On August 15, 2006, Obie Trice released Second Round's on Me. Eminem produced 8 tracks on the album. He was featured in the song "There They Go".[187] Eminem produced some tracks on Trick-Trick's album, The Villain. He is also featured in "Who Want It".[188] Eminem also produced four songs on Cashis's 2013 album The County Hound 2. With regard to the productions on his own records, Eminem is seen as having an unusual style in that rather than write to beats he typically starts with an idea of how he wants his song to be structured based on the lyrics and then creates music according to that.[189] A notable exception to this was the song "Stan", which came from an idea and scratch track produced by Mark the 45 King.[189] After not significantly contributing production for his own records on Relapse and Recovery, on 2013's The Marshall Mathers LP 2 Eminem produced a significant amount of the album. He spoke on producing his own songs saying, "Sometimes, I may get something in my head, like an idea or the mood of something that I would want, and I'm not always gonna get that by going through different tracks that other people have made. They don't know what's in my head. I think maybe it helps, a little bit, with diversity, the sound of it, but also, I would get something in my head and want to be able to lay down that idea from scratch."[190] Comparisons to other artists As Asher Roth gained prominence being a white performer in a predominantly black musical genre, Roth has earned many comparisons to Eminem, so much so that he devoted a track on his album to the famed rapper, entitled "As I Em."[191] Eminem and Christian hip hop artist KJ-52 were often compared to each other, as many called KJ-52 the "Christian counterpart" of Eminem.[192] KJ-52's single, "Dear Slim," became famous and controversial among Eminem fans when it was featured on the hit show Total Request Live. KJ-52 began to receive hate mail (including death threats) from Eminem's fans, though KJ-52 claimed that the song was not intended to be disrespectful.[193] This also led to the single being disparaged by VH1 as No. 26 on their "Top 40 Worst Moments in Hip Hop".[194] Personal life Family Eminem has been the subject of much scrutiny, both as a rapper and in his personal life.[34] He was married twice to Kimberly Anne "Kim" Scott, whom he met in high school. He first met Kim when he was 15 and she was 13 while he was standing on a table with his shirt off rapping LL Cool J's "I'm Bad."[195] Kim had run away from her home as a teenager, along with her twin sister Dawn. They moved in with Marshall and his mother when he was 15. They began their on-and-off relationship in 1989. Their daughter Hailie was born on Christmas Day 1995. The couple married in 1999. In 2000, they filed for divorce shortly after Kim's second drunk driving conviction.[196] They first divorced in 2001.[197] They remarried in January 2006 but he soon ended their second marriage by filing for divorce in April 2006. The couple agreed to share custody of Hailie.[198] In early 2010, Eminem responded publicly to tabloid reports of his pending reunion with Kim with a firm denial.[199] Eminem also has custody of Kim's niece Alaina (Dawn Scott's daughter),[197] who has been referenced by name in some songs, including "Mockingbird", "Airplanes Part II", and "Going Through Changes". Additionally, Eminem has custody of Whitney, a child Kimberley Scott had with another man. Whitney is mentioned in the songs "Deja Vu" and "Going Through Changes". Eminem had legal custody of his younger half-brother, Nate Kane, during his adolescence. Nate is mentioned in "Cleanin' Out My Closet", "My Mom", and "Headlights". Regarding his religious views, Eminem said in 2009 "I definitely pray a lot more than I used to. I don't feel like I'm crazy wacky religious. But I do believe in God, and I do pray."[200] On November 5, 2013, Eminem released the track "Headlights" on his eighth studio album The Marshall Mathers LP 2[201] as an apology to his mother Debbie.[202] Legal troubles In 1999, Eminem's mother Debbie sued him for around US$10 million over his alleged slander of her in lyrics on The Slim Shady LP; she won about US $1,600 in damages in 2001.[203] Eminem was arrested on June 3, 2000 during an altercation with Douglas Dail at a car audio store in Royal Oak, Michigan, where he pulled out an unloaded gun and kept it pointed at the ground.[204] The following day, in Warren, Michigan, he allegedly saw his then wife, Kim, kiss bouncer John Guerrera in the parking lot of the Hot Rock Café, resulting in Eminem assaulting the bouncer and then being arrested.[197][204][205] Eminem recreated the Guerrera assault in a skit on his fourth album The Eminem Show on a track called "The Kiss (Skit)". Eminem was charged with possession of a concealed weapon and assault. He pled guilty to the charges and was given two years probation for both episodes.[206] On July 7, 2000, Kim attempted suicide by slashing her wrists.[207] Kim sued Eminem for defamation after he depicted her violent death in his song "Kim".[197][205] On October 26, 2000, Eminem was to perform at a concert in Toronto's Skydome.[208] However, Ontario Attorney General Jim Flaherty argued that Canada should stop Eminem at the border. "I personally don't want anyone coming to Canada who will come here and advocate violence against women," he said.[208] Flaherty claims to have been "disgusted" when reading transcriptions of Eminem's song "Kill You", which includes lines such as "Slut, you think I won't choke no ***** / till the vocal cords don't work in her throat no more?"[208] The opinion of the general public to the requests made by the province were negative. Others said the issue was one of free speech. Liberal MPP Michael Bryant suggested that the government lay hate crime charges against Eminem for the advocacy of violence against women found in his lyrics.[208] In a The Globe and Mail editorial, author Robert Everett-Green wrote, "Being offensive is Eminem's job description."[209] Eminem's Toronto concert went on as planned that night.[210] D'Angelo Bailey, a sanitation worker, sued Eminem in 2001 and accused him of invading his privacy by publicizing (in the song "Brain Damage") unreasonable information that put him in a false light. Bailey admitted that he picked on Eminem but said he merely "bumped" him at school and threw a "little shove." On October 20, 2003, the charges were dismissed in court.[21] On June 28, 2001, Eminem was sentenced to one year probation on weapons charges that stemmed from an argument with an employee of Psychopathic Records, assessing him a fine around $2,000 as well as several hours of community service.[211] On March 31, 2002, French jazz pianist Jacques Loussier filed a $10 million lawsuit against Eminem and Dr. Dre, claiming the beat for "Kill You" was stolen from his jazz instrumental "Pulsion".[212] Loussier demanded that all sales of the album be halted and any remaining copies destroyed. A trial date was set to begin in June 2004. The case was later settled.[213] On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service admitted it was "looking into" allegations that Eminem had threatened the President of the United States, George W. Bush,[214] after the song "We as Americans", as an unreleased bootleg, circulated with the lyrics "**** money, I don't rap for dead presidents. I'd rather see the president dead, it's never been said but I set precedents." The incident was later referenced in the video for his song "Mosh" as one of several news clips on a wall, along with other newspaper articles about other unfortunate incidents in Bush's career. The song eventually appeared on the album's bonus disc, where the lyrics were extensively censored. In 2005, Eminem's aunt and uncle, Jack and Betty Schmitt, sued him, alleging that he has promised them a $350,000 house and the money to keep it up, and instead has kept it in his name and tried to evict them.[21] In 2007, his music publishing company, Eight Mile Style LLC, together with Martin Affiliated LLC, filed suit against Apple Inc. and Aftermath Entertainment claiming Aftermath did not have the appropriate authority to negotiate a deal with Apple for digital downloads of 93 Eminem songs on Apple's iTunes service.[215][216] The case against Apple was settled shortly after trial began in late September 2009.[217] In July 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in F.B.T. Productions, LLC v. Aftermath Records that F.B.T. Productions and Eminem were owed a royalty of 50% of the net revenue Aftermath obtained by licensing Eminem's recordings to companies like Apple Inc., Sprint, Nextel, Cingular, and T-Mobile. In March 2011 the Supreme Court of the United States upheld this ruling.[218] Drug issues Eminem has spoken about his addiction to prescription drugs, including Vicodin, Ambien, and Valium.[219] His group-mate Proof from D12 stated that Eminem "sobered up" in 2002 from drug and alcohol dependence.[220] During production of 8 Mile, Eminem worked on the set 16 hours a day and began to have trouble sleeping. An associate provided Eminem with an Ambien that effectively "knocked [him] out," which led him to get a prescription.[19] This would be Eminem's first experience with drug addiction that would follow him for several years afterward. Near the end of production on Encore, Eminem would "just go into the studio and goof off [with] a pocketful of pills."[19] Eminem began taking the drugs to "feel normal," which involved taking a "ridiculous amount [...] I could consume anywhere from 40 to 60 Valium [in a day]. Vicodin maybe 30."[19] Essentially, the drugs never allowed Eminem to sleep for more than two hours a night, after which he'd only take more. He grew to 230 pounds and was eating fast food regularly: "The kids behind the counter knew me - it wouldn't even faze them. Or I'd sit up at Denny's or Big Boy and just eat by myself. It was sad."[19] Publicly, he became rather unrecognizable due to the added weight; once, he overheard two teens arguing whether it was him or not, maintaining that "Eminem ain't fat."[19] Eminem's struggle with prescription drugs peaked in a December 2007 overdose on methadone. He had first bought methadone from a dealer asserting it was "just like Vicodin, and easier on [your] liver."[19] Eminem continued to buy more until collapsing in his bathroom one night, after which he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors informed him that he had taken the equivalent of four bags of heroin, and was "about two hours from dying."[19] After missing Christmas with his children, Eminem checked himself out of the facilities and, not yet fully detoxed, was completely drained of strength. When he tore his meniscus "after falling asleep for literally 10 minutes," he underwent surgery; following this, he went home and had a seizure.[19] He relapsed within three weeks, and after a month his addiction was in full swing again. He began to attend church meetings to get clean, but after being asked for autographs, he instead called a rehab counselor who helped him for the first time.[19] Eminem began exercising and running excessively, and effectively went sober on April 20, 2008. Friend Elton John was a mentor during this time; John would call Eminem once a week to check on him.[19] Proof's death On April 11, 2006, Eminem's best friend and fellow D12 member, Proof, was killed by club bouncer Mario Etheridge by gunshot wounds to the head and chest at the CCC Club on 8 Mile Road in Detroit, Michigan, after Proof fatally shot Keith Bender, Jr.[221] On April 19, 2006, Eminem, D12, 50 Cent, and thousands of others attended Proof's funeral at The Fellowship Chapel, Detroit.[222] Eminem made two songs about Proof's death on his album Recovery, titled "Going Through Changes" and "You're Never Over", and mentions Proof in other songs such as "Deja Vu", "Beautiful", and "Cinderella Man". In 2010, the Eminem song "Difficult" was leaked online; the song is a tribute to Proof.[223] Homophobia controversy Eminem was involved in many controversies over lyrics which have been perceived as being homophobic; an Australian politician attempted to ban entry for Eminem because of these lyrics.[224] Eminem, however, denies that he is homophobic and says that during his upbringing such obscene words as ****** and queer were commonly spoken as being derogatory in general and not implicitly aimed toward homosexuals. During an interview with CBS 60 Minutes, journalist Anderson Cooper had a conversation about the issue with Eminem:[225] Cooper: Some of the lyrics, like, you know, in the song "Criminal" you say "My words are like a dagger with a jagged edge, That'll stab you in the head, whether you're a fag or lez, Or the homosex, hermaph or a trans-a-vest, Pants or dress - hate fags? The answer's "yes"" Eminem: Yeah, this scene I came up in. That word was thrown around so much, you know, ****** was like thrown around constantly to each other, like in battling. Cooper: Do you not like gay people? Eminem: No, I don't have any problem with nobody. You know what I mean? I'm just like whatever. Eminem is a friend of singer Elton John, who is gay.[226] When asked in an interview with the New York Times about same-sex marriage being legalized in his home state of Michigan, Eminem responded, "I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want".[227] He said that his "overall look on things is a lot more mature than it used to be."[228] Legacy Eminem graffiti in Shanghai, ChinaEminem is the best-selling artist of the 2000s (decade) on the US Nielsen SoundScan,[229] and the estimated sale of over 200 million records worldwide,[5][6] making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world.[230][231] He has totaled over 3 billion views on his music videos on his official Vevo page on YouTube.[232] Eminem was ranked 83rd on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.[233][234] He was also named the Best Rapper Alive by Vibe magazine in 2008.[235] In December 2009, Eminem was named the Artist of the Decade by Billboard magazine.[236] In 2010, MTV Portugal ranked Eminem as the seventh biggest icon in pop music history.[237] During 2010, Eminem's music generated 94 million streams, more than any other music artist.[238] Also according to Billboard, Eminem has two of his albums among the top five highest selling albums of the 2000s (decade). In the UK, Eminem has sold over 12.5 million records.[239] Eminem has also sold more than 33 million track downloads and 40.9 million albums in the United States alone.[238][240] Including his work as a part of groups, Eminem has achieved ten No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, seven solo (five studio albums, two compilations), two with D12 and o

jay z

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known by his stage name Jay-Z (sometimes stylized as Jay Z or JAY Z),[2][3][4] is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. In 2012, Forbes estimated Carter's net worth at nearly $500 million.[1][5] He has sold approximately 75 million records worldwide from all of his albums, while receiving 17 Grammy Awards for his musical work, and numerous additional nominations.[6][7][8] Consistently ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he was ranked number one by MTV in their list of The Greatest MCs of All-Time in 2006.[9] Three of his albums, Reasonable Doubt (1996), The Blueprint (2001), and The Black Album (2003), are considered landmarks in the genre with all of them featured in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.[10][11][12] As an entrepreneur and investor, Jay-Z co-owns the 40/40 Club, and is the co-creator of the clothing line Rocawear.[13] He is the former president of Def Jam Recordings, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, and the founder of Roc Nation. He also founded the sports agency Roc Nation Sports and is a certified NBA and MLB sports agent.[14] As an artist, he holds the record for most number one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200 with 13.[15][16] Jay-Z also has had four number ones on the Billboard Hot 100, one as lead artist. On December 11, 2009, Jay-Z was ranked as the tenth-most successful artist of the 2000s by Billboard as well as the fifth top solo male artist and fourth top rapper behind Eminem, Nelly, and 50 Cent.[17] He was also ranked the 88th greatest artist of all time by Rolling Stone.[18] Jay-Z married American R&B singer Beyoncé in 2008.[19] They have a daughter named Blue Ivy Carter, born January 7, 2012. Contents [hide] •1 Early life ◦1.1 Early career •2 Music career ◦2.1 1995-97: Reasonable Doubt and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 ◦2.2 1998-2000: Vol. 2..., criminal charges and mainstream success ◦2.3 2001-02: Feud with Nas, The Blueprint and The Blueprint2 ◦2.4 2003-05: The Black Album, initial retirement and collaborative albums ◦2.5 2005-07: "I Declare War", Kingdom Come and American Gangster ◦2.6 2008-2011: The Blueprint 3 and Watch the Throne ◦2.7 2012-present: Magna Carta Holy Grail and other ventures •3 Musical style ◦3.1 Influences ◦3.2 Rapping technique •4 Business career •5 Personal life ◦5.1 Relationship with Beyoncé ◦5.2 Philanthropy ◦5.3 Politics •6 Discography •7 Awards and nominations •8 Filmography •9 Bibliography •10 References •11 External links Early life Jay-Z (top) with a friend (bottom) in Trenton, New Jersey, circa 1988Shawn Carter is originally from Marcy Houses, a housing project in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City.[20] He and his three siblings were raised by their mother, Gloria Carter, after their father abandoned the family. He claims in his lyrics that in 1982, at the age of 12, he shot his older brother in the shoulder for stealing his jewelry.[21][22] Carter attended Eli Whitney High School in Brooklyn, along with future rapper AZ, until it was closed down. After that he attended George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School in Downtown Brooklyn, with fellow future rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes, and Trenton Central High School in Trenton, New Jersey, but did not graduate.[23] In his music he refers to having been involved in selling crack cocaine.[22] He has also said he had been shot at three times during this time in his life.[21] According to his mother, Carter used to wake his siblings up at night banging out drum patterns on the kitchen table. Eventually, she bought him a boom box for his birthday, sparking his interest in music. He began freestyling, writing lyrics, and followed the music of many artists popular at the time.[24] In his neighborhood, Carter was known as "Jazzy", a nickname that eventually developed into his showbiz/stage name, "Jay-Z". The moniker is also an homage to his musical mentor, Jaz-O, as well as to the J/Z subway services that have a stop at Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn.[20] On 18 July 2013, he announced he was dropping the hyphen, and prefers to be known as Jay Z.[2][3] Early career Jay-Z can briefly be heard on several of Jaz-O's early recordings in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including "The Originators" and "Hawaiian Sophie".[25] Jay-Z was also involved in several battles with rapper LL Cool J in the early '90s.[26] He first became known to a wide audience by being featured on the posse cut "Show and Prove" on the 1994 Big Daddy Kane album Daddy's Home. Jay-Z has been referred to as Big Daddy Kane's hype man during this period,[27] although Kane explains that he didn't fill the traditional hype man role, instead "basically ma[king] cameo appearances on stage. When I would leave the stage to go change outfits, I would bring out Jay-Z and Positive K and let them freestyle until I came back to the stage".[28][29] The young Jay-Z made an appearance on a popular song by Big L, "Da Graveyard", and on Mic Geronimo's "Time to Build", which also featured early appearances by DMX, and Ja Rule in 1995. His first official rap single was called "In My Lifetime", for which he released a music video. An unreleased music video was also produced for the B-side, "I Can't Get With That."[30] Music career 1995-97: Reasonable Doubt and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 With no major label to give him a record deal, Jay-Z sold his CDs out of his car[21] and, with Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs, created Roc-A-Fella Records as their own independent label in 1995. After striking a deal with Priority to distribute his material, Jay-Z released his 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt with beats from acclaimed producers such as DJ Premier and Super DJ Clark Kent and an appearance by The Notorious B.I.G.. The album reached number 23 on the Billboard 200, and was generally favored by critics.[20] This album would later be included in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" as No.248 and eventually reach platinum status.[31] After reaching a new distribution deal with Def Jam in 1997, Jay-Z released his follow-up In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. Executively produced by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, it sold better than his previous effort. Jay-Z later explained that the album was made during one of the worst periods of his life, he was reeling from the death of his close friend The Notorious B.I.G. The album was a personal revelation for Jay-Z as he spun the tale of his hard knock upbringing.[32] The album's glossy production stood as a contrast to his first release, and some dedicated fans felt he had "sold out". However, the album did feature some beats from producers who had worked with him on Reasonable Doubt, namely DJ Premier and Ski. Like its predecessor, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 earned Platinum status in the United States.[31] 1998-2000: Vol. 2..., criminal charges and mainstream success In 1998, Jay-Z released Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life which spawned the biggest hit of his career at the time, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)". He relied more on flow and wordplay, and he continued with his penchant for mining beats from the popular producers of the day such as Swizz Beatz, an upstart in-house producer for Ruff Ryders, and Timbaland. Other producers included DJ Premier, Erick Sermon, The 45 King, and Kid Capri. Charting hits from this album included "Can I Get A...", featuring Ja Rule and Amil, and "***** What, ***** Who", also featuring Amil. Vol. 2 would eventually become Jay-Z's most commercially successful album; it was certified 5× Platinum in the United States and has to date sold over five million copies.[31] The album went on to win a Grammy Award, although Jay-Z boycotted the ceremony protesting DMX's failure to garner a Grammy nomination.[33] In 1999, Jay-Z dueted with Mariah Carey on "Heartbreaker", a song from her seventh album, Rainbow. In that same year, Jay-Z released Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter. The album proved successful and sold over 3 million copies.[31] Vol. 3's most successful single was "Big Pimpin'", featuring UGK. On December 1 of that year, Jay-Z, who had come to believe that record executive Lance "Un" Rivera was behind the bootlegging of Vol. 3..., allegedly stabbed Rivera at the release party for Q-Tip's album Amplified at the Kit Kat Klub, a now-defunct night club in Times Square, New York City. Jay-Z's associates at the party were accused of causing a commotion within the club, which Jay-Z allegedly used as cover when he supposedly stabbed Rivera in the stomach with a five-inch (127 mm) blade.[34] He surrendered to police the following evening and was placed under arrest, although he was soon released on $50,000 bail.[35][36] When he was indicted in Manhattan Criminal Court in late January 2000, he pleaded not guilty; he and his lawyers contended that they had witnesses and videotapes proving he had been nowhere near Rivera during the incident. Nevertheless, he later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and accepted a three year probation sentence.[37] Jay-Z later addressed the case in his 2010 book Decoded: One night I went to Q-Tip's solo album release party and at some point in the night, I ran into the guy everyone's been telling me is behind the bootleg. So I approached him. When I told him what I suspected, to my surprise, he got real loud with me right there in the middle of the club. It was strange. We separated and I went over to the bar. I was sitting there like, "No the **** this ***** did not..." I was talking to people, but I was really talking to myself out loud, just in a state of shock. Before I even realized what I was doing, I headed back over to him, but this time I was blacking out with anger. The next thing I knew, all hell had broken loose in the club. That night the guy went straight to the police and I was indicted. [...] There was no reason to put my life on the line, and the lives of everyone who depends on me, because of a momentary loss of control...I vowed to never allow myself to be in a situation like that again.[38] In 2000, Jay-Z released The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, which was originally intended to become a compilation album for Roc-A-Fella artists but somehow turned into a Jay-Z album.[39] The album helped to introduce newcomer producers The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Kanye West and Bink, which have all gone on to achieve notable success. This is also the first album where Jay-Z utilizes a more soulful sound than his previous albums. The Dynasty sold over two million units in the U.S. alone.[31] 2001-02: Feud with Nas, The Blueprint and The Blueprint2 In 2001, Jay-Z spoke out against Prodigy after he took an issue with a Jay-Z line from "Money, Cash, Hoes" that he felt were subliminal shots at Mobb Deep and referenced Mobb Deep's beef with Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Death Row Records. He later performed the song "Takeover", at Summer Jam 2001, which initially attacked Prodigy and revealed photos of Prodigy dressed like Michael Jackson.[40] A line at the end of "Takeover" referenced Nas, who criticized him on "We Will Survive".[41] Nas responded with a diss track called "Ether" and almost instantly, Jay-Z added a verse to "Takeover" which dissed Nas and would start a feud between the two rappers. Jay-Z later released his sixth studio album The Blueprint which was later considered by many to be one of hip hop's "classic" albums, receiving the coveted 5 mic review from The Source magazine. Released during the wake of September 11 attacks, the album managed to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, selling more than 427,000 units;[42] the album's success was overshadowed by the tragic event. The Blueprint has been certified 2x Platinum in the United States.[31] The Blueprint was applauded for its production and the balance of "mainstream" and "hardcore" rap, receiving recognition from both audiences. The Blueprint was written in only two days.[43] Eminem was the only guest rapper on the album, producing and rapping on the song "Renegade". Four of the thirteen tracks on the album were produced by Kanye West and represents one of West's first major breaks in the industry. The Blueprint includes the popular songs "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)", "Girls, Girls, Girls", "Jigga That *****" and "Song Cry". Jay-Z's next solo album was 2002's The Blueprint2: The Gift & the Curse, a double-album. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at number one, selling over 3 million units in the U.S. alone[31] and surpassing The Blueprint.[44] It was later reissued in a single-disc version, The Blueprint 2.1, which retained half of the tracks from the original. The album spawned two massive hit singles, "Excuse Me Miss" and "'03 Bonnie & Clyde", which featured Jay-Z's future wife Beyoncé. "Guns & Roses", a track featuring rock musician Lenny Kravitz, and "Hovi Baby" were two successful radio singles as well. The album also contained the tracks "A Dream", featuring Faith Evans and the late The Notorious B.I.G.; and "The Bounce", featuring Kanye West. The Blueprint 2.1 featured tracks that do not appear on The Blueprint2: The Gift & the Curse, such as "Stop", "La La La (Excuse Me Again)", "What They Gonna Do, Part II" and "Beware" produced by and featuring Panjabi MC.[45] 2003-05: The Black Album, initial retirement and collaborative albums Jay-Z in 2003After returning from a trip in the south of France,[46] Jay-Z announced work on his eighth studio album The Black Album at the opening of the first the 40/40 Club.[47] He worked with several producers including Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Kanye West, Timbaland, Eminem, DJ Quik, 9th Wonder, The Buchanans and Rick Rubin. Notable songs on the album included "What More Can I Say", "Dirt Off Your Shoulder", "Change Clothes", and "99 Problems". The Black Album has sold 3 million copies in the US.[31] Jay-Z collaborated with R. Kelly and released a collaborative studio album, The Best of Both Worlds. On November 25, 2003, Jay-Z held a concert at Madison Square Garden, which would later be the focus of his film Fade to Black. This concert was his "retirement party". All proceeds went to charity. Other performers included collaborators like The Roots (in the form of his backing band), Missy Elliott, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Siegel, Freeway, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Twista, Ghostface Killah, Foxy Brown, Pharrell and R. Kelly with special appearances by Voletta Wallace and Afeni Shakur, the mothers of The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur respectively.[citation needed] While Jay-Z had attested to a retirement from making new studio albums, various side projects and appearances soon followed. Included in these were a greatest hits record, as well as the release and tour of Unfinished Business, the second collaborative album between Jay-Z and R. Kelly. In 2004, Jay-Z collaborated with rock group Linkin Park, in which they released their collaborative remix EP Collision Course, which featured mashups of both artists' songs, as well as a concert DVD. The album's only single, "Numb/Encore", went on to win a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and was performed with Linkin Park live at the Grammys, with a special appearance by Paul McCartney, who added verses from the song "Yesterday". The EP sold over 1 million copies in the US.[31] Jay-Z was the executive producer of The Rising Tied, the debut album of Fort Minor, the hip hop side project of Linkin Park rapper Mike Shinoda. Later in 2004, Jay-Z was named president of Def Jam Records, which led to Jay-Z, Dash and Biggs selling their remaining interests in Roc-A-Fella Records and Jay-Z taking control of both of the companies.[48] Reportedly this major industry move was prompted by disagreements between Jay-Z and Dash as to what direction Roc-A-Fella could undertake.[49] The publicized split between Jay-Z, Dash and Biggs led to the former partners sending jabs at each other in interviews.[50] 2005-07: "I Declare War", Kingdom Come and American Gangster Jay-Z at a concert in 2006.On October 27, 2005, Jay-Z headlined New York's Power 105.1 annual concert, Powerhouse. The concert was entitled the "I Declare War" concert leading to intense speculation in the weeks preceding the event on whom exactly Jay-Z would declare war. As he had previously "declared war" on other artists taking lyrical shots at him at other events, many believed that the Powerhouse show would represent an all-out assault by Jay-Z upon his rivals.[51] The theme of the concert was Jay-Z's position as President and CEO of Def Jam, complete with an on-stage mock-up of the Oval Office. Many artists made appearances such as the old roster of Roc-A-Fella records artists, as well as Ne-Yo, Teairra Marí, T.I., Young Jeezy, Akon, Kanye West, Paul Wall, The LOX, and Diddy.[52] At the conclusion of the concert, Jay-Z put many arguments to rest to the surprise of hip hop fans. The most significant development in this show was closure to the infamous hip hop rivalry between Jay-Z and Nas. The two former rivals shook hands and shared the stage together to perform Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents" blended with Nas's song "The World is Yours".[53] Jay-Z returned with his comeback album on November 21, 2006, titled Kingdom Come.[54] Jay-Z's comeback single, "Show Me What You Got", was leaked on the Internet in early October 2006, scheduled to be released later on that month, received heavy air-play after its leak, causing the FBI to step in and investigate.[55] Jay-Z worked with video director Hype Williams, and the single's video was directed by F. Gary Gray. The album features production from Just Blaze, Pharrell, Kanye West, Dr. Dre and Coldplay's Chris Martin (single entitled "Beach Chair").[56][57] The first week saw 680,000 sales of the CD, which Entertainment Weekly said was "the highest single-week total in Jay's decade long career".[58] This album has sold 2 million copies in the US.[31] Jay-Z released his tenth album entitled American Gangster on November 6, 2007. After viewing the Ridley Scott film of the same name, he was heavily inspired to create a new "concept" album that depicts his experiences as a street-hustler.[59] The album is not the film's official soundtrack, although it was distributed by Def Jam.[60] Jay-Z's American Gangster depicts his life in correlation to the movie American Gangster. At the start of the album's first single, "Blue Magic", Jay-Z offers a dealer's manifesto while making references to political figures of the late 1980s with the lyric: "Blame Reagan for making me to into a monster, blame Oliver North and Iran-Contra, I ran contraband that they sponsored, before this rhymin' stuff we was in concert."[61] Also notable about the "Blue Magic" music video was Jay-Z flashing 500 euro notes, in what Harvard Business School professor Rawi Abdelal has called a "turning point in American pop culture's response to globalization." The album has sold 1 million copies in the US.[31] On December 24, 2007, Jay-Z stated that he would not remain at Def Jam as the company's President, and vacated the position effective of January 1, 2008.[62] 2008-2011: The Blueprint 3 and Watch the Throne It was announced on February 2, 2008, that Jay-Z would headline the 2008 Glastonbury Festival, becoming the first major hip hop artist to headline the British festival.[63][64] Tickets sold out before the opening of the festival. One of the more outspoken critics of his selection was Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame, who criticized the organizers of the festival for scheduling Jay-Z as a headliner for the traditionally guitar-driven festival, stating "I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance. Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music and even when they throw the odd curve ball in on a Sunday night you go 'Kylie Minogue?' I don't know about it. But I'm not having hip hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."[65] Controversy ensued in the months leading up to the event with artists, promoters and fans weighing in both for and against. Jay-Z responded to this saying, "We don't play guitars, Noel, but hip hop has put in its work like any other form of music. This headline show is just a natural progression. Rap music is still evolving. We have to respect each other's genre of music and move forward."[66] In response to Gallagher's criticism, Jay-Z opened his Glastonbury set with a tongue-in-cheek cover of Oasis's iconic song "Wonderwall".[67] His Glastonbury performance was heralded as a successful response to pre-festival criticism.[68] Jay-Z during his Glastonbury performanceHe also headlined many other summer festivals in 2008, including Roskilde Festival in Denmark,[69] Hove Festival in Norway[70] and O2 Wireless Festival in London.[71] During Kanye West's August 6, 2008 concert at Madison Square Garden, Jay-Z came out to perform a new song and he and Kanye proclaimed that it was to be on The Blueprint 3.[72] On May 21, 2009, Jay-Z announced he would be parting ways with Def Jam, and had struck a multi-million dollar deal to sign with Live Nation, with whom he would start his Roc Nation imprint which would serve as a record label, talent/management agency, and music publishing company[73] and also partnered up with production team Stargate to start a record label called StarRoc.[74][75] Jay-Z's 11th studio album The Blueprint 3 was originally to be released on September 11, 2009,[76] but was instead released in North America on September 8, 2009, due to increasing anticipation.[77] Its international release followed on September 14.[78] It is his 11th album to reach No.1 on the Billboard 200[79] and has surpassed Elvis Presley's previous record, making him the current solo artist record holder.[15] On October 9, 2009, Jay-Z kicked off his tour for The Blueprint 3, during which he supported his new album in North America. In a Shave Magazine review of his performance at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Jake Tomlinson expressed that "It was the type of smooth performance you would expect from the hip-hop superstar." The review gave this performance 4 stars. His North American tour continued until November 22, 2009.[80] At his concert on November 8, 2009, at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, Rihanna joined him on stage and performed "Hard" for the very first time, then performed "Run This Town" with Jay-Z.[81] Among his success, Jay-Z has ventured into producing Broadway shows. Along with Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, Jay-Z helped produced the play Fela!, a musical celebrating the work of the late Nigerian star Fela Kuti.[82] Jay-Z said he was inspired by the power of Kuti's work and his life story, which resulted in his interest to help produce the musical.[82] Fela! is a story about an African pioneer and political activist who made his first moves on the scene during the 1970s.[82] Jay-Z performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2010.On January 23, 2010, Jay-Z released a track, "Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)", with Rihanna, and U2's Bono and The Edge, as well as performing it at the Hope For Haiti Now telethon.[83] In June 2010, Eminem and Jay-Z announced they would perform together in a pair of concerts in Detroit and New York. The event was dubbed The Home & Home Tour. The first two concerts rapidly sold out, prompting the scheduling of an additional show at each venue.[84] Jay-Z was the supporting act for U2 on the Australian and New Zealand leg of their U2 360° Tour, beginning in Auckland, New Zealand in November 2010, followed by Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth in December.[85] He also appeared on stage during U2 performances of "Sunday Bloody Sunday", and in Auckland also joined the band for a performance of "Scarlet", singing some lines of his song, "History". In August 2010, it was revealed that Jay-Z and Kanye West would be collaborating on a five-track EP entitled Watch the Throne. Although, it was later revealed by West that the project had become a full-length LP. Recording sessions for the album took place at various recording locations and began in November 2010. The first single released for the project was "H•A•M". The track was co-produced by Lex Luger and West himself. The track ended up being on the deluxe edition of the album. The follow-up to that was the second single "Otis", which premiered on Funkmaster Flex's Hot 97 radio show, and was later released to the iTunes Store eleven days later. The song's existence, along with several other tracks from the album, was confirmed during a listening session hosted by Jay-Z.[86] The album was first released on the iTunes Store, five days prior to it being released in physical format, a strategy Jay-Z later said was used to block an internet leak. It debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Store in 23 countries. It also broke Coldplay's record for most albums sold in one week on the online retailer, selling 290,000 copies on iTunes alone. It held that record, until Lil Wayne's Tha Carter IV was released twenty-one days later, selling only 10,000 copies more. It debuted on the US Billboard 200 chart at No. 1, selling 436,000 copies in its first week. The album received generally positive reviews. Jay-Z and West later gave a surprise performance of "Otis" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. In April 2011, Jay-Z launched a blog-like, lifestyle website by the name of Life + Times. It covers everything from music, to fashion, to technology, to sports. The site is curated based on Jay-Z's interests, and he himself works with a small staff to produce every single piece of content. 2012-present: Magna Carta Holy Grail and other ventures Jay-Z embraces wife Beyoncé after his performance of "Tom Ford" on The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, 2013Jay-Z collaborated with M.I.A. on the single "XXXO", which achieved a fair level of success and went on to become remixed by several producers worldwide. In May 2012, Jay-Z and Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that Jay-Z will be the curator and the headliner for the first annual "Budweiser Made in America" festival at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia on September 1 and 2, 2012. The performance will be produced by Live Nation and will assemble an eclectic lineup of "rock, hip hop, R&B, latin music and dance" musicians.[87] Jay-Z and Rihanna are to be the two main headlining acts for BBC Radio 1's 2012 Hackney Weekend music festival on June 23 to 24.[88] Jay-Z opened his set with an appearance from Rihanna, they performed "Run this Town". On September 6, "Clique" was released, a single for the album "Cruel Summer", by GOOD Music. Kanye West and Big Sean star alongside Jay-Z in the track. Jay-Z took the subway to his sold out show at The Barclays Center On October 6, 2012.[89] On November 12, 2012 Coldplay announced that they will be playing with Jay-Z at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on December 31.[90] On September 23, 2010, Q-Tip confirmed working on Jay-Z's follow up album to The Blueprint 3, saying the album was to hit stores by spring 2011.[91] The album has not yet been released; it has been confirmed 3 songs have been recorded and one of which features Frank Ocean. In May 2012 it was reported that Jay-Z is working on new music with Roc Nation producer Jahlil Beats. In an interview with XXL, Beats stated: "Me and Jay-Z been going back and forth. He picked a couple of my joints that he's working on. I don't even wanna say too much about Jay, but we definitely working on some stuff. I haven't even sent him a bunch of beats. I sent him my favorite stuff. He hit me right back like, 'Yo, I'ma go in on this,' or, 'I like this.'"[92] The album has been named one of the most anticipated albums of 2013 by Complex Magazine, MTV and XXL Magazine. Production will come from Jahlil Beats, Kanye West, Rick Rubin, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Pharrell Williams.[93][94] Jay-Z also made an appearance on Justin Timberlake's comeback single Suit & Tie from his third studio album The 20/20 Experience, the song itself was produced by both Jay-Z and Timberlake's mutual friend, Timbaland.[95] During the fifth game of the 2013 NBA Finals, Carter announced that his twelfth studio album would be titled, Magna Carta... Holy Grail and would be released on July 4, 2013. He has been in the studio with various artists such as Drake, Nas, and Justin Timberlake working on the album.[96] In December 2013, it was announced that Jay-Z had received nine nominations at the 2014 Grammy Awards, more than any other artist.[97] Jay-Z appeared on his wife Beyonce's self-titled fifth studio album, Beyoncé, with a feature on the popular song Drunk in Love. They performed this song together at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards opening.[98] Musical style Influences Jay-Z that states his earliest exposure to music was through his parents' record collection, which was mostly of soul artists such as Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway. He says "I grew up around music, listening to all types of people... I'm into music that has soul in it, whether it be rap, R&B, pop music, whatever. As long as I can feel their soul through the wax, that's what I really listen to."[99] He often uses excerpts from these artists as samples in his work, particularly in the Kanye West-productions included on The Blueprint.[99] Rapping technique Royce da 5'9" and Fredro Starr of Onyx both describe Jay-Z's emphasis on flow in the book How to Rap - Starr says that Jay-Z is "a master of the flow—he can flow fast, he can flow slow".[100] The book describes how Jay-Z uses 'rests' to provide structure to a verse[101] and how he uses 'partial linking' to add more rhymes to a verse.[102] Jay-Z's early style is described by Vibe as "a distinctly Das EFX-type, stiggety style" on his 12" single "Can't Get With That",[103] referring to the fast rhythms and vocal delivery of the group Das EFX. He is also known to write lyrics in his head, as described by Pusha T of Clipse in How to Rap,[104] a style popular with many MCs such as The Notorious B.I.G.,[104] Everlast,[105] Bobby Creekwater[106] and Guerilla Black.[106] Shock G of Digital Underground describes Jay-Z's performance style, saying he "rarely breaks a sweat, and instead uses smoothness and clever wordplay to keep the audience interested and entertained."[107] Business career In the business world, Jay-Z has also established himself as a successful entrepreneur like his fellow hip hop moguls and friends, Russell Simmons, Dr. Dre and Sean "Diddy" Combs, who also have business holdings such as record companies and clothing lines. In an interview, he stated that "my brands are an extension of me. They're close to me. It's not like running GM, where there's no emotional attachment."[108] He is the founder of the urban clothing brand Rocawear along with Damon Dash.[109] Rocawear has clothing lines and accessories for men, women and children. The line was taken over by Jay-Z in early 2006 following a falling out with Dash. In March 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the Rocawear brand to Iconix Brand Group, for $204 million. He retains his stake in the company and continues to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development.[109][110] He also co-owns the 40/40 Club, an upscale sports bar that started in New York City and has since expanded to Atlantic City and Chicago. In 2008, the 40/40 club in Las Vegas was closed down and bought back by the hotel after attendance steadily declined. Future plans will see 40/40 Clubs in Tokyo and Singapore.[111] In 2005, Jay-Z became an investor in Carol's Daughter, a line of beauty products, including products for hair, skin, and hands.[112] In September 2013, his stake in the Barclay's Center was sold for $1.5 million.[113] Jay-Z serves as co-brand director for Budweiser Select and collaborates with the company on strategic marketing programs and creative ad development. He provides direction on brand programs and ads that appear on TV, radio, print, and high-profile events.[114] He is also yet to expand his 40/40 Club sports bar in as many as 20 airports, as he makes deals with his business partners, Juan and Desiree Perez.[115] He is a part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets NBA team, having paid a reported $4.5 million for his share, which declined in value to $350,000 in April 2013.[116] He encouraged the team's relocation to Brooklyn's Barclays Center (from New Jersey) in the 2012-2013 season, at which point the team took on the Brooklyn Nets moniker.[117][118] In October 2005, he was reported in English media as considering buying a stake of Arsenal F.C., an English soccer team.[119] He has also invested in a real estate development venture called J Hotels which recently acquired a $66 million mid-block parcel in Chelsea, New York. Jay-Z and his partners are contemplating constructing a high-end hotel or an art gallery building on the newly acquired site which has the potential to go up about twelve stories.[120] Through his company Gain Global Investments Network LLC, he had an interest estimated between 2 and 7% in the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) consortium, which in January 2010 was awarded a contract to operate a 4,500 slot machine racino at the Aqueduct Race Track. Jay-Z became interested in the project after New York Governor David Paterson who awarded the contract said there had to be an affirmative action component to the ownership. Jay-Z initially approached Steve Wynn who was also bidding on the contract. On March 9, 2010, Jay-Z and Flake withdrew from the project and Paterson recused himself from further involvement.[121][122] On November 16, 2010, Jay-Z published a memoir entitled Decoded.[123][124] In April 2011, it was widely reported that Jay-Z had outbid executives at Universal Records and Jive Records to acquire independent record label Block Starz Music. [125] [126] [127] Jay-Z is also credited as the executive producer of the basketball video game NBA 2K13, where he worked on the look and feel of the game along with its soundtrack.[128] On April 2, 2013, ESPN reported that Jay-Z will be launching his own sports agency, Roc Nation Sports. The sport management group will work as partners with Creative Artists Agency. In conjunction with the agency's launch, New York Yankees's second basemen Robinson Cano has left agent Scott Boras to sign with the company. Sources have made mention that Jay-Z himself is planning to be a certified sports agent, first in baseball and eventually in basketball and football. In order to represent clients in basketball, he would have to give up his small share of the Brooklyn Nets.[129][130] On April 18, 2013 Jay-Z officially announced through his Life + Times website in a press release that he will be relinquishing his ownership in the Brooklyn Nets.[131] The shares were eventually sold to American-Taiwanese singer, rapper, actor and entrepreneur Wilber Pan, making him the first person of Chinese or Taiwanese decent to own a US professional sports franchise.[132][133] Jay-Z cited Wilber's athletic background as a team captain of his high school basketball team and playing in college, his multitude of musical styles, influence in Chinese and Taiwanese communities, and his business acumen and portfolio, including him being the founder and CEO of a software company Camigo Media and a co-founder of streetwear boutique N.P.C (New Project Center) as reasons why his bid was successful.[132][133] Personal life Jay-Z and Beyoncé performing "Crazy in Love" on November 15, 2009. Bombardier Challenger 850 jet - same model as gift from Beyoncé to Jay-Z[134]Relationship with Beyoncé See also: Beyoncé - Family Jay-Z is married to American R&B singer Beyoncé. In 2002, Jay-Z and Beyoncé collaborated for the song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde". Jay-Z also appeared on Beyoncé's hit single "Crazy in Love" and as well as "That's How You Like It" from her debut Dangerously in Love. On her second album, B'Day, he made appearances on the 2006 hits, "Déjà Vu" and "Upgrade U". In the video for the latter song, she comically imitates his appearance.[135] The couple generally avoid discussing their relationship. Beyoncé has stated that she believes that not publicly discussing their relationship has helped them. Jay-Z said in a People article, "We don't play with our relationship."[136] They kept a low profile while dating, and married quietly in April 2008.[19] It became a matter of public record on April 22, 2008,[137] but Beyoncé did not publicly debut her $5 million Lorraine Schwartz-designed wedding ring until the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008 in New York City.[138] Beyoncé and Jay-Z were listed as the most powerful couple for TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of 2006.[139] In January 2009, Forbes ranked them as Hollywood's top-earning couple, with a combined total of $162 million.[140] They also made it to the top of the list the following year, with a combined total of $122 million between June 2008 and June 2009.[140] At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Beyoncé revealed that she was pregnant with their first child[141][142] and on January 7, 2012, she gave birth to their daughter, named Blue Ivy Carter, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.[143] On January 9, 2012, Jay-Z released "Glory", a song dedicated to their child, on his social website LifeandTimes.com.[144] The song detailed the couple's pregnancy struggles, including a miscarriage Beyoncé suffered before becoming pregnant with their daughter.[144] Because Blue's cries were included at the end of the song and she was officially credited on the song as "B.I.C", at 2 days old she became the youngest person ever to appear on a Billboard chart when "Glory" debuted on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at number 74.[145] Philanthropy During his retirement, Jay-Z also became involved in philanthropic activity. On August 9, 2006, he met with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan at the organization's headquarters in New York City. The rapper pledged to use his upcoming world tour to raise awareness of and combat global water shortage. Already on the look-out for a way to, in his own words, "become helpful", he had been made aware of this issue during a visit to Africa by Bono from the rock group U2.[146] The effort took place in partnership with the UN,[147] as well as MTV, which produced a documentary entitled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, first airing in November 2006.[148] Along with Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross' relief effort after Hurricane Katrina.[149] Jay-Z stated his support for Kanye West after the latter's outburst against President Bush during a live Katrina charity telethon.[150] He also addressed the issue of the Katrina disaster, and the government's response, in his one verse song "Minority Report".[151] Politics In 2006, Jay-Z appeared with Russell Simmons in a PSA combatting racism and anti-Semitism that organized by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.[152] By 2008, Jay-Z got actively involved in politics during the 2008 presidential campaign, where he supported increased voter participation and helped send voters to polling stations.[153] He was an early supporter for the candidacy of Illinois senator and subsequent U.S. president Barack Obama, performing for free in voter-drive concerts financed by the Democrats' campaign.[154] He also became acquainted with Obama himself, who stated "Every time I talk to Jay-Z, who is a brilliant talent and a good guy, I enjoy how he thinks. That's somebody who is going to start branching out and can help shape attitudes in a real positive way."[155] During the 2010 mid-term elections' campaign, Jay-Z appeared, along with other artists, in an ad prepared by the HeadCount organization, urging voters, and especially younger ones, to register and vote.[156] In May 2012, Jay-Z announced his endorsement of President Obama's support of same-sex marriage for gay couples[157] and participated in his re-election campaign.[158] Musician and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte has been openly critical of Jay-Z and Beyoncé in their relatively safe political stances, saying that they "have turned their back on social responsibility" in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter.[159] A Syracuse University finance professor[160] is also of this view, pointing to Jay-Z's only giving $6,000 to charity after making $63 million in 2012. He also voiced that the hip-hop mogul likely would never have come out in support of gay marriage had President Obama not first taken the position.[161]

mac miller

Malcolm James McCormick (born January 19, 1992),[1] best known by his stage name Mac Miller, is an American rapper from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is also a noted record producer under the pseudonym Larry Fisherman. He is signed to Pittsburgh based Rostrum Records, and released his debut album Blue Slide Park, on November 8, 2011, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 despite being released completely independently. His second studio album Watching Movies with the Sound Off was released on June 18, 2013. Contents [hide] •1 Early life •2 Career ◦2.1 2007-2010: Career beginnings ◦2.2 2011-12: Blue Slide Park and other releases ◦2.3 2012-present: Watching Movies with the Sound Off •3 Influences •4 Personal life ◦4.1 Legal issues •5 Discography •6 Tours •7 References •8 External links Early life Malcolm James McCormick was born on January 19, 1992, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Karen Meyers, a photographer, and Mark McCormick, an architect.[2][3] His father is Christian and his mother is Jewish; Miller was raised Jewish and had a Bar Mitzvah.[4][5][6] He was raised in the Point Breeze part of Pittsburgh.[1][7] Miller attended Winchester Thurston School and Taylor Allderdice High School.[8] In high school, Miller decided to focus on his hip hop career, later noting, "Once I hit 15, I got real serious about it and it changed my life completely ... I used to be into sports, play all the sports, go to all the high school parties. But once I found out hip-hop is almost like a job, that's all I did."[1] Miller, a self-taught musician, plays piano, guitar, drums, and bass.[1][9] Career 2007-2010: Career beginnings Miller first started rapping at the age of fourteen.[10] Before that, he wanted to be a singer-songwriter.[11] Prior to changing his name to Mac Miller, he was known as EZ Mac and released the mixtape But My Mackin' Ain't Easy in 2007 at the age of fifteen. Miller was also part of rap group The Ill Spoken together with fellow Pittsburgh rapper, Beedie. The Ill Spoken released the mixtape How High in 2008. In 2009 Mac Miller released two mixtapes The Jukebox: Prelude to Class Clown and The High Life before getting signed to Rostrum Records. In 2009 at age 17, he made it to the final four in Rhyme Calisthenics, the MC competition at Shadow Lounge.[12] In early 2010, Miller signed with Rostrum Records.[13] Rostrum president Benjy Grinberg met Miller while recording with Wiz Khalifa at ID Labs.[14] Although Grinberg started giving Miller advice, he didn't show any interest in getting involved with his career until the artist began work on the K.I.D.S. mixtape, when, as he later told HitQuarters, Grinberg "noticed a maturation in his sound and approach to his music."[14] By that point Miller had started attracting interest from different record companies but chose Rostrum due to its location in his hometown and association with Wiz Khalifa.[14] K.I.D.S. was released by the label in August 2010.[1] The mixtape was inspired by the movie Kids. A significant breakthrough came in late 2010 when Miller embarked on his first tour, the Incredibly Dope Tour, selling out every location.[14] In 2010, he won two awards at the Pittsburgh hip hop awards.[15] 2011-12: Blue Slide Park and other releases Main articles: Best Day Ever (mixtape) and Blue Slide Park Miller performing at the NYC Governor's Ball in 2011.Miller's fifth release was the mixtape, Best Day Ever featuring the single "Donald Trump" and hit songs "Wear My Hat" and "All Around The World". The mixtape featured mainstream producers such as Just Blaze, 9th Wonder, and Chuck Inglish. On November 22, 2010 his first single Knock Knock premiered its video on YouTube.[16] On March 29, 2011, he released an EP called On And On And Beyond. The six-track work was produced by Rostrum Records. On July 5, 2011, Miller announced the title of his first album Blue Slide Park on his YouTube channel, set for a Fall release.[17] In September 2011 it was revealed that Miller would release a mixtape titled 92 Til Infinity hosted by DJ Jazzy Jeff prior to the release of Blue Slide Park.[18] However, the release did not happen, and it was since then left in planning. Miller featured on Maroon 5's remix of their hit song "Moves Like Jagger".[19] On October 14, 2011, Mac Miller released a 13 song mixtape called I Love Life, Thank You, featuring Sir Michael Rocks of The Cool Kids, Talib Kweli, and Bun B. On November 2011, Blue Slide Park debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 144,000 copies.[20] This was the first independently distributed debut to take the number one spot on the Billboard albums chart since since Tha Dogg Pound's 1995 release Dogg Food.[21] In 2011 Miller was one of eleven rappers featured in XXL magazine's Freshman Class of 2011.[22] In 2011, his first TV appearance took place in the VH1 show Single Ladies; he played a fictionalized version of himself that succeeded in selling one of his mixtapes to one of the main characters. Also in 2011, he was a part of MTV Jams Fab Five artists.[23] On February 15, 2012 Mac Miller uploaded a trailer on YouTube for his long anticipated music video "Missed Calls".[24] It was released on his official YouTube channel on June 22, 2012.[25] On March 23, 2012, Mac Miller released his seventh mixtape called Macadelic. He released "Loud" as a single off the mixtape as well as making a music video. "Loud" peaked at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100.[26] Miller also released a video for "Thoughts From A Balcony". In June 2012 Mac Miller premiered the song "Onaroll" available on YouTube. "Onaroll" is performed by Mac Miller and produced by Pharrell Williams, from a future collaboration EP titled Pink Slime.[27][28] On August 7, 2012 Miller released a further single from "Pink Slime", "Glow", available for free download.[29][30] On September 1, Miller released another free song called "PlaneCarBoat" which features West Coast rapper Schoolboy Q and was produced by himself.[31] On November 21, 2012 Miller released an iTunes exclusive EP entitled You under the name Larry Lovestein & The Velvet Revival. Rather than rap, the EP features Miller crooning over lounging jazz instrumentals.[32] 2012-present: Watching Movies with the Sound Off On October 14, Miller announced Pink Slime would be released before the end of 2012 and that his second album, Watching Movies with the Sound Off, will be released in early 2013.[33][34] Watching Movies With the Sound Off is set to feature guest appearances from Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler, the Creator, Action Bronson and Jay Electronica.[35][36] When speaking of the album Miller said that it is "very introspective and very personal so it's kind of throwing it all out there and seeing what happens."[37] He also announced his plans to finally release 92 Til Infinity with DJ Jazzy Jeff in early 2013 prior to his release.[38] Mac Miller is currently featured on a six-episode reality series titled Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family on MTV2. It features the production of Watching Movies With the Sounds Off and premiered on February 26, 2013. The first trailer was released on January 20, 2013.[39] On March 4, 2013 Miller released a new mixtape solely featuring instrumentals made by Miller titled, Run-On Sentences Vol. 1 under his production alias "Larry Fisherman".[40] On March 9, he would announce the first single from Watching Movies with the Sound Off to be "Somebody Do Somethin'" and to release soon. He premiered a snippet of the song of the second episode of his reality show.[41] On May 2, 2013, he announced via UStream and Twitter that Watching Movies with the Sound Off would be released on, June 18, 2013.[42] The album was met with generally positive reviews upon its release, with most critics prasing his new sound. The album also received commercial success debuting at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling 101,000 copies in its first week.[43] The album spawned three singles; "S.D.S.", "Watching Movies" and "Goosebumpz". Mac Miller started his own record label in early 2013, REMember Music, named after a friend who died.[44] He also fully produced Odd Future affiliate Vince Staples' mixtape, Stolen Youth.[45] During October 2013, Miller toured Europe with fellow rappers Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz.[46] On October 31, 2013, Mac Miller released a new self-produced mixtape named Delusional Thomas.[47] On December 17, 2013, Miller released his first live album, Live from Space. Following that, he plans to begin working with Pharrell again on their collaboration EP Pink Slime to be released during 2014.[48] He is also currently working on four separate projects, that he already has at least seven songs done on each. He told MTV that they include his next solo "Mac Miller album," and it had came together on accident.[49] Influences Mac Miller includes Big L, Lauryn Hill, the Beastie Boys, Outkast, and A Tribe Called Quest among his influences.[9] He also has a close relationship with fellow Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa, saying "Wiz has been a big brother to me with this music thing so far. Our relationship is beyond music. He really is just my homie, whether I will be making music or not."[50] Personal life Miller has said that he became addicted to combination of promethazine and codeine known as "purple drank" or "lean." which he began taking to manage the stress he was enduring during his Macadelic Tour in 2012. In January 2013, Miller told Complex: I love lean; it's great. I was not happy and I was on lean very heavy. I was so ****ed up all the time it was bad. My friends couldn't even look at me the same. I was lost.[21] At the time of Miller's addiction, his childhood friend, Jimmy Murton, said: "I saw him in that mentality I remember being in—you're getting ****ed up because you feel like you need to. You're trying to get away from everything. For how much he was drinking, it's unbelievable that he stopped. It's definitely one of the most impressive things he's ever done." Miller quit taking promethazine in November 2012, before he started the shooting of his upcoming reality show, Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family.[21] Miller was in a long term relationship with a girl he met in middle school for four years until April 2013. Many of the songs on his mixtape Macadelic were about their relationship.[51] Legal issues In February 2011, while on tour in Upstate New York, Miller and his friends were arrested for possession of marijuana for which they had to spend the night in jail. The case was settled.[52] In June 2012, producer Lord Finesse filed a $10 million lawsuit against Mac Miller, Rostrum Records and DatPiff for the use of a sample of Finesse's song "Hip 2 Da Game" used in Miller's 2010 mixtape song "Kool-Aid and Frozen Pizza", even though the song was not commercially released and Finesse was given credit for the sample from the beginning. A case can be made that the song "made money through YouTube ads and Lord Finesse could be entitled to some of those, but instead Finesse believes that his beat has been instrumental to all of Mac's success." This was done even though the song is itself based on an Oscar Peterson sample, which he himself never paid for.[53] In January 2013 the lawsuit was settled outside of court with actual legal results not revealed.[54] Discography Main article: Mac Miller discography •K.I.D.S (2010) •Best Day Ever (2011) •Blue Slide Park (2011) •Macadelic (2012) •Watching Movies with the Sound Off (2013) Tours •The Incredibly Dope Tour (2011) •Blue Slide Park Tour (2011) •Macadelic Tour (2012) •Under the Influence of Music Tour (2012) (with Wiz Khalifa) •The Space Migration Tour (2013) References 1.^ Jump up to: a b c d e Todd, Deborah M. (August 12, 2010). "Like Wiz Khalifa, rapper Mac Miller is another talent from Allderdice". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2011-02-23. 2.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller: From blue slide to Billboard — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Printer friendly". Post-gazette.com. November 8, 2011. Retrieved 2013-02-19. 3.Jump up ^ "J Magazine issue 2". Issuu.com. March 10, 2011. Retrieved 2013-02-19. 4.Jump up ^ Phillips, Rashad (March 9, 2011). "Mac Miller Talks Jewish Heritage". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 5.Jump up ^ Tobias, Jonathan (November 4, 2010). "DXnext: Mac Miller | Check Out New Hip Hop Artists & Upcoming Rappers". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 6.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller - Exclusive Interview with Rap Star". Shalomlife.com. March 7, 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-14. 7.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller attack - Music". Toronto.com. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 8.Jump up ^ Assad, David (June 7, 2007). "PG East: Winchester Thurston is Division 2 lacrosse champion". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 9.^ Jump up to: a b "Mac Miller". Rostrum Records. Retrieved May 22, 2011. 10.Jump up ^ Ahmed, Insanul (January 29, 2013). "He Started Rapping When He Was 14". complex.com. Complex Media. Retrieved January 30, 2013. 11.Jump up ^ Ahmed, Insanul (January 29, 2013). "He Tried to Be a Singer/Songwriter Before Becoming a Rapper". complex.com. Complex Media. Retrieved January 30, 2013. 12.Jump up ^ "Allderdice grad Mac Miller garners national attention with his latest mixtape - Music - Music Features - Pittsburgh City Paper". Pittsburghcitypaper.ws. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 13.Jump up ^ "PRESS RELEASE: Mac Miller Signs to Rostrum Records - - Are You In That Mood Yet ?". Areyouinthatmoodyet.com. July 21, 2010. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 14.^ Jump up to: a b c d "Interview With Benjy Grinberg". HitQuarters. Oct 17, 2011. Retrieved Oct 19, 2011. 15.Jump up ^ Mervis, Scott (March 31, 2011). "How Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller and Girl Talk became the new face of the music scene". Post-gazette.com. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 16.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller - Knock Knock". Youtube. Retrieved July 5, 2011. 17.Jump up ^ Miller, Mac. "Mac Miller - Album Title Announcement". Youtube. Retrieved July 5, 2011. 18.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller To Release "Blue Slide Park" On November 8TH + Album Art". MacMiller.org. Retrieved September 17, 2011. 19.Jump up ^ Name* (September 14, 2011). "Mac Miller to Appear on Maroon 5′s "Moves Like Jagger (Remix)"". Xxlmag.Com. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 20.Jump up ^ Jacobs, Allen (November 16, 2011). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 11/13/2011". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 21.^ Jump up to: a b c Ahmed, Insanul (January 28, 2013). "Mac Miller: King of the Hill (2013 Online Cover Story)". complex.com. Complex Media. Retrieved January 30, 2013. 22.Jump up ^ "XXL Freshmen 2011 | Mac Miller". Xxlmag.Com. May 25, 2009. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 23.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller Appearance On "Single Ladies" | Mac Miller Fan Site". Macmiller.org. June 13, 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-24. 24.Jump up ^ Mac Miller - Missed Calls (Trailer) on YouTube 25.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller - Missed Calls (Prod. By Ritz Reynolds)". YouTube. Retrieved August 7, 2012 26.Jump up ^ http://www.billboard.com/artist/276901/mac+miller/chart?f=379 27.Jump up ^ YouTube - "Mac Miller Moves Out of Mom's House — Bamboozle Festival 2012" 28.Jump up ^ YouTube - "Mac Miller x Pharrell — Onaroll (Audio)" 29.Jump up ^ " #pinkslime - glow.. Twitter. Retrieved August 7, 2012 30.Jump up ^ "#glow -. Twitter. Retrieved August 7, 2012 31.Jump up ^ Listen Up: "PlaneCarBoat" By Mac Miller Feat. ScHoolboy Q. ology.com. Retrieved September 6, 2012 32.Jump up ^ "iTunes - Music - You - EP by Larry Lovestein & The Velvet Revival". Itunes.apple.com. November 21, 2012. Retrieved 2013-06-25. 33.Jump up ^ My Sophomore Album Title Is: Watching Movies With The Sound Off. Twitter. Retrieved October 14, 2012 34.Jump up ^ pink slime will be out before the end of the year. and Watching Movies will be out early next year.. Twitter. Retrieved October 14, 2012 35.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller Says "TDE Will Be A Big Part" Of Next Album, Talks Bond With ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul & Cam'ron". Retrieved November 2, 2012. 36.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller: King of the Hill (2013 Online Cover Story)". Complex. Retrieved 2013-02-19. 37.Jump up ^ "Interview: Mac Miller Speaks On Winning Complex's Man Of Next Year". Complex. Retrieved 2013-02-19. 38.Jump up ^ "Mac Miller & DJ Jazzy Jeff To Release "'92 Til Infinity" In Early 2013". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. November 26, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012. 39.Jump up ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (January 20, 2013). "Mac Miller & MTV2's "Mac Miller And The Most Dope Family" Reality Show Trailer". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-02-19. 40.Jump up ^ Mac Miller "Run-On Sentences: Vol. 1" Mixtape Stream & Download 41.Jump up ^ Mac Miller Announces First Single Off His Next Album | Complex 42.Jump up ^ "Twitter / MacMiller: Watching Movies With The Sound". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2013-06-25. 43.Jump up ^ Paine, Jake (2013-06-26). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 6/23/2013 | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-08-25. 44.Jump up ^ Ahmed, Insanul (January 29, 2013). "He's Starting His Own Label, REMember Music". complex.com. Complex Media. Retrieved January 30, 2013. 45.Jump up ^ Ahmed, Insanul (January 29, 2013). "He's Producing an EP for Vince Staples". complex.com. Complex Media. Retrieved January 30, 2013. 46.Jump up ^ Lil Wayne Postpones European Tour 47.Jump up ^ Mac Miller - Delusional Thomas // Free Mixtape @ DatPiff.com 48.Jump up ^ Mac Miller And Pharrell's Collaborative Project Out Next Year - XXL 49.Jump up ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26863/title.mac-miller-says-he-s-working-on-four-albums 50.Jump up ^ Tobias, Jonathan. "DXnext: Mac Miller". HipHopDX, Cheri Media Group. Retrieved May 22, 2011. 51.Jump up ^ "Interview: Mac Miller « The FADER". Thefader.com. June 5, 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-25. 52.Jump up ^ Ahmed, Insanul (November 29, 2011). "Interview: The Night Mac Miller Spent In Jail". complex.com. Complex Media. Retrieved January 30, 2013. 53.Jump up ^ "6. Lord Finesse Sues Mac Miller for Using His Beat on a Mixtape — The 25 Biggest Hip-Hop Fails of 2012". Complex. Retrieved 2013-02-19. 54.Jump up ^ Kaufman, Gil (January 16, 2013). "Mac Miller Settles $10 Million Lord Finesse Lawsuit — Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Retrieved 2013-02-19.