On this day, exactly 19 years ago (May 26, 2002), Eminem released his fourth solo studio album, The Eminem Show, under Aftermath Entertainment, Shady Records and Interscope Records. It features guest appearances from Obie Trice, D12, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, Dina Rae and Eminem’s daughter Hailie Jade Scott-Mathers.
The Eminem Show debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and stood there for six non-consecutive weeks. It sold over 1.3 million copies in its second week in the US, where it registered a full week of sales. The album produced four commercially successful singles, “Without Me”, “Cleanin’ Out My Closet”, “Superman”, and “Sing for the Moment”.
The album was met with positive critical reviews, with praise directed at Eminem’s mature, introspective lyricism and the album’s experimental production.
The Eminem Show was both the best-selling album of 2002 in the United States and the best-selling album worldwide of 2002. It was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and its worldwide sales of over 30 million copies make it one of the best-selling albums of all time and the third best-selling album of the 21st century.
At the 2003 Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Rap Album, while “Without Me” won Best Music Video.
You can revisit the album below: