Eminems real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III. He was born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was raised by his mother, Debbie Nelson Mathers, who settled the family in Warren, just outside Detroit when he was 11. Eminem began rapping when he was 14 in an early duo with a high school friend, then established himself in Detroits battle rap scene at clubs such as the Hip Hop Shop. He is known for his controversial and often vulgar lyrics, and his music has generated plenty of controversy. Eminem is one of the most popular rappers of all time and has been credited with popularizing hip hop in Middle America. Some of his well-known hits include "My Name Is", "The Real Slim Shady", "The Way I Am", "Stan", "Without Me", "Lose Yourself", "Mockingbird", "Not Afraid", "Love the Way You Lie", "The Monster", "River", "Godzilla", and "Rap God".