The widely accepted answer is that Eminem was discovered by industry figures who later propelled his career, most notably Dr. Dre. Dre encountered Eminem at the 1997 Rap Olympics and began mentoring and producing him, which led to Eminem’s major-label breakthrough with The Slim Shady LP in 1999. Other figures in Detroit's local scene and early advocates—such as people involved in producing and promoting his early demos—played roles in bringing him to attention, though Dre’s discovery and backing are the most commonly cited turning point in mainstream accounts.