In 1997, with his debut album going nowhere fast, Day flew Marshall to the Rap Olympics in Los Angeles in hopes of the rapper taking home the $500 top prize. Although he didn't win this money, this was the beginning of his big break. His tape made it's way to Interscope Records CEO, Jimmy Iovine, who liked what he heard. He then sent the tape to Dr. Dre, who signed Marshall immediately to his Aftermath Label, and moved on to produce his next album, The Slim Shady EP, which was released in 1998. .
Marshall's manager and longtime friend, Paul Rosenburg says the following of Em's feelings on fame. "One minute he's thrilled because he's selling records and people like him. Then he's unhappy because he can't go to Taco Bell with his daughter without getting hassled for 700 autographs. He doesn't mind giving autographs, but just when the time and place are right.".
Marshall has his 1st number one hit, "My Name Is- off his album The Slim Shady LP , in 1999, the same year it was released. He has another hit song, "Guilty Conscience" featuring Dr. Dre, off this album.
His next album, The Marshall Mathers LP released on February 23, 2000, caused great controversy with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD). This album has three singles, two of which went to number one on the billboard charts, "The Real Slim Shady," "Stan," and "The Way I Am.".
As Marshall's career continues to gain momentum, through, it seems that Marshall is only hurting those closest to him as his wife recently expresses. Kim Mathers, age 25, attempted suicide at the couples" sprawling 2-story home in Sterling Heights, MI. Although, no one is certain what prompted Kim's suicide attempt, her tense marriage to this shady character could be partly to blame.
Marshall has also hurt someone closer to him that his wife, Kim: his mother, Debbie Mathers - Briggs. She says this, "You always think you want your kids to grow up and be entertainers.