Eminem may be one of the biggest rappers of all time, but before he made it big, he was just another kid in Detroit struggling to get by. Long before selling out arenas, he flipped burgers, washed dishes, and worked factory jobs—all while chasing his dream of making it in hip-hop.
A Tough Childhood & School Struggles
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Eminem spent most of his childhood in Detroit, Michigan, moving frequently with his single mother, Debbie Nelson. School was rough—he struggled academically and often skipped classes, leading him to repeat ninth grade three times before ultimately dropping out.
🔹 “I would change schools two, three times a year, and that was probably the roughest part,” he told 60 Minutes.
🔹 “I got beat up in the bathroom, beat up in the hallways, shoved in lockers… just for being the new kid.”
Before the Fame: Flipping Burgers & Factory Work
With no high school diploma, Eminem took on regular day jobs to help his mother pay the bills. One of his most notable gigs was working as a short-order cook at Gilbert’s Lodge in Michigan, where he flipped burgers and washed dishes alongside future D12 member Mr. Porter.
He also worked factory jobs, much like his B-Rabbit character in 8 Mile. The film, which mirrors his real-life struggles, was even shot at a factory in Detroit, making the story feel even more personal.
From Factory Floors to Owning a Restaurant
Life came full circle in 2021 when Eminem opened his own restaurant, Mom’s Spaghetti, in Detroit—named after his iconic lyric from Lose Yourself. He even surprised fans by working a shift at the walk-up window on opening day.
Using Bullying as Fuel for His Rhymes
Despite being bullied as a kid, Eminem turned his pain into power, using those experiences as motivation in his lyrics.
🔹 “Hip-hop has always been about bragging and boasting,” he said.
🔹 “This kid over here may have more chicks or better clothes, but he can’t do THIS like me. He can’t write what I’m writing right now.”
Staying Loyal to Detroit
Even after achieving global fame, Eminem has never forgotten his roots. He remains deeply connected to Detroit, often driving past his old homes just to reminisce.
🔹 “I’m a creature of habit. This is where I grew up, and I’m just comfortable here,” he told Metro Times.
🔹 “I can always go back and visit my old neighborhood. It brings back memories—good and bad. And that’s important.”
From Struggle to Stardom
Eminem’s journey from a struggling dropout to a rap icon is a testament to hard work, resilience, and an unshakable belief in himself. His past may have been rough, but it shaped him into the artist—and the legend—he is today.
