The History Of Shady Records

Shady Records is an American record label specializing in hip hop music. It was founded in 1999 by rapper Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg, following the highly successful release of Eminem’s album, "The Slim Shady LP"123.

Eminem started the label as an avenue to release music from his group, D121. The label’s A&R Marc Labelle described Shady Records as "a boutique label but [with] all the outlets of a major [and] Interscope backing up our every move"1.

D12 was the first act signed by Shady Records, and they released “Devil’s Night” in June 2001, which peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200, earning 371,000 copies during the first week of release1. Obie Trice was the second act signed by the label1.

While working on the film 8 Mile, Eminem met underground rapper 50 Cent and, impressed with his mixtape, “Guess Who’s Back?”, Eminem offered him the chance to work together1. 50 Cent became the first solo artist signed to Shady and Aftermath1.

Shady Records also put together the soundtrack for the film 8 Mile, which included the lead single “Lose Yourself”. This song went on to become the first ever hip hop song to receive an Academy Award for Best Original Song1.

Current acts include Eminem, Westside Boogie, Grip, and Ez Mil, while former acts include D12, Obie Trice, 50 Cent, DJ Green Lantern, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater, Cashis, Bad Meets Evil, Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf, Griselda, Westside Gunn, and Conway the Machine1.