Often considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, Eminem continued to expand his stardom when he released his latest album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace) back in 2024. Having already sold over 200 million albums and won several Grammy awards, the rapper dominated the airwaves and charts when he released his iconic song “Lose Yourself” in the early 2000s. With Eminem still exploring his career in the music industry, it appeared that a former employee was charged with trying to sell unreleased songs from the rapper.
Having worked for Eminem for almost two decades, employees sounded the alarm when they learned unreleased songs from the rapper were for sale online. Immediately contacting the FBI, an investigation was opened and revealed that former employee Joseph Strange was behind the scheme.
According to U.S. Attorney Julie Beck, “Protecting intellectual property from thieves is critical in safeguarding the exclusive rights of creators and protecting their original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals who seek to profit from the creative output of others.”
Former Eminem Employee Could Face Years In Jail
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, Chevyvoryea Gibson, praised the work of the agency and how they protected Eminem’s music from being stolen. “Thanks to the cooperation of Mathers Music Studio, FBI agents from the Oakland County Resident Agency were able to swiftly enforce federal laws and ensure Joseph Strange was held accountable for his actions.”
With the investigation ongoing, Strange found himself in a great deal of trouble that could land him in jail. If convicted, not only will the former employee face a fine of $250,000 but he could spend up to five years in prison for his actions. And if the charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods remain, that is another 10 years in prison.
As for the stolen music, producer Filthy Rockwell explained how important music was to each artist. “This music is like our kids. We nurture it and we grow fond relationships with the music, and the songs, and the time we stand to put in it. So, it’s detrimental when somebody leaks your music.”
(Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)
