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Shady Records
Shady Records
Shady Records
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Shady Records is an American record label founded by rapper Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg in 1999, following the commercially successful release of The Slim Shady LP that same year. The label's name comes from the last name of Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady.

Key Information

The Shady Records roster was showcased on their 2006 compilation album, Eminem Presents: The Re-Up, which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200. The label's roster was also predominantly featured on the soundtrack to the film 8 Mile; the film starred Eminem while the album was led by the single "Lose Yourself". The song became the first hip hop song to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Shady Records has signed and released projects for acts including Eminem himself, his group D12, Obie Trice, 50 Cent, Cashis, Bad Meets Evil, Slaughterhouse, Yelawolf, Griselda, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine and Grip; its roster as of 2025 includes Westside Boogie and Ez Mil.

History

[edit]

1999–2004: Formation, first generation, growth and feuds

[edit]
Eminem founded Shady Records in 1999.

After Eminem released The Slim Shady LP, he started his own record label in late 1999. Eminem looked for an avenue to release D12, and Rosenberg was keen to start a label, which led to the two teaming up to form Shady.[1] Its A&R Marc Labelle has defined the record label as "a boutique label but [with] all the outlets of a major [and] Interscope backing up our every move."[2]

D12 was the first act signed by Shady as they had been rapping together since the 1990s, and the members had made a promise that whoever became successful would come back and sign the others.[3] In June 2001, D12 released Devil's Night, peaking at #1 on the Billboard 200, earning 371,000 copies during the first week of release.[4][5] Obie Trice was introduced to Eminem through D12's Bizarre. Eminem signed him in June 2001 as the second Shady act.[6][7] Obie Trice first got public attention via a freestyle skit on the Devil's Night album and The Eminem Show track, "Drips".

While working on the film 8 Mile, Eminem had a meeting with then underground rapper 50 Cent. Eminem had heard 50 Cent's mixtape, Guess Who's Back?, taken them to Dr. Dre and offered him the chance to work together on the artist.[8] 50 Cent became the first solo artist signed to Shady and Aftermath.[9] The 8 Mile soundtrack was the third Shady LP to be released.[10][11] The first single was "Lose Yourself", which earned multiple nominations and became a surprise win of an Academy Award for Best Original Song, the first time a hip hop song had ever won the award.[12][13][14] The second single was 50 Cent's "Wanksta", which was released as a buzz track[15] and became popular in 50 Cent's home town.[16] During this time, Eminem had also made a deal with DJ Green Lantern, who released the label's first mixtape, Invasion!, in 2002.[17] He was the DJ for Eminem during the Anger Management Tour.[18]

The fourth release from Shady was 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin', in February 2003. The album became the fastest selling debut in U.S. history, selling 872,000 copies in its first week.[19][20] Next to be released from Shady was Obie Trice's debut album, Cheers, six months later. Despite being commercial successful, the LP was considered overshadowed by 50 Cent's music at the time.[7] In 2003, Shady was involved in several controversies with the likes of the inherited Murder Inc. feud that 50 Cent and G-Unit were involved in,[21] on-going problems with the previous co-owners of The Source magazine, namely Benzino,[22] as well as escalating issues with rapper Royce da 5'9", who was previously a friend of Eminem and D12, until they reunited in 2010.[23]

Near the end of 2003, Eminem and Dr. Dre signed a joint deal with Stat Quo.[24] Stat Quo became the second artist to be signed to Shady and Aftermath. The following year saw the release of D12's second album, D12 World. Also, in 2004, Eminem and Rosenberg began a venture offered by Sirius Satellite Radio that saw the airing of their uncensored hip hop radio station, Shade 45.[1][25] Shady DJ, DJ Green Lantern, was given his own show,[26] whilst 50 Cent's G-Unit DJ, DJ Whoo Kid, co-hosted G-Unit Radio on Saturdays.[27]

2005–2009: Development and Eminem Presents: The Re-Up

[edit]
Obie Trice released two albums on the label, before leaving Shady in 2008.

2005 saw the release of 50 Cent's second release, The Massacre, which set a record as the sixth fastest selling album since Nielsen SoundScan started tracking albums in 1991, with 1.14 million albums sold in four days.[28][29] The album was a commercial success, and was only 32,000 records away from being the best-selling album of the year.[30] On "Piggy Bank", a song off the album, 50 Cent insulted several artists, including Jadakiss.[31] The feud between Jadakiss and 50 Cent indirectly led to DJ Green Lantern leaving Shady Records. A few months after the release of The Massacre, Jadakiss appeared on a street DVD, and had DJ Green Lantern on loudspeaker through his phone, without Green Lantern being aware of this. The DJ shared his thoughts on how to deal with the feud. When the DVD was released and Eminem found out about what happened, Green Lantern had to leave Shady Records and Shade 45, and his upcoming album, Armageddon, was no longer a Shady Records-related project.[32] The Alchemist was signed on as the official tour DJ for Eminem on the 2005 Anger Management 3 Tour, replacing the recently ousted DJ Green Lantern.

In August 2005, Eminem and the XXL magazine teamed up to release a special issue titled XXL Presents Shade 45, and was designed to give maximum exposure to Shade 45 as a radio station, and at the same time give maximum exposure to the Shady Records label as a whole, as well as the radio DJ's and G-Unit Records' artists. XXL executive publisher, Jonathan Rheingold, stated that typically magazines based around particular artists were not favorable, but "since Shade 45 is a truly authentic and uncensored rap radio channel, the marriage with the XXL brand made sense," before adding that it is what would interest rap fans.[33] September 2005 also saw the signing of Bobby Creekwater to the label, making him the fifth artist and the second Atlanta-based rapper.[34]

In early 2006, Chicago-born Orange County, California-based rapper named Cashis joined Shady Records, after he managed to get his demo heard by Eminem.[35][36] Later in 2006, Obie Trice released his second album, Second Round's on Me. However, the album did not fare as well commercially as his debut, seemingly because of the state of the hip-hop industry.[37] The album saw a change in Obie Trice's style, whose first album was considered to be a little light-hearted. Second Round's on Me was considered to be a more serious, dark album, mainly showing the grittiness of Obie Trice's life and surroundings.[7][38]

In early 2006, there had been talk of Eminem having the label's roster on a mixtape with new material to be presented by DJ Whoo Kid and The Alchemist.[39] This talk went on for several months. In the end, it was announced that Eminem was so impressed with the mixtape material that he had decided to make it an official album, called Eminem Presents the Re-Up. The album had been long anticipated, until it was released in early December 2006. The release had spawned the single "You Don't Know", which featured 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and the latest signee Cashis.[40]

In May 2007, Cashis released the eight-track The County Hound EP in an attempt to have people "fiend" for his music, or garner interest in it. The album was released as a limited edition EP.[41] September saw the release of 50 Cent's third album with the label, Curtis, which was involved in a well publicized competition with rapper Kanye West, who had his third album, Graduation set for release on the same day.[42] In June 2008, Obie Trice departed from the label. A misunderstanding was made where it was believed he was attacking the label and Eminem on a single titled "The Giant" but they were quickly dismissed. In a statement, Paul Rosenberg stated "Shady Records has agreed to allow Obie Trice to pursue his craft in a different forum free from the constraints of the current major label model [...] Eminem will continue to support and work with Obie on many levels of his career [...] He remains a close friend and member of the Shady family."[43] In a 2012 interview, Obie opened up on the topic, admitting having issues with Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine, which was Trice's fault, clarifying "I was kind of reckless, not on time, certain things and [Iovine] didn't want to further the project with me so we tried to work it out but it just didn’t come to a head so I had to do what I had to do," before going on to note that his relationship with the label is great, and he continues to work with Eminem, notably on Bottoms Up, which was to be released originally on Shady Records.[44]

Stat Quo was also released from the label in 2008. Stat felt the root cause appeared to him to be a straining relationship with Eminem stemming from differences relating to the promotion of the album. HipHopDX detailed the events following this point in the situation leading to his release from the label with "Eminem's decision to remove himself from Stat's project, a subsequent, and unexplained, decision made by Dr. Dre to not appear in Stat's video for "Here We Go," and the aforementioned lack of support for the single by parent label, Interscope, Stat began seeking his release from the label."[45] 2009 saw the departure of Bobby Creekwater who had been working on his debut album, A Brilliant Mistake.[46][47]

2010–2016: Shady 2.0 and Shady XV

[edit]

Slaughterhouse guest featured Eminem's seventh album Recovery on the bonus track "Session One". On January 12, 2011, Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf appeared on the cover of the XXL magazine with Eminem, then was confirmed that both acts were signed to Shady Records. On March 2, 2011, a track called "2.0 Boys" performed by Eminem, Slaughterhouse and Yelawolf surfaced.[48]

Slaughterhouse, it's kinda phase two of Shady. The new generation of Shady Records. And as we're trying to rebuild our label. But it's exciting for hip-hop [...] Everybody here, as an MC, is competitive. And I think, Yelawolf being in the family, the Shady family, it's gonna make him hear what these guys are doin' and wanna step his own shit up. When I hear these guys, I wanna step my shit up. And when they hear each other, I think it'll be a competitive atmosphere, like, makin' these records. And that's better for hip-hop.

— Eminem, XXL[49]

On April 25, 2011, Eminem and Royce da 5'9" announced plans to team up for a joint EP, slated for release on June 14. The project served as a long-awaited follow-up to their 1999 collaboration "Nuttin' to Do", and featured production from Mr. Porter, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Bangladesh and more. "Royce and I started hanging out again and inevitably that led us back into the studio", said Eminem in a statement. "At first we were just seeing where it went without any real goal in mind, but the songs started to come together crazy, so here we are." Royce also talked about it, and said: "I'm excited to see this project come to fruition considering the long lapse in time between when we worked before and now. We had a blast doing it and we just hope everyone enjoys it while we're working on the 'Monster' that will be the Slaughterhouse album."

Eminem signed rapper Yelawolf to the label in 2011.

In October 2011, Yelawolf and Slaughterhouse, along with Eminem, freestyled over East Flatbush Project's "Tried by 12" on a DJ Premier-hosted BET Cypher segment at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards. Becoming referred to as the "Shady 2.0 BET Cypher", it was considered to be a fan favorite segment of the cipher sessions presented throughout the awards show, with talk spreading across many online social media outlets, and Twitter having popularised trends relating with the terms "#Cypher" and "#Shady 2.0" as it was airing.[50][51][52][53]

The label showcased acts at the 2012 SXSW festival on March 16, 2012, at the Austin Music Hall. The evening was presented by Shade 45 radio host Sway Calloway, the Shady Records artist line up for the evening included Slaughterhouse and 50 Cent, who performed his début album Get Rich or Die Tryin' in its entirety for the first time.[54] Yelawolf was also scheduled to perform but couldn't due to a spleen injury earlier that month.

On March 20, 50 Cent announced that his 50 Cent's fifth studio album would be released on July 2, 2012.[55] This was later delayed to November 13, 2012. Another delay was announced, pushing the release back to January 2013. On March 29, 2012, Yelawolf announced his second release under Shady, tentatively titled Love Story.[56] On May 24, 2012, Eminem announced his eighth studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, which was then released on November 5, 2013.

When speaking about all future Shady Records releases president Paul Rosenberg said that Eminem's next album would be released post-Memorial Day 2013 and to expect new music from it soon. He also went on to discuss the other acts saying 50 Cent's Street King Immortal would be released in the first half of 2013, with Yelawolf's second album, Love Story, currently being recorded. Rosenberg would also state that all four members of Slaughterhouse would release solo projects prior to them returning to the studio as a group to record their second album under Shady Records. The first album released would be Joe Budden's No Love Lost on February 5, 2013, under E1 Music. The second would be Kxng Crooked's Apex Predator released under Treacherous C.O.B and Empire Distribution.[57] However, Royce and Joell Ortiz of Slaughterhouse would confirm in May 2013 that they had put their solo projects on hold, and had begun working on their third studio album.[58]

On February 20, 2014, 50 Cent announced he left Interscope Records, which included his deal with Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment, in which he is now signed to Caroline Records.[59]

On August 25, 2014, a press release on Eminem's official website announced an upcoming compilation album by Shady Records, titled Shady XV. The two-disc album released on November 24, 2014, in the week of Black Friday[60] and consisted of one greatest hits disc and one disc of new material from Shady Records artists such as D12, Slaughterhouse, Bad Meets Evil, and Yelawolf. On the same day, August 25, 2014, the first single from the album, titled "Guts Over Fear" and featuring singer-songwriter Sia,[61] was released.

2017–present: Third generation and the disbandment of D12 and Slaughterhouse

[edit]

On March 3, 2017, Shady Records and Griselda Records announced that Shady Records had signed Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine to the label both individually and collectively.[62] Following the 2017 BET Hip-Hop Awards on October 11, 2017, Shady Records announced that they had signed Compton rapper Boogie.[63]

The signings of these artists has led to Shady's profitability again, with the releases of Yelawolf's Trial by Fire and Eminem's Revival. The latter would suddenly release his tenth studio album Kamikaze without any prior promotion.[64]

During the transition, Royce da 5'9" announced that Slaughterhouse had officially disbanded, so did Eminem with D12, and Yelawolf left the label after releasing Trunk Muzik 3.[65][66]

In 2019, Boogie released his debut album Everything's for Sale, and Griselda released their first album on the label, WWCD, both meeting critical acclaim.[67]

On January 17, 2020, Eminem released his eleventh studio album Music to Be Murdered By without any prior announcement. Commercially, it debuted at number one in 12 countries. In the United States, the album sold 279,000 in its first week becoming Eminem's tenth consecutive number-one album in the country. Eminem became the only artist with ten consecutive number-one albums in the United States and United Kingdom. Both Griselda and Westside Gunn left the label the same year.

On July 2, 2021, it was announced that Atlanta rapper Grip had signed to the label, and later released his debut Shady album, I Died for This!?.[68]

On February 25, 2022, Conway the Machine released his second studio album, God Don't Make Mistakes, and on June 17, 2022, Westside Boogie released More Black Superheroes. God Don't Make Mistakes was his final album before signing off with Shady. That same year, Eminem released his second greatest hits album, Curtain Call 2, following his 2005 compilation album Curtain Call: The Hits.

On July 27, 2023, Eminem announced the signing of Ez Mil to Shady and Aftermath, and announced a collaboration titled "Realest", and later a reissue of Du4li7y.[69]

On May 31, 2024, Eminem came back from hiatus to release "Houdini", the leading single of his upcoming album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), which was released on July 12, 2024.

Artists

[edit]

Current acts

[edit]
Act Year
signed 		Releases
with the label
Eminem 1999; Founder 12
Westside Boogie[70] 2017 2
Ez Mil 2023 1

Former acts

[edit]
Act Years on
the label 		Releases
with the label
D12[71] 2000–2018 2
Obie Trice[72] 2001–2008 2
50 Cent[59] 2002–2014 5
DJ Green Lantern 2002–2005 3
Stat Quo[73] 2003–2008 —
Bobby Creekwater[74] 2005–2009 —
Cashis 2006–2011 1
Bad Meets Evil 2011–2015 1
Slaughterhouse[65] 2011–2018 3
Yelawolf[75] 2011–2019 6
Griselda 2017–2020 1
Westside Gunn 2017–2020 1
Conway the Machine[76] 2017–2022 1
Grip[77][78] 2021–2025 3

Discography

[edit]

The following is the list of all albums released through Shady Records and distributed by Interscope Records. Any additional record label involved are specified.

Studio albums

[edit]
Artist Album Details
D12 Devil's Night[A]
  • Released: June 19, 2001
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.[79]
  • RIAA certification: Platinum[80]
Eminem The Eminem Show[B]
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: May 26, 2002
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.[81]
  • RIAA certification: Diamond[82]
50 Cent Get Rich or Die Tryin'
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: February 6, 2003
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.[83]
  • RIAA certification: 9× Platinum
Obie Trice Cheers
  • Released: September 23, 2003
  • Chart position: #5 U.S.[84]
  • RIAA certification: Gold[85]
D12 D12 World
  • Released: April 27, 2004
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.[86]
  • RIAA certification: 2× Platinum[87]
Eminem Encore
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: November 12, 2004
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.[88]
  • RIAA certification: 5× Platinum[89]
50 Cent The Massacre[C]
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: March 3, 2005
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.[90]
  • RIAA certification: 6× Platinum
Obie Trice Second Round's on Me
  • Released: August 15, 2006
  • Chart position: #8 U.S.[91]
  • RIAA certification: —
50 Cent Curtis
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: September 11, 2007
  • Chart position: #2 U.S.[92]
  • RIAA certification: Platinum
Eminem Relapse[D]
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: May 19, 2009
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 3× Platinum[93]
50 Cent Before I Self Destruct
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: November 9, 2009
  • Chart position: #5 U.S.[94]
  • RIAA certification: Gold
Eminem Recovery
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: June 18, 2010
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 8× Platinum[95]
Yelawolf Radioactive
  • Released: November 21, 2011
  • Chart position: #27 U.S.[96]
  • RIAA certification: —
Slaughterhouse Welcome to: Our House
  • Released: August 28, 2012
  • Chart position: #2 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —
Eminem The Marshall Mathers LP 2[E]
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: November 5, 2013
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: 4× Platinum
Yelawolf Love Story
(released with Slumerican)
  • Released: April 21, 2015
  • Chart positions: #3 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Gold
Trial by Fire
(released with Slumerican)
  • Released: October 27, 2017
  • Chart positions: #42 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —
Eminem Revival
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: December 15, 2017
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.[97]
  • RIAA certification: Platinum[98]
Kamikaze
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: August 31, 2018
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.[99]
  • RIAA certification: Platinum[100]
Westside Boogie Everythings for Sale
  • Released: January 25, 2019
  • Chart positions: #28 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —
Yelawolf Trunk Muzik 3
(released with Slumerican)
  • Released: March 29, 2019[101]
  • Chart positions: #28 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —
Eminem Music to Be Murdered By[F]
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: January 17, 2020[102]
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Platinum
The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: July 12, 2024
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —

Compilation albums

[edit]
Artist Album Details
Various Artists 8 Mile[G]
  • Released: October 29, 2002
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.[103]
  • RIAA certification: 6× Platinum[104]
Eminem Curtain Call: The Hits
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: December 6, 2005
  • Chart positions: #1 U.S.[105]
  • RIAA certification: Diamond
Various Artists Eminem Presents: The Re-Up
  • Released: December 5, 2006
  • Chart position: #2 U.S.[106]
  • RIAA certification: Platinum[107]
Shady XV
  • Released: November 24, 2014
  • Chart positions: #3 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: Gold
Southpaw
  • Released: July 24, 2015
  • Chart positions: #5 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —
50 Cent Best of 50 Cent
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: March 31, 2017
  • Chart position: #119 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —
Eminem Curtain Call 2
(released with Aftermath)
  • Released: August 5, 2022
  • Chart positions: #6 U.S.
  • RIAA certification: —

Extended plays

[edit]
Artist Album Details
Cashis The County Hound EP
  • Released: May 22, 2007
  • Chart position: #106 U.S.[108]
  • RIAA certification: —
Bad Meets Evil Hell: The Sequel
  • Released: June 14, 2011
  • Chart position: #1 U.S.[109]
  • RIAA certification: Gold

Digital albums, compilations, extended plays and mixtapes

[edit]
Artist Album Details
DJ Green Lantern Invasion Part I: Shady Times
  • Released: November 21, 2002
Invasion Part II: Conspiracy Theory
  • Released: April 15, 2003
Invasion Part III: Countdown to Armageddon
  • Released: January 14, 2004
Slaughterhouse On the House
  • Released: August 19, 2012
Yelawolf Trunk Muzik Returns
  • Released: March 14, 2013
Black Fall
  • Released: October 31, 2013
Slaughterhouse House Rules
  • Released: May 21, 2014
Griselda WWCD
  • Released: November 29, 2019
Westside Gunn Who Made the Sunshine
  • Released: October 2, 2020
Grip I Died for This!?
  • Released: August 27, 2021[110]
Conway the Machine God Don't Make Mistakes
  • Released: February 25, 2022
  • Chart positions: #175 U.S.
Westside Boogie More Black Superheroes[H]
  • Released: June 17, 2022
Grip 5 & A Fuck You
  • Released: October 4, 2022
Still (5 & A Fuck You)
  • Released: July 7, 2023
Ez Mil Du4li7y: Redux
  • Released: August 11, 2023
Eminem Stans
  • Released: August 26, 2025

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shady Records

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shady Records is an American hip hop founded in 1999 by and his manager Paul Rosenberg as a joint venture with . The label, based in and , has specialized in signing and developing hip hop talent, releasing numerous albums, many of which have achieved platinum or higher certification from the RIAA, including several diamond-certified titles. Notable artists signed to Shady Records include Eminem's group , which debuted with the multi-platinum album in 2001; , whose 2003 debut Get Rich or Die Tryin' sold millions and marked a commercial peak for the label; , the first solo signee whose album went gold in 2003; and later acts like , , and the Filipino-American rapper , who joined in 2023. Key milestones include the 2002 release of the 8 Mile soundtrack, featuring Eminem's Academy Award-winning song "" for Best Original Song—the first for a hip hop track; the 2006 compilation Eminem Presents: The Re-Up, which showcased the roster and debuted at number one on the ; and the launch of , a dedicated hip hop station in 2004. In addition to music releases, Shady Records has influenced hip hop culture through partnerships, such as the 2017 deal with Griselda Records for projects by Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine, and recent releases like Eminem's 2024 album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200; the label remains active under Universal Music Group as of 2025.

History

Founding and early success (1999–2004)

Shady Records was founded in 1999 by rapper and his manager Paul Rosenberg as an imprint of , following the commercial breakthrough of Eminem's debut major-label album . The label emerged from Eminem's desire to provide a platform for his hip-hop collective, prioritizing raw, underground talent amid his rising stardom. Rosenberg, a seasoned entertainment lawyer, handled the business operations, allowing Eminem to focus on creative direction and artist development. This partnership established Shady as a boutique operation known for its aggressive marketing and loyalty to regional sounds. The label's inaugural signing was the Detroit group , 's longtime collaborators, who joined in 1999 after building a local following through mixtapes and battles. 's debut album, , released on June 19, 2001, via Shady/Aftermath/Interscope, marked the label's first full-length project and introduced its signature gritty, ensemble style. executive-produced the record, contributing beats and features that amplified its crossover appeal, while tracks like "" highlighted the group's chaotic energy. Building on this, Shady signed Detroit rapper in 2002, introduced via member Bizarre, expanding the roster with solo acts rooted in the city's scene. Trice's debut , released September 23, 2003, showcased 's production influence and solidified Shady's focus on authentic Midwestern lyricism. Shady's profile surged in 2002 when , through his connection to Dr. Dre's , signed rapper to a joint deal worth $1 million, recognizing his buzz after a near-fatal shooting. 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin', released February 6, 2003, became a blockbuster, driven by hits like "" and Eminem's promotional push, elevating Shady beyond its origins. This era also saw early controversies, including feuds with The Source magazine co-owner , who criticized Eminem's whiteness in hip-hop starting in 2002, and with ' Ja , escalating from 50 Cent's pre-signing rivalries into label-wide disses. These battles reinforced Shady's combative image, turning conflicts into publicity that fueled its rapid ascent by 2004.

Expansion and challenges (2005–2009)

In 2005, faced significant personal health challenges, including dependency on sleeping medication, which led to the cancellation of his European tour and widespread rumors of his from . Although he publicly denied retiring and described it as a temporary break to focus on studio work and family, this period marked the beginning of an extended hiatus that shifted Shady Records' focus toward developing and promoting its supporting artists. The label, distributed through , relied on its existing roster to maintain momentum amid Eminem's absence. Eminem's struggles intensified with a near-fatal methadone overdose in December 2007, which further delayed his return and heightened concerns about the label's direction. During this time, key releases sustained Shady's visibility: 50 Cent's second album, , debuted at number one on the in March 2005, selling over 1.1 million copies in its first week and solidifying his status as a commercial powerhouse under the Shady/Aftermath banner. Obie Trice followed with his sophomore effort, , released in August 2006, which featured production from and but received mixed commercial reception compared to his debut. The 2006 compilation Eminem Presents: The Re-Up served as a pivotal project, introducing new Shady signees , , and Ca$his through tracks like "We're Back," while also featuring established acts such as and . 50 Cent's third album, , arrived in September 2007, debuting at number two on the with 691,000 first-week sales, though it faced criticism for not matching 's dominance. Meanwhile, D12's activity diminished following internal group tensions and the tragic death of member Proof in April 2006, resulting in no new full-length releases and a shift toward sporadic collaborations. Shady Records continued to navigate external challenges, including ongoing feuds involving Eminem and 50 Cent with Ja Rule and Murder Inc., which persisted through diss tracks and public exchanges into the late 2000s. These conflicts, rooted in earlier rivalries, diverted attention and fueled media scrutiny. By 2009, Eminem's revival with Relapse, released in May and debuting at number one with 608,000 first-week sales, alleviated some commercial pressures on the label but highlighted the strain of the preceding hiatus, as the album's horrorcore style drew mixed reviews despite its strong initial performance. Distribution remained firmly under Interscope, with early efforts to expand internationally through targeted promotions in Europe and Asia, though these were limited by the focus on domestic roster development.

Rebranding and diversification (2010–2016)

In 2010, Eminem's album Recovery, released on June 18 by Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records, marked a significant rebound for the label following a period of relative inactivity, achieving commercial success with over 741,000 first-week sales in the United States and topping the Billboard 200 chart. This project not only revitalized Eminem's career but also provided stability to Shady Records, setting the stage for its expansion into new talent pools. The album's introspective themes and collaborations, including tracks with artists like Rihanna and Pink, underscored the label's potential to blend mainstream appeal with hip-hop authenticity. The "Shady 2.0" rebranding initiative launched in early 2011, aiming to diversify the label's roster beyond its Detroit-centric sound by signing artists with varied regional influences and styles, as highlighted in a March 2011 XXL magazine feature. This era began with the January 11, 2011, announcement of signings for the supergroup Slaughterhouse—comprising Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, and Royce da 5'9"—and Alabama rapper Yelawolf, both inked to Shady Records in a joint venture with Interscope. The move was intended to inject fresh lyrical energy and broaden the label's appeal, with Bad Meets Evil (Eminem and Royce da 5'9" of Slaughterhouse) releasing Hell: The Sequel on June 13, 2011, via Shady and Interscope, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with 171,000 units sold. Yelawolf's integration was further evidenced by his contributions to Shady cyphers and his 2011 album Radioactive, while Skylar Grey emerged as a key songwriter and producer, co-writing Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" from Recovery and providing hooks for multiple Shady projects, solidifying her role in the label's creative ecosystem. Slaughterhouse's major label debut, Welcome to: Our House, arrived on August 28, 2012, through Shady and Interscope, featuring production from Eminem and guest appearances by artists like CeeLo Green and Skylar Grey, though it debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with 130,000 copies sold amid mixed critical reception for its pop-leaning elements. Yelawolf's tenure continued with his second Shady album, Love Story, released on April 21, 2015, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and showcased his genre-blending style with rock and country influences, produced in part by Eminem. The period culminated in the November 24, 2014, release of Shady XV, a double-disc compilation celebrating the label's 15th anniversary, featuring new tracks from Eminem, Slaughterhouse, and Yelawolf alongside classics, and debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 with 66,000 units. Despite these advancements, challenges arose, including internal dynamics within , where creative disagreements and differing visions—such as Joe Budden's push for more media exposure versus the group's focus on —strained collaborations during the promotion of Welcome to: Our House, as discussed in group interviews from the era. Additionally, shifted his focus toward his imprint, culminating in his departure from Shady, Aftermath, and Interscope on February 20, 2014, after over a decade, to pursue independent distribution deals that allowed greater control over his ventures. These tensions highlighted the complexities of managing a diversified roster while maintaining artistic cohesion.

Recent era and updates (2017–present)

In 2017, Shady Records entered into an exclusive distribution deal with Griselda Records, signing Buffalo-based artists Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine for both solo and joint projects. This partnership marked a significant expansion into the underground hip-hop scene, culminating in the joint compilation album WWCD released on November 29, 2019, through Griselda/Shady/Interscope Records, featuring contributions from Eminem and 50 Cent. However, Westside Gunn departed from the label in November 2020, shortly after releasing his major-label debut Pray for Paris under Interscope, citing a desire for greater creative independence. The period also saw the dissolution of key groups on the roster. Slaughterhouse, the supergroup consisting of Royce da 5'9", Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and KXNG Crooked, officially disbanded in April 2018 amid creative differences and delays in producing a third album, with Royce da 5'9" confirming the split publicly. Similarly, D12, Eminem's original Detroit collective, has remained inactive since their 2011 mixtape Return of the Dozen Vol. 1, with no new group material following a one-off track on the 2014 compilation Shady XV. Shady Records continued selective artist development with new signings, including Compton rapper in December 2017, who debuted with the mixtape Thirst 48 the following month. Atlanta-based rapper GRIP joined in July 2021, releasing his label debut single "Gutter" and full-length I Died for This!? later that year through Shady/Interscope. In July 2023, Filipino-American artist became the first Asian signee to the label, in a joint venture with and , debuting with the project DU4LI7Y: REDUX on August 11, 2023. Label milestones centered on Eminem's output, including the surprise album Music to Be Murdered By released on January 17, 2020, through Shady/Aftermath/Interscope, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Eminem's twelfth studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), followed on July 12, 2024, also via the same partnership, featuring Ez Mil on the track "Head Honcho" and achieving similar chart dominance. Roster-wide releases remained sparse beyond these, reflecting a post-pandemic emphasis on digital distribution and streaming. As of 2025, Shady Records maintains a low level of activity, with no major new signings reported and primary focus on Eminem's ongoing projects alongside Ez Mil's emerging international profile, particularly in the market where his signing has boosted visibility for Filipino hip-hop artists. The label's longstanding distribution partnership with Interscope Geffen A&M continues to underpin operations, prioritizing quality over volume in a streaming-dominated industry.

Artists

Current roster

The current roster of Shady Records, as of 2025, consists primarily of founder , the hip-hop duo , , and , reflecting a focus on established talent and selective new additions amid limited signings in recent years. remains the label's flagship artist and primary creative force, continuing to release critically acclaimed projects that dominate the hip-hop landscape. , born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, founded Shady Records in 1999 and serves as its cornerstone act, with his ongoing output including the 2024 album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), which debuted at number one on the and featured collaborations underscoring his enduring influence. Bad Meets Evil, the collaborative duo comprising Eminem and Royce da 5'9" (real name Ryan Daniel Montgomery), formed in 1999 and remains active under the Shady banner through occasional joint efforts following their 2011 EP Hell: The Sequel, which peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Westside Boogie, born Christian Smith in 1992, signed to Shady Records in 2017 and specializes in introspective, soul-infused hip-hop that explores personal struggles and emotional depth. His most recent project, the 2022 album More Black Superheroes, released via Shady/Interscope, received praise for its vulnerable lyricism and features from artists like JID and Teezo Touchdown, debuting at number 149 on the Billboard 200. Ez Mil, born Ezekiel Miller in 2000, became the label's first Asian-American signee in 2023, bringing a bilingual Filipino-American perspective to hip-hop with themes of resilience and cultural identity. His debut Shady project, DU4LI7Y: REDUX (2023), included the remix of "Realest" featuring , which reached number 1 on the Digital Song Sales chart and highlighted his rapid rise through international collaborations.

Former roster

Shady Records has seen several artists depart over the years, often due to a combination of creative differences, shifts in commercial priorities, and individual pursuits of independence. These exits have marked evolving phases in the label's history, with former signees contributing significantly to its early successes before transitioning to solo ventures or other affiliations. One of the label's foundational acts, , signed in 2002 and became a major commercial force, driving massive sales through albums like Get Rich or Die Tryin'. He parted ways with Shady Records, , and Interscope in 2014 to pursue independent releases under his G-Unit banner, citing a desire for greater control over his amid amicable negotiations. D12, Eminem's Detroit-based group, was among the first signees in 1999 and achieved prominence with albums such as (2001) and (2004). The group became inactive following their 2011 release Devil's Night 2, largely due to internal challenges and the 2006 death of member Proof, before Eminem officially announced its disbandment in 2018 via the track "Stepping Stone" on , reflecting on past commitments and personal growth. The supergroup Slaughterhouse—comprising Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Royce da 5'9", and Kxng Crooked—signed in 2011, bringing a collective lyricism that bolstered Shady's roster during its expansion. They released two albums under the label but disbanded in 2018, with Royce da 5'9" confirming the split amid frustrations over promotion and creative stagnation; members subsequently focused on solo projects and collaborations outside the group structure. Yelawolf joined in 2011, delivering a Southern rock-infused hip-hop style that diversified the label's sound, highlighted by albums like Radioactive (2011) and Love Story (2015). He departed in 2019 after releasing as his final project with Shady, seeking independence through his Slumerican imprint to align with personal artistic visions and avoid major-label constraints. Obie Trice, signed in 2002 as an early Shady protégé, contributed gritty narratives to compilations like 8 Mile (2002) and his solo debut (2003). He left in 2008 following the release of Second Round's on Me (2006), driven by disputes over promotion and distribution at Interscope, allowing him to transition to independent releases. Other notable former artists include , who signed in 2003 but saw his album Statlanta shelved due to creative disagreements with , leading to an exit around 2008 without a full-length release. joined in 2006, appearing on Eminem Presents: The Re-Up (2006), but departed by 2009 amid limited output and label shifts. Conway the Machine signed to Shady Records in 2017 through a partnership with , releasing projects including his 2022 album under the label. He departed in 2022 after his contracts ended, becoming an independent artist. More recently, Grip signed in 2021, releasing I Died for This!? that year, but left in 2025 to regain autonomy after experiencing promotional hurdles typical of Shady's evolving focus. Among Griselda affiliates, signed a short-term deal in 2019, releasing (2020) under Shady, before departing in late 2020 to prioritize Griselda's independent trajectory and creative freedom.

Discography

Studio albums

Shady Records has been instrumental in launching several landmark studio albums that highlight the label's focus on raw, narrative-driven hip-hop. As Eminem's imprint, the label's output often centers on his own projects, which serve as cornerstones, while also elevating affiliated artists through high-profile debuts and follow-ups. These releases, distributed via Interscope, emphasize full-length LPs blending street authenticity with commercial appeal, achieving significant success and milestones. The following table enumerates key studio albums released under Shady Records, including artist, title, release year, peak position on the US Billboard 200, and RIAA certifications where applicable.
ArtistTitleYearUS Billboard 200 PeakRIAA Certification
D12Devil's Night200112× Platinum
Obie TriceCheers20035Gold
50 CentGet Rich or Die Tryin'200319× Platinum
D12D12 World200412× Platinum
50 CentThe Massacre200516× Platinum
Obie TriceSecond Round's on Me20068—
50 CentCurtis20072Platinum
EminemRelapse200913× Platinum
EminemRecovery20101Diamond (10× Platinum)
EminemThe Marshall Mathers LP 220131Platinum
YelawolfLove Story20153Gold
EminemRevival20171Platinum
EminemKamikaze20181Platinum
Westside BoogieEverything's for Sale201928Gold
GriseldaWWCD201972—
EminemMusic to Be Murdered By20201Platinum
GRIPI Died for This!?2021109—
Ez MilDU4LI7Y: REDUX2023——
EminemThe Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)20241— (eligible for Platinum as of 2025)
These albums represent the core of Shady Records' studio output, with Eminem's and Recovery marking a pivotal comeback era that revitalized the label's prominence in the late and early .

Compilation albums

Shady Records has utilized compilation albums to aggregate material from its roster, showcasing collective talent and introducing exclusive tracks that bridge solo projects. These releases often serve dual purposes: promoting emerging artists while reinforcing the label's signature sound rooted in hardcore hip-hop and lyrical prowess. Eminem Presents: The Re-Up, released on December 5, 2006, functions as a promotional vehicle during 's creative hiatus, featuring a mix of previously released singles, remixes, and new recordings from Shady affiliates. The 22-track album highlights exclusive material such as the posse cut "We're Back" by , , , , and the newly signed Ca$his, marking the latter's debut introduction to the label's audience. Other notable contributions include 50 Cent's "Ryan's Song (Bitch Like Me)" and D12's "My Band (Remix)," emphasizing collaborative energy and street-oriented narratives. It debuted at number 2 on the chart, selling 309,000 copies in its first week and eventually earning platinum certification for over one million units sold in the United States. Shady XV, a double-disc set commemorating the label's 15th anniversary, was released on , 2014, blending fresh content with archival hits to encapsulate Shady's evolution. Disc one delivers 12 new or remixed tracks, including anniversary cuts like 50 Cent's "" remix and Yelawolf's "" featuring and , alongside contributions from and . Disc two compiles 16 classic singles, such as D12's "" and Obie Trice's "Cry Now (Shady Remix)" with multiple roster members. The debuted at number 3 on the , moving 148,000 equivalent units in its debut week (including 138,000 pure sales), and topped the Rap Albums chart. These compilations have played a key role in artist promotion by spotlighting underrepresented talents like Ca$his and , while bolstering label branding through high-profile releases that maintain Shady Records' commercial momentum and cultural relevance.
TitleYearKey ContributorsChart Performance
2006, , , , , , Ca$hisDebut #2 on ; 309,000 first-week sales
2014, , , , , , Debut #3 on ; 148,000 first-week units

Extended plays and mixtapes

Shady Records has utilized extended plays and mixtapes as key promotional vehicles, allowing artists to showcase collaborative efforts and build buzz in the hip-hop landscape, particularly during the label's early expansion and the shift to digital streaming. These releases often feature high-profile features and serve as precursors to full-length albums, emphasizing lyrical content and street-level appeal without the commercial pressure of major LPs. While the label's output in this format is selective compared to its studio album catalog, they highlight Shady's role in fostering artist development through shorter, focused projects. The flagship extended play under Shady Records is Hell: The Sequel by Bad Meets Evil, the reunion project of Eminem and Royce da 5'9". Released on June 14, 2011, via Shady Records and Interscope Records, the EP consists of eight tracks produced by a team including Eminem, Mr. Porter, and Just Blaze, capturing the duo's signature aggressive lyricism and chemistry first established on The Slim Shady LP (1999). It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, moving 171,000 copies in its first week and earning platinum certification by the RIAA. Standout tracks like "Fast Lane" and "Lighters" (featuring Bruno Mars) exemplify the project's blend of dark humor, introspection, and mainstream accessibility, solidifying Bad Meets Evil's legacy within Shady's roster.
TypeArtistTitleYearNotable Tracks
EPHell: The Sequel2011Fast Lane, Lighters (feat. ), Welcome 2 Hell

References

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