Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has faced criticism for his controversial lyrics and persona ever since his debut album The Slim Shady LP came out in 1999. But if you look beyond that, you'll find that there's more to him than meets the eye. While opinions on the rapper vary, there are some things that Eminem has done that I personally appreciate, revealing a side of him that often goes unnoticed by the public.

He Gave His Kids The Life He Never Had 

Eminem has been very open about his challenging childhood. Despite his own struggles, he has made it a priority to provide a better life for his three kids: Hailie, Alaina, and Stevie. He made sure that his children wouldn't face the same difficulties he did growing up. He also worked hard to shield them from the public eye, providing them with a stable and private life despite his immense fame. Eminem's commitment to his family showcases a softer side of the often controversial rapper, revealing a man who deeply values his role as a parent. His actions as a father reveal a different side of the rapper that I find particularly admirable.

He Didn't Forget Where He Came From 

Lisa D'Amato, one of the girls that appeared on Eminem's Superman music video, shared a story showcasing that the rap superstar hasn't forgotten where he came from. She explained that typically, after they finish shooting a music video, they would have to wait for the checks to clear. But it was a few days before Christmas and Eminem wasn't having that. He made the production go to the bank and everyone on set was paid cash for the holidays. 

He Donated Food to Detroit Hospital Workers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eminem showed his support for Detroit healthcare workers by donating his famous “Mom’s Spaghetti” to several hospitals in the city. The meals, which were named after the lyrics to his Oscar winning song, Lose Yourself, were a welcome treat for the hardworking healthcare workers who put their lives on the line. 

He Teamed up With Twitter Co-Founder to Donate $1 Million to Detroit

Eminem and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey joined forces to support the city of Detroit during COVID-19. After learning that Eminem will donate $250,000 through his Marshall Mathers Foundation, Dorsey pitched in an additional $750,000 to the foundation. This combined effort resulted in an impressive $1 million in financial aid, providing much-needed assistance to Detroit during one of the city's darkest times.

He Bought Christmas Gifts to Kids in Need

Eminem knows about the financial challenges people face, especially during the holiday season. So it came as no surprise when Judith Wollack, the CEO of Wolverine Human Services, revealed that Mr. Mathers and his foundation donated at least $200,000 to support over 1,500 children in need during Christmas time. Wollack also mentioned that Eminem insists on keeping his donations anonymous and that's why she waited two years before going public with the information.

He Supported The Verses Project offered by the MSU Community Music School-Detroit 

The Marshall Mathers Foundation partnered with Michigan State University, and Carhartt to help young Detroiters explore their creativity and expand their skills in songwriting, music production, and performing. Through the Verses Project, students learn to write lyrics, play instruments, and record their own music, all while developing their literacy skills. This innovative approach to education demonstrates Eminem's ongoing dedication to nurturing the talents of the next generation and empowering young people in his hometown.

“I actually have a structured plan now for my musical future, thanks to the inspiration from Verses and that fact that Eminem believes in us,” Anjel Mantel, a student at Cass Technical High School, said.

Eminem's dedication to giving back to his hometown and helping those in need serves as a testament to the importance of using one's success to make a difference. With his donations and impactful initiatives, Eminem has positively influenced the lives of countless individuals. I believe his actions reveal a side of him that often gets overlooked amid the controversy, proving that there’s much more to him than just his provocative lyrics. It’s clear that he hasn’t forgotten where he came from and understands the struggles many still face, making him a more down-to-earth and genuine figure than some might think.