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The Real Slim Shady

"The Real Slim Shady" is a 2000 song by American rapper Eminem, released as the lead single from his album *The Marshall Mathers LP*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"The Real Slim Shady" is a 2000 song by American rapper Eminem, released as the lead single from his album *The Marshall Mathers LP*. It became Eminem's first number-one single in the United Kingdom and peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is known for its satirical lyrics, pop-culture references, and commentary on celebrity and media attention.

Background and release

"The Real Slim Shady" was issued in 2000 as the lead single from Eminem's third studio album, *The Marshall Mathers LP*. Sources place its release in mid-April 2000, shortly before the album's release.

Composition and themes

The song is built around Eminem's Slim Shady persona and uses satirical, provocative lyrics with frequent references to celebrities and pop culture. It also comments on media attention, imitation, and the public reaction to Eminem's persona.

Commercial performance

The single became Eminem's biggest hit at the time of release, reaching number four in the United States and number one in the United Kingdom. It also charted well in several other countries, including Ireland and Iceland.

Accolades

The song received major industry recognition, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and MTV Video Music Awards for Best Video and Best Male Video.

Key facts

  • "The Real Slim Shady" was released as the lead single from *The Marshall Mathers LP*.
  • The song reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became Eminem's first number-one single in the United Kingdom.
  • It won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and two MTV Video Music Awards.
  • The song uses humour, satire, and celebrity references to comment on fame and imitation.
  • It was later included on Eminem's greatest-hits compilation *Curtain Call: The Hits*.
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Canadian context

The song was commercially successful in Canada as well, and one source notes that it achieved multi-platinum status in the country.[4]

Frequently asked questions

Who performed "The Real Slim Shady"?
It was performed by Eminem, the American rapper born Marshall Mathers.
What album is the song from?
It is from Eminem's third studio album, *The Marshall Mathers LP*.
When was it released?
It was released in April 2000 as the album's lead single.
How did the song perform on the charts?
It reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one in the UK.
What is the song about?
The song satirizes fame, celebrity culture, imitation, and the public reaction to Eminem's Slim Shady persona.
Did it win any awards?
Yes. It won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and MTV Video Music Awards for Best Video and Best Male Video.

References

  1. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/eminem/the-real-slim-shady
    Supports: Eminem's Slim Shady persona and alter-ego context.
  2. Lyrics.com — https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19431128/Eminem/Real+Slim+Shady
    Supports: Release date and lead-single status.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_Slim_Shady
    Supports: Album association, chart performance, awards, and release timing.
  4. Song Meanings and Facts — https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/the-real-slim-shady-by-eminem/
    Supports: Themes, chart notes, and mention of Canadian multi-platinum status.
  5. uDiscover Music — https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/the-real-slim-shady-eminem-fact-fiction/
    Supports: Background on Eminem's Slim Shady persona.
  6. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_Slim_Shady
    Supports: Release as first single and later inclusion on *Curtain Call: The Hits*.
  7. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_Slim_Shady
    Supports: Chart peaks and awards summary.
  8. Spanish Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_Slim_Shady
    Supports: Single release, chart performance, and awards.