Former studio engineer Eminem Federal prosecutors have been accused of stealing and selling the rapper’s unreleased music online, announced Wednesday.
Joseph Strange, 46, of Holly, Michigan, faces charges of copyright infringement and interstate transport of stolen goods.
According to representing U.S. attorney Julie Beck, Strange allegedly distributed more than 25 songs stored on a password-protected hard drive from Eminem’s studio in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit, online without permission.
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Eminem’s unreleased music leaked online
Investigators say Eminem’s music, still in development, has surfaced on multiple websites, including Reddit and YouTube. The FBI began investigating in January after studio employees noticed an unreleased truck leak.
According to the affidavit, Strange allegedly transferred files from his studio’s secure, secure hard drive to an external device in late 2019 and early 2020, when he was still employed as a sound engineer.
A Canadian resident using the screen name “Doja Rat” told investigators he bought 25 unreleased songs from Strange for about $50,000 in Bitcoin. He claimed he raised money through a group of dedicated Eminem fans. Additionally, another Connecticut buyer known as “ATL” reportedly bought the “Couple” song for about $1,000.
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Strange is said to have tried to sell more than just music.
If convicted, Strange could face up to 15 years in prison.
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FBI Raid reveals hidden flocks
In the FBI attack at Strange’s home in January, authorities reportedly found stashes of Eminem-related material, including handwritten lyrics, notes and even VHS tapes containing unreleased music videos. Additionally, investigators retrieved a hard drive containing 12,000 audio files. Some feature music at various production stages by Eminem and other collaborative artists.
Eminem’s business associate Fred Nassar warned fans not to distribute previously leaked songs, urging the FBI to track buyers and sellers who linked their cases.
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Former Eminem employee denies the allegations to highlight the need for prosecutors to protect the artist’s intellectual property
Strange’s lawyer Wade Fink responded to the charges, calling them “untested allegations,” emphasising that they were not examined by judges or large ju judges. “We handle this issue in court and have great trust in judges in our district,” Fink told The Associated Press.
Despite being fired from the studio in 2021, Strange has signed a retirement agreement that explicitly prohibits Eminem’s work from sharing electronically.
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US lawyer Julie Beck emphasized the importance of protecting artists’ intellectual property. “Protecting intellectual property from thieves is important in protecting the exclusive rights of creators and protecting the original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals seeking to benefit from the creative outcomes of others,” she said.
Eminem’s legacy and continued success
Eminem’s legacy in the music industry is unparalleled. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, Marshall Mothers III left an indelible mark in hip-hop and popular culture, redefineing the lyrical complexity, storytelling and emotional depth of rap music.
He attracted mainstream attention in 1999 with “The Slim Shady LP,” introducing a controversial but charming clone. The album won him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and set the stage for a career that defines the era. His next releases, “The Marshall Mathers LP” (2000) and “The Eminem Show” (2002) further cemented his position as one of the most skilled and influential rappers of his generation. These albums broke sales records, pushed the boundaries of hip hop and introduced his raw storytelling abilities.
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Over the years, Eminem’s discography continues to evolve, touching on deep personal themes such as addiction, fame and redness. His 2010 album “Recovery” marked an important comeback detailing his struggle with substance abuse and his struggle with victory over a personal demon. The album produced huge hits like “Love The Way You Lie,” featuring Rihanna, and won the Grammy Best rap album.
From Oscar victory to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Beyond music, Eminem’s influence extends to film, business and philanthropy. His semi-autobiographical film, “8 Miles” (2002), won an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Lose Yourself”), making him the first rapper to achieve this honor. He also uses his platform to support a variety of social causes and contribute to his hometown of Detroit through the Marshall Mothers Foundation.
In 2022, Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is evidence of his lasting impact on music and culture. This induction solidified his place among the greatest artists in history, acknowledging his contributions not only to hip-hop but also to the wider musical landscape.