A former employee of Eminem, known as Marshall Mathers III, is facing allegations of stealing and selling unreleased tracks from the rapper’s studio. Joseph Strange, 46, from Holly, Michigan, has been named in a criminal complaint issued by the US District Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Michigan.
On January 16, 2025, staff from Mathers’ music studio in Ferndale alerted the FBI after discovering that unreleased music by the artist was being sold online. The employees found an image of a list of tracks that Mathers was still developing, indicating that these works were not yet ready for release. Remarkably, this list was recognized as having originated from a hard drive within the studio.
Following the FBI’s involvement, investigators traced multiple individuals who had purchased the stolen tracks, revealing the identities of those involved in the sales. Strange had reportedly worked with Eminem from 2007 until 2021.
Acting US Attorney Julie Beck emphasised the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, stating that safeguarding the creative works of artists from illegal reproduction and distribution is vital. A criminal complaint serves as an initial legal step and does not immediately lead to a trial. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether felony charges are pursued.
If the case advances, a conviction for copyright infringement may result in a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and fines up to US$250,000 (approximately A$400,000). Charges related to interstate transportation of stolen goods could potentially lead to a sentence of up to ten years.
The investigation, supported by the FBI’s Oakland County Resident Agency, highlights the Bureau’s commitment to protecting artists’ intellectual property from exploitation. Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to preventing illegal profit from artists’ hard work.