Former Eminem Employee Busted For Leaking Rapper’s Secret Music And Selling It Online

A former studio engineer for Eminem has been charged with stealing the rapper’s unreleased music and selling it online, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

46-year-old Joseph Strange of Holly, Michigan, faces charges of copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck, Strange allegedly took over 25 songs stored on password-protected hard drives from Eminem’s studio in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb, and distributed them online without authorization.

Investigators say Eminem’s music, still in development, surfaced on multiple websites, including Reddit and YouTube. The FBI began investigating in January after studio employees noticed leaks of unreleased tracks.

According to an affidavit, Strange allegedly transferred files from a secure hard drive in the studio’s safe 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 purchased 25 unreleased songs from Strange for approximately $50,000 in Bitcoin. He claimed he raised the money through a group of dedicated Eminem fans. Additionally, another buyer known as "ATL" from Connecticut reportedly purchased a “couple” of songs for around $1,000.

Strange allegedly attempted to sell more than just music, investigators say he was also trying to profit from handwritten Eminem lyric sheets.

If convicted, Strange could face up to 15 years in prison.

During an FBI raid on Strange’s home in January, authorities reportedly found a stash of Eminem-related materials, including handwritten lyrics, notes, and even a VHS tape containing an unreleased music video. Additionally, investigators recovered hard drives containing 12,000 audio files, some featuring music in various stages of production by Eminem and other collaborating artists.

Eminem’s business associate, Fred Nassar, had previously warned fans not to distribute the leaked songs, prompting the FBI to track down buyers and sellers linked to the case.

Strange’s attorney, Wade Fink, responded to the charges, calling them “untested allegations” and emphasizing that they had not been vetted by a judge or grand jury. “We will handle the matter in a courtroom, and we have great faith in the judges of our district,” Fink told the Associated Press.

Despite being fired from the studio in 2021, Strange had signed a severance agreement explicitly prohibiting him from electronically sharing Eminem’s work.

Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck stressed the importance of protecting artists' intellectual property. “Protecting intellectual property from thieves is critical in safeguarding the exclusive rights of creators and protecting their original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals who seek to profit from the creative output of others,” she stated.

Eminem’s legacy in the music industry is unparalleled. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, Marshall Mathers III has left an indelible mark on hip-hop and popular culture, redefining lyrical complexity, storytelling, and emotional depth in rap music.

He first gained mainstream attention with "The Slim Shady LP" in 1999, which introduced his controversial yet captivating alter ego. The album won him a Grammy for Best Rap Album, setting the stage for an era-defining career. His next releases, "The Marshall Mathers LP" (2000) and "The Eminem Show" (2002), further cemented his status as one of the most skilled and influential rappers of his generation. These albums broke sales records, pushed boundaries in hip-hop, and showcased his raw storytelling ability.

Over the years, Eminem’s discography has continued to evolve, touching on deeply personal themes such as addiction, fame, and redemption. His 2010 album "Recovery" marked a significant comeback, detailing his struggles with substance abuse and triumph over personal demons. The album produced massive hits like “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna and won the Grammy for Best Rap Album.

Beyond music, Eminem’s influence extends into film, business, and philanthropy. His semi-autobiographical film "8 Mile" (2002) won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Lose Yourself”), making him the first rapper to achieve this honor. He has also used his platform to support various social causes and contribute to his hometown of Detroit through the Marshall Mathers Foundation.

In 2022, Eminem was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting influence on music and culture. The induction solidified his place among the greatest artists in history, acknowledging his contributions not just to hip-hop, but to the broader musical landscape.