Eminem’s rise to fame is a story that’s been told countless times: from battling adversity in his childhood to becoming one of the most iconic rappers in the world. However, what often goes unmentioned is the profound impact he had on those closest to him, including his younger brother, Nate Mathers. Despite coming from a turbulent family background, Nate found his own path to music, inspired by the man who not only became a global superstar but a guiding figure in his life.

Growing Up Under the Spotlight

Eminem’s family life before fame was anything but ordinary. His mother, Debbie Mathers, faced her own battles with addiction, and young Marshall Bruce Mathers III found himself shuffling between relatives’ homes. This chaotic upbringing would later influence much of his music, which is deeply personal and often raw. But amid this tumult, one constant remained: his brother Nate, who was 14 years younger than him, was always there. As Nate witnessed his older brother’s rise from the underground clubs of Detroit to dominating the Super Bowl stage, he also grew up in the shadow of Eminem’s success.

Eminem’s daughter, Hailie Jade Mathers, is much closer in age to Nate than she is to her famous father. The two siblings shared more than just a familial bond; they grew up side by side, with Nate living with his brother’s family for periods during his childhood. In February 2023, Nate joined Hailie on her podcast Just a Little Shady, where they discussed their relationships with Eminem. In a heartwarming moment, Hailie lovingly referred to Nate as her “bruncle” – a combination of brother and uncle, reflecting their close bond.

The Influence of a Big Brother

Despite the fame that came with being related to one of the most famous rappers in the world, Nate has never seen his brother as a source of pressure or competition. Instead, Eminem’s success served as an inspiration for Nate to pursue his own musical journey. “He was the best role model I could have had to help me be the dad that I am today,” Nate said, acknowledging the challenges that their family faced. He went on to describe how growing up with Eminem shaped him into the man and father he is today, offering valuable life lessons that weren’t always apparent to the outside world.

Nate was just a child when Eminem’s fame exploded, but he could still recognize the magnitude of what was happening around him. “I started understanding a little more when reality would hit when I would start seeing [Eminem] on TV and going to shows and all the signatures and crazy people,” he recalled. As a young boy, the world around him began to change as Eminem’s popularity soared, making it clear to Nate that his brother’s music career was not just a dream, but a reality.

Following in His Brother’s Footsteps

Nate didn’t just admire his brother from afar—he took notes and began copying Eminem’s style, both in fashion and in music. “I would take his hand-me-downs,” Nate remembered. “When I was 12, my cousin John convinced me to dye my hair, and my brother dyes his eyebrows, so I wanted to do that too. I wanted to look like twins.”

But as Nate grew older, his admiration for his brother transformed into something more substantial. He began writing his own music, learning the craft of lyricism by watching and listening to Eminem. Nate described how Eminem taught him about writing, experimenting with syllables, and developing his unique flow. “I had learned from your dad how to do music and how to write formulas, compound syllables,” Nate shared with Hailie, explaining how he honed his skills and started recording his own music.

Despite the clear influence of his brother on his music, Nate has always maintained that his goal was never to compete with Eminem. “It was never about that,” he said, emphasizing that his intention was to create music that people would enjoy. For Nate, it was about carving out his own identity in the world of music while respecting the legacy his brother had built.

A Legacy That Lasts

Two decades after his breakthrough with The Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem’s influence continues to extend beyond the music industry. In 2022, he joined Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar for the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, marking a monumental moment for hip-hop. The performance paid tribute to the genre in celebration of its 50th anniversary and secured the first-ever Outstanding Variety Special award at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

This milestone brought Eminem closer to an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), with only a Tony Award standing between him and this extraordinary achievement. But for Nate, it’s not just about his brother’s accolades—it’s about how Eminem continues to inspire him to be a better person, father, and artist.

While Eminem’s journey to fame is undoubtedly remarkable, it’s the legacy he’s left behind in shaping those around him—especially his brother—that is perhaps the most profound. Nate Mathers may never seek the same level of fame as his older sibling, but his story is one of self-discovery, family, and the unwavering support of an older brother who, despite everything, remains a guiding force in his life.