Eminem, the rap icon whose raw lyrics and unmatched flow made him a household name, almost didn’t make it. In December of 2007, Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, overdosed on methadone — a tragic moment that nearly ended both his life and career. But against all odds, the man who once ruled the rap game fought back from the brink of death. And what ultimately saved him was something that had always been his anchor: music.

At the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Eminem revisited that dark chapter of his life, reflecting on the harrowing overdose that nearly took him away from his family, friends, and fans. Standing before an audience at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, with his daughter Hailie Jade in the crowd, Eminem opened up about the battle with addiction that almost consumed him.

In a speech that was both candid and vulnerable, the rapper revealed just how much music played a role in his recovery. “I lost what I had in mind to say,” Eminem admitted during his speech, his raw honesty making his emotional struggle evident. At one point, he even joked about his past: “Did I say the drug was delicious, didn’t I?”

But beyond the jokes and humor was a man who had faced his darkest days and come out stronger. “Finally, I had to really fight my way to being a good person to try and make a strong entry into music,” he shared. “I’m grateful to be here making hip-hop music. I love it very true.”

Eminem’s journey from the brink of death to his Hall of Fame induction is nothing short of a miracle. But what’s most remarkable is the power of music in helping him rebuild his life.

His struggles with addiction began in the early 2000s, after the success of 8 Mile in 2002. Long hours on set and the pressures of fame led to a seemingly harmless experiment with Ambien, a sleep aid that soon became an addiction. The need for the drug turned into a full-blown dependency, with the rapper turning to various substances to cope with the immense stress and anxiety that came with his rise to fame.

By the end of 2007, Eminem’s life was unraveling. After his overdose, he spent days in the hospital, teetering on the edge. His body was failing, and his career seemed like it might be over. But somehow, he found the strength to fight, a battle that would lead him into rehab in 2008. Though his road to recovery was long and fraught with setbacks, his music, and his love for it, were always at the forefront of his healing process.

Looking back, Eminem admitted that his addiction affected his music during those years. By 2017, he confessed that it took his brain a long time to recover fully. But through the pain, he found his way back. He rebuilt, he redefined himself, and ultimately, he came back stronger.

Eminem’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 wasn’t just about honoring a musical career. It was a testament to his survival, a celebration of a man who faced unimaginable odds and conquered them. His music didn’t just provide an outlet for his pain — it became the very thing that pulled him from the depths of addiction, offering him both purpose and redemption.

That night in Los Angeles, as Eminem performed hits like “My Name Is,” “Rap God,” and “Sing for the Moment,” the audience wasn’t just witnessing a star; they were witnessing a survivor. His speech, his performance, and his very presence were living proof that even at rock bottom, there’s always a way back. And for Eminem, that way back was paved with the music he has always loved and poured his soul into.

It’s no wonder he continues to inspire millions with his story. Against all odds, Eminem found redemption through the very thing that made him a legend: hip-hop.