Since The Slim Shady LP became a worldwide smash in 1999, Eminem has reigned as a pop-culture phenomenon. The rapper's recently-released The Marshall Mathers LP 2 moved 792,000 copies in its first week of release, underscoring that Slim Shady is still a blockbuster box office draw. But despite all the multi-platinum plaques and global media attention, Em's career has its roots planted firmly in the rap underground; he spent years toiling away on the live battle circuit in a bid to build up his name and recorded widely before finally scoring his breakthrough moments. Delving back to the cusp of the Nineties, here's a run through the less-heralded regions of the pre-superstar Slim Shady's vault.

BY PHILLIP MLYNAR