Michael Mathers Is Eminem’s Half-Brother Who He Dissed in His Track ‘Marshall Mathers’

Michael Mathers is rapper Eminem's half-sibling through their late father. While there is little information about Michael Mathers, the renowned musician did address family-related issues involving him in one of his well-known songs.

"Lose Yourself" hitmaker Eminem has always amazed the world with his incredible rap skills and powerful stage presence. However, drama and controversies have often marred his global stardom.

In a surprising turn of events, he has an unexpected family tie, which includes his look-alike half-brother. The reconciliation attempts by the rapper's estranged family members eventually gained attention and made headlines.

How Michael Mathers Discovered His Relations to the Rapper

The discovery that "The Real Slim Shady" singer and Michael Mathers were related unfolded during a casual family barbecue. It was Sarah Mathers, Michael's sister, who stumbled upon this surprising connection while they were all watching Eminem on television.

Michael had never crossed paths with the acclaimed musician. Michael's sister expressed doubts that the man on the TV screen was the same child her father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., had abandoned over three decades ago at the time.

Michael's sister found the idea so amusing that she couldn't help but giggle. She had known all her life that she had another brother, but to have the renowned rapper as a sibling seemed too unbelievable to be true.

However, Michael's father also didn't brush off the striking resemblance between his sons. Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, grew up under the care of his mother, Debbie, from when he was six months old. Sarah, when speaking about her dad after the incident, she recalled:

"He [Marshall Bruce] phoned his great-aunt Edna, who'd helped look after Dad's oldest son before he split from his ex-wife, and she told him it was Marshall Mathers. Eminem was my brother."

Michael's Family Drama Unveiled in Rap Lyrics

After the rapper learned their connections to him, things did not go smoothly for Michael's family. In his 2000 hit song, "Marshall Mathers," he seemingly addressed issues involving his unexpected family members, including Michael and his sister.

Debbie alleged that Marshall Bruce abandoned their son and refused to respond to his letters.

A part of the song's lyrics was about having many cousins, a half-brother, and a half-sister who never acknowledged him until they saw him on TV. Now that he is famous, they are suddenly proud of him.

Despite the rapper hitting them with a controversial song, Michael's family persevered and went to great lengths to rekindle their relationship with him. They tried to meet or talk to him in person, hoping to rebuild their bond.

According to Debbie's memoir, "My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem: Setting the Record Straight on My Life as Eminem's Mother," Michael tried to meet his famous sibling backstage, only to be refused by the rapper.

Michael's sister, Sarah, along with their mother, Lesley, ultimately contacted Debbie, believing that, as the mother of the hip-hop star, she might be able to help arrange a meeting between the two estranged siblings.

Meanwhile, Michael's father, Marshall Bruce, did interviews, claiming he tried to stay in touch with Debbie and their son, but to no avail as he had no idea where to find them. However, Debbie found his assertions contradictory.

In her memoir, Debbie alleged that Marshall Bruce abandoned their son and refused to respond to his letters, each of which was sent back unopened, bearing the words "not known at this address."

Michael's Family Seemingly Stays Out of Spotlight

Amid their complicated relationship, there is little information about Michael now, as his family has chosen to stay out of the public eye. In 2019, their father died peacefully at 67. He is laid to rest at Saint Joseph Memorial Park in Saint Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.

On the other hand, Eminem continues to lead a life on his terms, with his family by his side. His family includes his daughters, Hailie Jade Mathers and Alaina Mathers, and his adopted child, Whitney Scott Mathers, also called Stevie Laine.