Eminem won Best Rap Album at the 2011 Grammys for Recovery. Released in June 2010, Recovery was the Detroit rapper’s seventh studio album and followed Relapse, his first album after a lengthy period away from recording. Its themes include addiction, self-doubt, resilience and rebuilding his career.
The album became a commercial and critical success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and remaining there for several weeks. It featured major singles such as “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie,” the latter performed with Rihanna. At the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, Recovery defeated nominees including B.o.B’s The Adventures of Bobby Ray, Drake’s Thank Me Later, Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 and The Roots’ How I Got Over.
The award was not Eminem’s first victory in the category. He had previously won for The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP and Encore-related releases, helping establish him as one of the category’s most decorated artists. Recovery also received an Album of the Year nomination, but Arcade Fire won that general-field prize for The Suburbs.