Eminem won Best Rap Solo Performance at the 2001 Grammys for “The Real Slim Shady.”
The song appeared on Eminem’s third studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP, released in May 2000. Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man, it used a bright, bouncy sample-driven sound to frame Eminem’s sharply satirical lyrics about celebrity culture, censorship, and the public image created around him.
At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in February 2001, “The Real Slim Shady” beat nominees including Common’s “The Light,” DMX’s “Party Up (Up in Here),” Mystikal’s “Shake Ya Ass,” and Nelly’s “Country Grammar (Hot Shit).” Eminem also won Best Rap Album for The Marshall Mathers LP.
The most common confusion is with “Forgot About Dre,” which won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the same ceremony. That award recognized Eminem and Dr. Dre together, while Best Rap Solo Performance recognized Eminem’s individual performance on “The Real Slim Shady.”