Eminem’s Ex-Employee Arrested: Unreleased Music Theft Rocks Detroit Studio

March 20, 2025 10

A former employee of legendary rapper Eminem has been apprehended and charged with the theft and subsequent sale of unreleased music, sending shockwaves through the music industry. Joseph Strange, 46, faces federal charges of criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods, according to Detroit’s ABC station. This incident brings to light the vulnerabilities within the music industry regarding intellectual property protection.

The investigation began in January after Eminem’s studio personnel discovered unauthorized releases of his music online. A spokesperson for Eminem, Dennis Dennehy, addressed the leaks, stating, “These leaked songs were studio efforts never meant for public consumption…demos, experiments and ideas that are dated and not relevant so many years later.” This statement highlights the artist’s frustration with the unauthorized distribution of his creative work.

Details of the Theft and Investigation

Federal documents reveal that the FBI initiated their investigation following a tip from Eminem’s studio. Strange, who had access to the studio’s hard drives from 2007 to 2021, is alleged to have sold the stolen music to an Ontario-based buyer, known as “Doja Rat,” for $50,000 in Bitcoin. The files matched unreleased tracks on a studio hard drive, last accessed during Strange’s employment.

A search of Strange’s residence on January 28 yielded original Eminem lyric sheets, a VHS tape containing unreleased music, and hard drives with 12,000 audio files, including works by Eminem and other artists. FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting artists’ intellectual property, stating, “This investigation underscores the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding artists’ intellectual property from exploitation by individuals seeking to profit illegally.”

For more information on copyright laws and intellectual property, resources like the

U.S. Copyright Office provide comprehensive details. Additionally, understanding the implications of digital theft and cybersecurity is crucial in the music industry, and resources like CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) can offer valuable insights.

Eminem's Potential WNBA Venture

In other news, Eminem is reportedly exploring a venture into sports ownership, with discussions underway to join an ownership group aiming to bring a WNBA team to Detroit. Reports from TMZ indicate that the rapper has engaged in preliminary talks to become a part-owner, joining figures like Jared Goff, Grant Hill, and Chris Webber. The WNBA, currently featuring 13 teams, is set to expand in the coming years, and Detroit is actively bidding for a spot. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is expected to make a decision within the next year, adding another layer of anticipation to the city’s sports scene.

The combination of the legal issues surrounding the music theft and the potential sports ownership venture creates a dynamic narrative surrounding Eminem, showcasing his diverse influence.

Written by: Power Radio

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