A former Eminem studio engineer has been charged with stealing unreleased music belonging to the Detroit rapper and selling it online, according to federal prosecutors. The case revolves around Joseph Strange, a 46-year-old resident of Holly, Michigan, who was employed at Eminem’s studio until 2021.
Prosecutors stated that more than 25 songs had been distributed or played online without the consent of Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, and Interscope Capital Labels Group, the company that holds the rights to his music. The unlawful music was stored on password-protected hard drives in a safe at the rapper’s studio located in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit.
Strange was charged in a criminal complaint with copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods. If found guilty on both counts, he is looking at up to 15 years in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “Protecting intellectual property from thieves is critical in safeguarding the exclusive rights of creators and protecting their original work from reproduction and distribution by individuals who seek to profit from the creative output of others.”
The investigation began when studio employees notified the FBI about the theft in January 2025, reporting that unreleased songs still in development were being posted on various websites, including Reddit and YouTube. Investigators found that files were illicitly transferred from a protected hard drive to an external one during the months of October 2019 and January 2020, when Strange still occupied his position at the studio.
Further probing led to the discovery of a Canadian resident who purchased 25 unreleased songs from Strange for roughly $50,000 in Bitcoin. This buyer, known by the online alias Doja Rat, informed authorities that he had raised the funds through fellow Eminem fans. Additionally, another group of fans from Connecticut acquired several tracks from Strange for around $1,000.
In a raid on Strange’s home in January, the FBI uncovered numerous handwritten lyric sheets attributed to Eminem and a collection of over 12,000 audio files, which included music at various stages of development by Eminem and unnamed artists collaborating with him. Alongside these materials, agents seized a VHS tape featuring an unreleased Eminem video.
Interestingly, while Strange's attorney, Wade Fink, described his client as a dedicated music industry professional and a family man who has contributed to the field for decades, he characterized the charges as “untested allegations” that have yet to be fully vetted by a grand jury or a judge. Fink expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating, “We will handle the matter in a courtroom and we have great faith in the judges of our district.”
The importance of this case is underscored by Eminem’s impressive accolades, which include winning Best Hip-Hop Act at the 2024 MTV EMAs and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. In addition to these achievements, the singer-songwriter has demonstrated a significant cultural and commercial impact on the music industry.
Moreover, the legal trouble for Strange raises critical questions about copyright protection in the digital age, as unauthorized access and distribution of creative works have become more prevalent. As artists, like Eminem, continue to create and innovate, safeguarding their intellectual property remains fundamental not only for their careers but also for the integrity of the music industry as a whole.
In light of the ongoing legal proceedings, the music community awaits the next steps in this high-profile case, which not only highlights the challenges artists face in protecting their work but also serves as a reminder of the consequences that come from infringing on others’ rights.
With the trial ahead, fans and industry watchers alike remain vigilant, as this case unfolds into a potential landmark affair affecting copyright laws and enforcement in the creative sectors.
