Eminem’s unreleased music became the center of a federal criminal case after a former employee admitted to illegally copying and selling recordings that were never authorized for public release. Joseph Strange, who worked with the Detroit rap icon for more than a decade, has now pleaded guilty to criminal copyright infringement.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Strange, 48, of Holly, Michigan, admitted to his role in copying and selling unreleased music belonging to Eminem, whose legal name is Marshall Mathers. His guilty plea was entered on October 22 in federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan.
Strange worked at a studio in Ferndale, Michigan, from approximately 2007 to 2021. His responsibilities included helping set up and operate the computer system used to store Eminem’s recordings. That position gave him access to password-protected hard drives containing songs and other material that were still being developed and had not been approved for public release.
Prosecutors said Strange copied at least 10 audio files without authorization. Between July and August 2024, he allegedly sold and transferred the recordings to buyers online, receiving approximately $50,000 in total.
The situation became even more damaging when the files eventually surfaced online and became available through public streaming platforms without Eminem’s knowledge or permission.
According to government figures, the identified recordings had been accessed more than eight million times by November 2025. Prosecutors estimated the infringement amount associated with the stolen files at $750,000 or more, highlighting the potential financial consequences of the unauthorized distribution.
The case also raises concerns about the security of unreleased music within the recording industry. Artists often keep unfinished tracks, alternate versions, and material intended for possible future projects on restricted systems to prevent premature disclosure. When those recordings are leaked, artists can lose control over when and how their work reaches audiences.
Some of the material involved in this case had undergone professional preparation, including studio mastering, in anticipation of a possible commercial release. However, prosecutors emphasized that there was no certainty that all the recordings would ever have been released officially.
Strange now faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2027, and a federal judge will determine the final punishment after considering the applicable sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.
The FBI investigated the case, with federal prosecutors handling the proceedings. The guilty plea marks a significant development in an investigation into the unauthorized sale and distribution of Eminem’s private recordings.
For Eminem, the case underscores the importance of protecting music that remains outside the public domain. While fans may be eager to hear unreleased material from one of hip-hop’s most influential artists, the proceedings demonstrate the legal consequences that can follow when someone accesses and profits from recordings without permission.
With sentencing still ahead, the case is not yet completely resolved. However, Strange’s guilty plea establishes his criminal responsibility for copyright infringement involving Eminem’s unreleased music, bringing a major step forward in the legal effort to address the leak.