Eminem is strongly against music leaks after his former engineer, Joseph Strange, was charged with leaking over two dozen unreleased tracks. The breach has reportedly caused significant financial losses and, according to the rapper’s team, inflicted lasting damage on his artistic legacy.
Legal Action and Charges
Strange, who previously worked at Eminem’s studio in Ferndale, Michigan, now faces charges of criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Prosecutors allege that he illegally sold Eminem’s unreleased music—recorded between 1999 and 2018—to a Canadian buyer for $50,000 in Bitcoin. Reports suggest that fans pooled money to fund the illicit purchase.
A spokesperson for Eminem confirmed the rapper’s commitment to fighting such leaks, stating, “We will continue to take any and all steps necessary to protect Eminem’s art and will stop at nothing to do so.”
Investigative Findings
Authorities linked Strange to the leaks after uncovering an identical file on a password-protected hard drive at the studio. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
Eminem’s team emphasized the broader impact of the breach, stating, “The significant damage caused by a trusted employee to Eminem’s artistic legacy and creative integrity cannot be overstated. Not to mention the enormous financial losses suffered by the many creators and collaborators who deserve protection for their decades of work.”
Defense and Legal Battle
Strange’s attorney, Wade Fink, has pushed back against the allegations, arguing that the charges are “untested.” He also defended his client’s reputation, describing Strange as a “dedicated” industry professional and a married father of two who had built a career in music before being dismissed from his role in 2021.
As the case unfolds, Eminem’s legal team remains firm in its efforts to safeguard the rapper’s intellectual property. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for how unauthorized leaks in the music industry are handled moving forward.
