Former Sound Engineer Charged with Stealing and Selling Unreleased Eminem Recordings
A former sound engineer for Eminem is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing and selling unreleased recordings from the rapper's vault. Joseph Strange, 45, who worked with Eminem from 2007 to 2021, has been charged with criminal infringement of a copyright and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Eminem wearing black jacket, looking serious
Photo Credit: Eminem by EJ Hersom for DoD News Features / CC by 2.0
The investigation began in January when Eminem's studio employees in Ferndale discovered unauthorized music online, along with an image of a confidential song list from their secure hard drives. These drives were password-protected, stored in a safe, and accessible to only four individuals, including Strange.
According to the criminal complaint, Strange allegedly sold the unreleased music to someone using the alias "Doja Rat" for approximately $50,000 in Bitcoin. The transaction was uncovered after Eminem's associate Fredwreck posted a warning about leaked music on social media, prompting a fan to come forward with evidence.
During an FBI search of Strange's home, agents discovered:
- Handwritten lyrics and notes from Eminem
- A VHS tape containing unreleased music
- Additional unreleased materials
Eminem's spokesperson, Dennis Dennehy, stated that the leaked songs were "studio efforts never meant for public consumption" and emphasized the significant damage caused to Eminem's artistic legacy and financial interests. The FBI's Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted their commitment to protecting artists' intellectual property, while Acting US Attorney Julie Beck stressed the importance of safeguarding creators' rights.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges of protecting unreleased music in the digital age, even with robust security measures in place. The investigation showcases how insider threats can pose significant risks to artists' intellectual property.