Former Eminem Sound Engineer Charged With Stealing and Selling Unreleased Music
A former sound engineer for Eminem faces federal charges for allegedly stealing and selling unreleased music from the rapper's vault. Joseph Strange, 45, who worked with Eminem from 2007 to 2021, is charged with criminal copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Eminem wearing black jacket, looking serious
The investigation began in January when Eminem's studio employees in Ferndale discovered unreleased tracks online. The leaked content was stored on password-protected hard drives kept in a safe, with access limited to only four individuals, including Strange.
According to court documents, Strange allegedly sold the stolen music for approximately $50,000 in Bitcoin to someone using the name "Doja Rat." The transaction was uncovered after Eminem's associate Fredwreck posted a warning about the leaks on social media.
During an FBI search of Strange's home, agents discovered:
- Handwritten lyrics and notes from Eminem
- A VHS tape containing unreleased music
- Additional evidence linking Strange to the theft
Eminem's spokesperson, Dennis Dennehy, emphasized that the leaked songs were unfinished demos never intended for public release. He praised the FBI's investigation and highlighted the significant damage caused to Eminem's artistic legacy and financial interests.
Acting US Attorney Julie Beck stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, while FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson confirmed the bureau's commitment to safeguarding artists' work from illegal exploitation.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges artists face in protecting unreleased material, particularly from internal threats. The investigation remains active as authorities work to recover all stolen content and prevent further unauthorized distribution.