A former worker of the renowned rapper Eminem is now facing serious legal consequences after allegedly distributing unreleased music from the artist. Joseph Strange, aged 46, hailing from Holly, stands accused of federal offenses related to copyright infringement and the interstate transportation of stolen property. This case emerged when staff at Eminem's Ferndale studio alerted authorities about unauthorized releases of the musician's work online.

In January 2025, employees at Eminem’s creative hub in Ferndale noticed a troubling discovery—music that was still in production by the iconic Detroit-born artist had surfaced on the internet. The team provided law enforcement with evidence linking these tracks directly to their studio hard drives. Through this investigation, the FBI identified multiple buyers of these illicit recordings, all pointing toward Strange as the source.

Strange served as part of Eminem’s team between 2007 and 2021. If found guilty on the copyright infringement charge, he could face up to five years in prison alongside a substantial fine. Additionally, a conviction for transporting stolen goods across state lines carries a potential sentence of up to ten years behind bars.

This incident highlights the importance of safeguarding intellectual property within the music industry. Artists like Eminem invest significant time and effort into crafting their material, making unauthorized distribution not only illegal but also detrimental to their creative process. As the legal proceedings unfold, they underscore the broader challenges artists face in protecting their work in an increasingly digital world.