"Infinite" is the debut studio album by American rapper Eminem, released on November 12, 1996, through Web Entertainment. The album was recorded in the Bass Brothers' studio, with production handled by Denaun Porter (known as Mr. Porter) and Eminem himself. It features guest vocals from several fellow Detroit rappers, including Proof, Denaun Porter, Eye-Kyu, Moe Men-E, Three, and Thyme, as well as singer Angela Workman.
Eminem sold physical copies of Infinite directly from the trunk of his car in Detroit, making it a highly limited release. The album was released on cassette and vinyl, but it never made it to major retail outlets or online music stores. The only track that has been made available on digital platforms is the title track, “Infinite,” which was later released in a remixed version in 2016 to commemorate the album's 20th anniversary. Despite its obscurity, physical copies of Infinite have since appreciated in value due to its rarity and the fact that it was made before Eminem gained mainstream success.
Eminem’s path to Infinite began when he signed with FBT Productions, run by the Bass Brothers (Jeff and Mark Bass), in 1992. At the time, Eminem was working a minimum-wage job at Gilbert’s Lodge in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Inspired by the work of artists like Tupac Shakur (Me Against the World) and Nas (Illmatic), Eminem began writing the songs that would become Infinite. After the birth of his daughter Hailie, he dedicated himself to recording the album, which was completed by the summer of 1996.
The album was produced by Mr. Porter, with Proof contributing drum programming. Eminem was encouraged by the feedback he received for his rapping style, which was often compared to Nas and AZ, two rappers known for their intricate, storytelling-based lyrics. Infinite was intended to be a radio-friendly album in hopes of getting more exposure on Detroit's airwaves, but the album's limited distribution meant that only around 1,000 copies were sold.
### Composition and Lyrics
Lyrically, Infinite touches on personal themes, including Eminem’s struggle to raise his daughter on limited funds, his desire for success, and his personal ambitions. Eminem’s writing is influenced by his desire to establish his identity as an artist, and the tracks reflect his early attempts to figure out his sound and style. He later described Infinite as a "growing stage" and said that the album was like a demo that got pressed up.
Though Infinite is often remembered for its "radio-friendly" aspirations, Eminem's personal struggles with depression and substance abuse began to take a toll on him shortly after the album's release. These struggles would later inspire the creation of his Slim Shady alter ego, which became a defining part of his career in later projects.
### Release and Reception
Infinite was released on November 12, 1996, by Web Entertainment, but the album struggled commercially. It sold very few copies, with estimates ranging from 70 to 1,000 units. The poor reception of the album and its lack of success in the mainstream music industry had a profound effect on Eminem, leading him to develop his Slim Shady persona and eventually sign with Dr. Dre's label, Aftermath Entertainment.
Despite the commercial failure, Eminem’s struggles during this time would set the stage for his breakthrough. The lack of success of Infinite was a defining moment that pushed him to refine his sound and sharpen his skills as a lyricist. He later admitted that the disappointment he felt from the album’s failure was a catalyst for his later work and the persona he developed as Slim Shady.
On May 14, 2009, Infinite was made available for free download on ThisIs50.com in anticipation of Eminem’s comeback album Relapse. A remixed version of the title track was released on November 17, 2016, five days after the album's 20th anniversary. The remix was accompanied by a documentary that explored the making of Infinite and its significance in Eminem’s early career.
Although Infinite was not a commercial success, it remains an important part of Eminem’s catalog, especially for collectors and fans who are interested in the early development of his career. The album’s rarity and connection to Eminem’s humble beginnings have made physical copies highly sought after in the hip-hop community. Over time, Infinite has gained a cult following, with many fans considering it an essential part of understanding Eminem's evolution as an artist.
