For most of his early life, Nathan Mathers—Eminem’s younger brother—saw Marshall Bruce Mathers III as just that: his older brother. But as the world came to know Marshall as Eminem, one of the most iconic figures in music, Nathan began to see him through a new lens. In a 2023 interview on the podcast Just a Little Shady, hosted by Eminem’s daughter Hailie Jade, Nathan opened up about his brother’s profound influence on his life and the moment he realized just how famous Eminem had become.

A Bond Forged Through Challenges

Eminem and Nathan share the same mother, Debbie Nelson, but have different fathers. Nathan was born Nathan Kane Samara in 1986, during a time when the family faced numerous struggles. By the age of eight, Nathan was placed in foster care, a traumatic experience referenced in Eminem’s song “Headlights.” At the time, Eminem, only 20, tried to gain custody of Nathan but lacked the financial stability to do so. Eventually, he succeeded, and Nathan went on to live with Eminem at age 16.

In the years that followed, Eminem became a guiding presence for Nathan. This influence shaped Nathan’s personal growth and ultimately his approach to fatherhood. As Nathan put it, “He’s the best role model I could have had to help me be the dad that I am today.” He credits Eminem’s example—how he raised Hailie and supported Nathan—as foundational in how he now raises his three children with wife Ashley Mae Withey.

The Moment Fame Hit Home

Nathan grew up watching his brother’s career take shape. He recalls the first time he realized just how famous Eminem was: Eminem casually mentioned attending an award show, which didn’t seem remarkable at first. But the next day at school, Nathan’s classmates were abuzz, excitedly talking about seeing Eminem on TV.

“That’s when it started to sink in,” Nathan recalled. “Seeing him on TV, going to shows, all the signatures and crazy fans. I thought, ‘Well, this is real.’”

For Nathan, that realization marked a shift. What had been a private family relationship now came with the weight of a global spotlight, yet their bond remained rooted in the challenges they had overcome together.

Forging His Own Path

Although he grew up in the shadow of a superstar, Nathan has carved out his own identity. A DJ, music producer, and actor, Nathan has appeared in films like Devil’s Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge and featured in Eminem’s music videos for tracks like “The Way I Am” and “Without Me.” Under the moniker Nate Kane, he’s also released music, further highlighting how his brother’s career inspired his own artistic journey.

Complex Family Dynamics

The Mathers family history is not without its complications. After their mother’s death in late 2024, Nathan expressed mixed emotions on social media, reflecting the difficult relationship they all shared with her. Despite these challenges, Nathan’s connection with Eminem appears steadfast, a testament to the brotherly bond that has endured through the ups and downs of fame and family turmoil.

A Role Model Above All

For Nathan, Eminem remains more than a cultural icon. “I learned a lot from him,” he said. “He’s been a great influence on me.” In a world that knows Eminem as a controversial lyricist and a larger-than-life performer, Nathan’s perspective offers a personal view—one of an older brother who stepped up when it mattered most.