*sigh* How come
rappers have to make it so
confusing?
OK, Eminem's real, given name is Marshall Mathers III
(Sort of lacks the impact, don't you think? However, I think Vanilla Ice's real name is funnier-Martin Van Winkle. Those crazy white rappers, won't they ever learn?)
Then his name as a musician (that's debatable) is Eminem. Sort of like a author using a pen name. His pseudonym, in fancier words.
But his persona (stage character) is Slim Shady. It's like Jim Morrison calling himself the Lizard King. Basically, it's just a character he made up (which is convenient).
"It's not me! It's art!"