Not Afraid: The Shady Records Story

Not Afraid: The Shady Records Story tracks Eminems ascent and the label he built with Paul Rosenberg, showing how a partnership turned into a global powerhouse. The documentary threads together pivotal moments from the breakthrough that brought Eminem to the world, through the Dr. Dre collaborations, to the later roster including artists who helped shape the imprint. It foregrounds the working bond between Eminem and Rosenberg as the driving force behind Shady, while inviting candid perspectives from Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Royce da 5'9" about the label's culture and decision making. As the roster expanded and the music scene changed, the film keeps its focus on the people driving Shady forward. The story stays with the people behind it.

Directed by Insanul Ahmed and Damien Scott, the documentary released in 2015 uses interviews and archival footage to chart Shady Records from its inception to its status as a major hip hop label, and the people who built it.

Through the voices of Eminem, Paul Rosenberg, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Royce da 5'9", the film offers a window into the culture around Shady Records and its influence on collaborations, branding, and the business side of hip hop. Its interviews capture the label's ethos and its impact on collaboration.

Critics respond to the film as a tight portrait of ambition and collaboration that zooms in on the relationships that built a music empire. It underscores resilience, mentorship, and the tension between artistry and enterprise that defined Shady's rise. It also highlights how the label shaped a generation of artists and the business of rap.

Box office data for this documentary are not publicly disclosed. The film exists primarily as a behind the scenes look for fans, historians, and collectors who want insight into the Shady era and its creative processes.