When you think of Eminem, you likely imagine Marshall Mathers commanding stadiums with his razor-sharp rhymes and chart-topping hits. But behind the scenes, the Detroit rapper has quietly crafted and produced standout tracks for some of hip-hop’s biggest names—often without the public knowing his hand was behind the magic. Here are three surprising gems from Shady Records and beyond that showcase Eminem’s underrated songwriting brilliance.

1. “Got Some Teeth” by Obie Trice
In 2003, while 50 Cent’s debut Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ dominated airwaves, fellow Shady Records artist Obie Trice flew just under the radar with his album Cheers. Yet its lead single, “Got Some Teeth,” became an underground favorite in the U.S. and cracked the UK Top 10. Few fans realize Eminem co-wrote and produced the track, blending Obie’s gritty barroom tales with slick melodic hooks. This playful anthem proved Shady’s roster was about more than just the G-Unit buzz—it highlighted Eminem’s knack for crafting catchy yet authentic hip-hop.

2. “Hello” by Ice Cube (featuring Dr. Dre & MC Ren)
By 2000, N.W.A had long since disbanded, but Ice Cube briefly reunited with Dr. Dre and MC Ren for the powerful track “Hello.” Behind the scenes, rumors persist that Dre’s aggressive, swagger-filled verse was actually penned by Eminem himself. Neither Dre nor Em has confirmed this, but keen listeners detect Mathers’s distinctive wordplay and rhythm beneath Dre’s delivery. If true, it’s a remarkable nod to the rap veteran who saw Eminem not just as a protégé but as a peer worthy of contributing to gangsta rap’s founding legends.

3. “American You” by Yelawolf
Jump ahead to 2015, when Yelawolf fused Southern rock, country twang, and hip-hop grit on his album Love Story. The standout single “American You” was co-written by Eminem and longtime collaborator Luis Resto, with Eminem also producing the track. The song’s anthemic chorus and bluesy guitar riffs complement Yelawolf’s fiery verses—a surprising but seamless blend that highlights Eminem’s versatility beyond his own discography. Though Yelawolf has since ventured out independently, “American You” remains a testament to the creative chemistry forged under the Shady umbrella.

From Obie Trice’s cheeky party anthem to a rumored Dre verse and a Southern-tinged crossover track, Eminem’s hidden contributions span styles and generations. These songs reveal that even when he’s not front and center, Mathers’s influence in hip-hop runs deeper than many realize—proof that the Shady legacy extends far beyond just his own name on the marquee.