This December, hip-hop enthusiasts around the world are celebrating a milestone that changed the game for the genre—Shade 45’s 20th anniversary. Launched in 2004, the channel, curated by Eminem and his longtime partner Paul Rosenberg, has been a powerhouse in the world of uncensored, commercial-free hip-hop. To mark two decades of groundbreaking music and culture, Eminem and Paul sat down for an exclusive roundtable discussion, reflecting on the channel’s impact, their journey, and the dream team that made it all happen.

A Legacy of Hip-Hop Culture

For Eminem and Rosenberg, Shade 45 was more than just a radio station—it was a vision to create a platform that represented the raw, unfiltered essence of hip-hop. As Eminem explains, “We wanted a channel that wasn’t bound by the typical restrictions of commercial radio. A place where real hip-hop could thrive, without compromise.” The channel’s success has been built on this very foundation, providing listeners with a unique mix of world-premiere music, interviews with top artists, and live freestyle sessions.

The anniversary special features a roundtable discussion with some of Shade 45’s most influential personalities, including DJ Whoo Kid, Lord Sear, and DJ Tony Touch. Together, they reflect on the evolution of the channel, the iconic shows like “Sway in the Morning,” and how Shade 45 became a hub for hip-hop’s most exciting talent. As Paul Rosenberg notes, “We were never just a radio station; we became a cultural movement, a space where artists and fans could connect in ways that were previously impossible.”

The Dream Team Behind the Channel

A huge part of Shade 45’s success comes from the incredible team of DJs and hosts that have brought the station to life. Eminem and Rosenberg worked tirelessly to assemble a group that could capture the essence of hip-hop and deliver it to fans 24/7. From Sway Calloway to DJ Whoo Kid, the team has brought fresh, authentic content to airwaves, breaking new artists and creating a platform for freestyle legends to showcase their skills.

Eminem shares, “We’ve always tried to keep the culture at the heart of Shade 45. Whether it’s breaking new music or giving an outlet to legendary voices, the team we built has been crucial in making that happen.” The station continues to set trends and shape the future of hip-hop, always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the music world.

A Look Back at the Music That Shaped the Channel

The anniversary special also gives fans a chance to hear Eminem reflect on some of the biggest moments in his career, including his thoughts on the impact of his 2004 album Encore and the infamous album leak that nearly derailed its success. “Encore would’ve been right there with The Eminem Show if we hadn’t had those leaks,” Eminem admits. “Because if ‘Bully’ would’ve been on there…” He goes on to discuss how tracks like Bully could have changed the course of the album’s legacy. Eminem also talks about his connection with 50 Cent and the possibility of a future collaboration, a topic that has fans eagerly awaiting more.

The anniversary special will air on Christmas Eve (December 24) at 10 p.m. ET on Shade 45 (Ch. 45), with rebroadcasts throughout the week. After its premiere, it will be available on-demand via the SiriusXM app. In this exclusive broadcast, Eminem shares personal stories about discovering new music, his favorite songs from Encore, and much more.

The Future of Shade 45 and Hip-Hop

As Eminem and Paul Rosenberg continue to lead Shade 45, they remain committed to providing a space for unfiltered, authentic hip-hop content. Their goal is to keep pushing the envelope, ensuring that the channel stays true to its roots while embracing the new wave of talent. Eminem’s vision for Shade 45 is clear: “We’ve always wanted to be a place where hip-hop culture could grow, evolve, and stay true to itself. We’re not done yet—we’re just getting started.”

For fans of Eminem, hip-hop, and everything in between, Shade 45’s 20th anniversary celebration is not to be missed. Tune in on December 24 to join Eminem and Paul Rosenberg as they look back on the channel’s journey and discuss the future of hip-hop.