While much of the world’s attention has focused on Eminem’s illustrious career and his tumultuous personal life, particularly his highly publicized relationship with ex-wife Kim, one family member has remained somewhat under the radar—his half-brother, Nathan “Nate” Mathers. Though he has spent much of his life in the shadow of his famous sibling, Nathan has quietly carved out his own path in the music industry, proving that talent runs deep in the Mathers family.

A Challenging Start

Nathan Mathers’ life hasn’t been easy, and his upbringing has been marked by hardship. Born in 1986, Nathan’s mother, Debbie Nelson, welcomed him into the world with her boyfriend, Fred Samra. However, at just 8 years old, Nathan was placed in foster care, an experience that would deeply affect him. Eminem, who was 13 at the time, memorialized this painful chapter in his 2014 song Headlights, expressing his sorrow and longing to help his brother. “When he was taken away I always said if I ever get in a position to take him, I would take him,” Eminem said in a 2004 interview. “I tried to apply for full custody when I was 20, but I didn’t have the means.”

Eminem’s words rang true years later when, in his 20s, he was finally able to gain custody of Nathan. The rapper not only became Nathan’s guardian but also filled the role of a father figure. Nathan credits Eminem for being a positive influence, saying in a 2023 interview on Hailie Jade Scott’s podcast, Just a Little Shady, that his brother was “the best role model I could have had to help me be the dad that I am today.”

A Brother’s Influence

Growing up under the roof of one of the most influential figures in the music industry, Nathan was naturally exposed to Eminem’s world. But it wasn’t just the fame and fortune that influenced him—it was the style, the music, and the creative process. In the podcast interview, Nathan shared how he would often “take his [brother’s] hand-me-downs,” recalling how he would wear his oversized Phat Farm outfits, even though he was only “110 pounds” at the time. He also admitted to bleaching his hair to match his brother’s iconic look, a clear sign of how much he admired Eminem’s persona.

However, Nathan’s admiration for his brother didn’t stop at the clothes or the looks—it extended to music. Inspired by Eminem’s work, Nathan decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and pursue a career in music. Under the stage name Nate Kane, Nathan began making music, later becoming a DJ, music producer, and actor. “I had learned from your dad, my brother, how to do music and how to write formulas, compound syllables, whatnot, and tested it out in the beginning,” Nathan explained. He began to hone his craft, becoming comfortable with his voice and songwriting skills, eventually recording and performing his music. His debut song, “Slide on Over,” was released in 2009, and he even performed it at the wedding reception of his niece, Alaina Scott, Eminem’s oldest child.

Branching Out into Acting and Videos

Nathan’s talents aren’t confined to just music. He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in the 2020 crime thriller Devil’s Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge. Additionally, Nathan has made cameo appearances in several of Eminem’s music videos, including The Way I Am, Without Me, and Sing for the Moment, which all helped solidify his presence in the entertainment industry.

A Family Man and New Beginnings

In his personal life, Nathan has found stability and happiness. In 2018, he married Ashley Mae Mathers, and together, they have three children: daughter Audrianna and sons Liam and Carter. Their relationship, which has been kept relatively private, has clearly stood the test of time. Ashley shared a heartfelt post on Instagram in 2022, celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary, saying, “4 years married to you. It sounds so minimal compared to the 20 years you’ve been my best friend.”

Nathan’s story is one of resilience and self-determination. Though his journey has been shaped by hardship, he has managed to carve out a meaningful legacy of his own, inspired by his brother’s success and their shared experiences.

Shaping His Own Legacy

While Nathan Mathers may always be associated with his famous brother, he is undeniably creating his own mark in the music industry. With a career spanning music, acting, and family life, Nathan is forging a legacy that reflects his own unique journey. Whether it’s through his music, his role as a father, or his growing presence in the entertainment world, Nathan is proving that the Mathers family has more than one story to tell. Fans who have followed Eminem’s career may find themselves drawn to Nathan’s path—one that is just as inspiring, and perhaps even more grounded in love and family than his brother’s tumultuous rise to fame.

Nathan Mathers is a testament to the power of influence, resilience, and the strength that comes from family. His story may have been hidden in the shadow of his famous sibling for years, but now, he’s beginning to shine in his own right, crafting a legacy that stands tall on its own.