Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time, he is credited with popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and breaking down racial barriers for the acceptance of white rappers in popular music. While much of his transgressive work during the late 1990s and early 2000s made him a controversial figure, Eminem has become a representation of popular angst of the American underclass and is noted for his conscious lyrics, with political criticism and social commentary, and skilled rap flow.