Eminem’s Ex-Sound Engineer Indicted for Selling Unreleased Songs in Bitcoin Deal
Eminem’s former sound engineer, Joseph Strange, has been officially charged with copyright infringement and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Authorities allege that Strange illegally leaked and sold 25 unreleased tracks by the rapper for $50,000 in Bitcoin.
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Unauthorized Release of Eminem’s Songs on YouTube and Reddit
According to federal prosecutors, Strange, 46, who previously worked at Eminem’s recording studio in Ferndale, Michigan, violated a severance agreement that explicitly prohibited him from distributing or leaking the rapper’s songs. Despite this, he allegedly sold 25 unreleased tracks recorded between 1999 and 2018 without the consent of either Eminem or Interscope Records, the rightful copyright holders.
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A report from The New York Times highlights that Strange worked at the studio for four years before being terminated in 2021. However, his unauthorized actions came to light after music fans discovered the leaked songs circulating on platforms like YouTube and Reddit.
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FBI Investigation and Key Findings
The FBI launched an investigation after Eminem’s current studio employees noticed the leaked tracks appearing online. According to an affidavit from the agency, the stolen music had been stored on secure hard drives inside the Ferndale studio. These drives were deliberately kept offline for security reasons, making the leak particularly concerning.
“They [employees] were able to identify the music as having been stored on hard drives in the studio in Ferndale. These hard drives are not connected to the internet for security reasons,” the affidavit stated.
The investigation took a significant turn after Eminem himself became aware of the situation. One of his employees reportedly issued a social media warning, urging fans not to share the leaked songs. This warning led to a tipster coming forward with crucial information.
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Bitcoin Transaction and International Buyer Identified
According to reports, a Canadian national confessed to purchasing 25 unreleased Eminem songs from Strange in 2024. The buyer claimed that the Bitcoin used for the transaction was pooled from a group of dedicated Eminem fans. This international element further complicated the case, drawing increased attention from U.S. authorities.
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FBI Raid Uncovers Eminem’s Handwritten Lyrics
Following months of investigation, FBI agents executed a raid on Strange’s home in January. During the search, authorities reportedly seized multiple items, including Eminem’s original handwritten lyric sheets. The discovery of these materials provided further evidence linking Strange to the unauthorized distribution of Eminem’s intellectual property.
Strange has since been formally charged and now faces serious legal consequences. If convicted, he could receive a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
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Strange’s Legal Response
Despite the mounting evidence, Strange maintains his innocence. Speaking through his attorney, he stated that he will seek “justice and fairness in the courtroom.” His legal team has not yet disclosed its defense strategy.
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The Impact of Music Leaks in the Industry
This case sheds light on a larger issue within the music industry—unauthorized leaks and digital piracy. Artists and record labels have long struggled with protecting unreleased music from being distributed without permission. Leaks not only impact potential revenue but also disrupt carefully planned album rollouts and marketing strategies.
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For Eminem, who has built a legendary career spanning decades, the unauthorized release of his unreleased work is a serious breach of trust and security. His management team has yet to issue an official statement on the case.
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Conclusion
The indictment of Joseph Strange serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences associated with copyright infringement and unauthorized distribution of intellectual property. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the battle against music leaks remains a top priority for artists and record labels worldwide.
With the case now in the hands of the legal system, the industry will be watching closely to see how it unfolds and what precedent it may set for similar incidents in the future.
