Even Eminem's harshest critics cannot deny the fact that the rapper had a tough time growing up. As per Billboard, as a child, the star often found himself being bullied by other children because he was often the new kid as his family often moved to different places, making it tough for Eminem to really connect with other kids. He said, "I was beat up in the bathrooms, in the hallways, shoved in the lockers — for the most part for being the new kid."
What helped Eminem overcome his troubles back then was his love for rap. It was his solace, his escape to a better place. As he tried to make a mark for himself among other kids who sported better outfits, for example, he knew that he was a rapper, an artist, and that made him different. He was aching for a little bit of respect, something that he continued to aspire for even after becoming a legit rap artist. He reflected, "It might sound corny but I felt like a fighter coming up."