Obie Trice
A sharp-witted Detroit rapper who broke through on Eminem's Shady Records, delivering street narratives with a technical, no-frills flow.
Born 1977 (age 49)·American rapper·Birthday: November 14·Generation X
Biography
Obie Trice emerged from Detroit's fertile rap scene with a name that was his real one and a style that was direct and unadorned. His big break came when a demo tape found its way to Eminem, who signed him to Shady Records. Trice's debut, 'Cheers', was a critical and commercial success, anchored by the darkly humorous hit 'Got Some Teeth' and the Dr. Dre-produced 'The Set Up'. His lyrics wove tales of street life and personal struggle with a matter-of-fact delivery that stood in contrast to the more flamboyant styles of the era. After leaving Shady, Trice took full control, founding his own Black Market Entertainment label. This independence allowed him to continue releasing music on his own terms, maintaining a loyal fanbase that values his authentic voice and consistent craftsmanship, solidifying his status as a respected veteran of Midwest hip-hop.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Obie was born in 1977, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Obie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1977
#1 Movie
Star Wars
Best Picture
Annie Hall
#1 TV Show
Happy Days
Obie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1977Born
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1982Started school
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1990Became a teenager
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Could drive
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1995Could vote
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Turned 21
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2007Turned 30
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2017Turned 40
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 49 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His debut album 'Cheers' (2003) peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum.
- The single 'Got Some Teeth' became a crossover hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Founded his own independent record label, Black Market Entertainment, after his tenure with Shady Records.
- Was prominently featured on the soundtrack for the film '8 Mile', performing the song 'Love Me' with Eminem and 50 Cent.
Did You Know?
His stage name is simply his real first and last name.
He was shot in the head in a 2005 drive-by shooting in Detroit but survived with minor injuries.
He has a daughter named Kobi, whose name is a play on his own.
“'The name is Obie Trice, real name, no gimmicks.'”
