Seventeen years ago this month, Eminem was not a diamond, platinum, or gold-selling artist. He was not down with Dr. Dre. Eminem did not have a gated home in Detroit, or a radio platform. Instead, Eminem was just Marshall Mathers, a fast-talking MC with quick wit, sticking similes, and a few budding friendships in the New York tri-state.

So in 1997, anything was a big deal to The Outsidaz’ affiliate. Eminem was invited to NYC’s Baruch College’s radio show to kick a few bars, and dazzle with a freestyle. DJ Sincere, the host of the Solo Vibes Radio Show, recently unearthed the two-part freestyle. Em tackled instrumentals of the day by Ras Kass, LL Cool J, and O.C. Some of these routines are products of the Infinite era, and basis for ideas on what would become The Slim Shady LP, two years later. The rapper he shares the mic with is (another) DJ Spinna-protege A.L.

Part 1:

Part 2:

#BonusBeat: DJ Sincere explained that the relatively unknown Eminem was invited on the strong recommendation of SKAM2?, Shabaam Sahdeeq, and others. Shabaam has been active since being released from his incarceration, while SKAM is gearing up for his own upcoming LP.

Props to HipHopDX on tipping AFH of this history. Get more back-story there.

Related: Eminem & DJ Whoo Kid Have Released an Epic 66-Song Mixtape of Shady Classics (Mixtape)