While Eminem’s 1999 and 2000 mainstream takeover is often associated with the production of Dr. Dre, much more of The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP is credited to another act behind the boards. The Bass Brothers, Mark and Jeff—had been with Em’ since his career took shape. Once Dre and then-Interscope Chairman Jimmy Iovine took interest, they were still in the fold, credited to 18 of 39 tracks (including skits) tied to Em’s first two major label LPs.

Save for two spots on Relapse, the Bass Brothers (aka F.B.T. productions) have exited Eminem’s picture. However, the team responsible for “Lose Yourself,” “Sing For The Moment,” “Bad Meets Evil,” and “Purple Pills” has put in work with T.I. and George Clinton since.

Freestyle Aside, Eminem Dropped Infinite Jewels On Sway (Audio)

For much of the 1990s, before Aftermath, the Bass Brothers cultivated the sound that millions would know as Eminem—after hearing him rhyme circa 1993. They made Infinite together, as an after-product of taking a teenage MC and trying to swing for the masses. With “8 Mile style,” the album remains a cult-lauded work—considered by some purists, to be some of Em’s best.

The Bass Brothers remain close to Marshall Mathers. They made a nearly 10-minute documentary (Partners In Rhyme: The True Story of Infinite) looking on the pre-Dre days. Em’ discusses finding anger and “not giving a f*ck” in his music to lead listeners to do the opposite. There are photos, old interview footage, and more—showing how deep these Motown waters run.

A 1997 Eminem Freestyle Surfaces, With Some Slick Slim Shady Rawness (Audio)

With it, the Bass Brothers and Eminem unveil a remixed, remastered version of Infinite title single. Both the video and mix are Em’-approved, and published through his socials:

Heads can hear the Nas and AZ influence (among others) on young Marsall Mather, with a beat sounding in the vain of mid-’90s Large Professor tracks.