The Slim Shady LP

A figure sits at the end of a long wooden pier at night under a huge moon on the cover of Eminem's major-label debut, with an old car parked nearby and the title scrawled in bright, childish letters. The calm, moonlit scene hides something darker, as the car's open trunk suggests.

The Detroit rapper's major-label debut, made with Dr. Dre, introduced Slim Shady, a violent and funny alter ego who said whatever he liked. Released on 23 February 1999, it was led by "My Name Is," won the Grammy for Best Rap Album and made Eminem the most controversial star in music.

The original artwork upset some retailers, and a replacement cover was made for big stores. That split, a peaceful picture with a disturbing detail, matches an album that hid shocking lyrics inside catchy, cartoonish songs, and it launched rap's best-selling artist.