Paul Rosenberg’s journey has come full circle. A Detroit native, he first arrived at Michigan State University with aspirations of becoming a doctor before ultimately deciding to pursue his passion for the music industry. Shifting from pre-med to psychology and law, Rosenberg found a path that aligned with both his logical mind and his deep passion for music. During his years on campus, he built connections that would later prove pivotal, including early ties to Detroit’s emerging hip-hop scene.
After graduating from MSU in 1993 with a degree in psychology, Rosenberg went on to law school, determined to fuse his legal expertise with his love of music. That decision launched a remarkable career in the entertainment industry. He became a key figure in shaping modern hip-hop as the longtime manager of Eminem, founder of Goliath Artists and president of Shady Records. Known for his loyalty, vision and ability to bridge business and creativity, Rosenberg helped guide Eminem’s rise from Detroit battles to global stardom and has worked with countless artists and producers across the industry, including a stint serving as the CEO of Def Jam Recordings.
Now, more than three decades after his student days in East Lansing, Rosenberg returns to Michigan State as the 2025 Homecoming Grand Marshal. His story is one of passion, persistence and embracing the unexpected — an inspiring reminder to Spartans that the combination of talent, hard work and a willingness to take bold steps can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.