Even casual fans of Eminem's music are familiar with the intense domestic drama that's defined much of the rapper's life.

Following a tumultuous childhood characterized by neglect and abuse, Em -- whose real name is Marshall Mathers -- entered a famously unhealthy marriage with Kim Scott.

Marshall and Kim weren't married for long, but their relationship had an indelible impact on the hip hop legend's life.

Not only did the former couple have a daughter together, Mathers adopted Kim's niece, Alaina, as well as her daughter Whitney from another relationship.

As one of the wealthiest recording artists on the planet, Em was able to provide a better life for Kim's niece and daughter.

But he was not able to insulate them entirely from the challenges presented by their unstable families.

According to a report published Friday by Radar Online, Whitney's father, Eric Hartter, has been sentenced to several months in prison on drug charges.

The decision was handed down while Hartter was already behind bars on unrelated charges.

Back in December, the 40-year-old was arrested for allegedly stealing about $200 worth of Red Bull from a CVS store.

While serving time for that crime, Hartter was arrested a second time for possession of felony contraband, including Fentanyl and methamphetamine.

This week, the judge in Hartter's case sentenced him to 153 days in jail.

Hartter was credited for time served following his previous arrest, but he must still serve at least two months behind bars.

While he has never been one of Whitney's primary caretakers, insiders say Hartter has maintained a relationship with his daughter, who is said to be devastated by her father's never-ending legal issues.

No one with ties to Whitney or Eminem has commented publicly on the case.

News of Hartter's sentence comes just weeks after another tragic development in the Mathers family.

Eminem's father, Marshall Bruce Mathers passed away after suffering a massive heart attack last month.

The younger Mathers was not on speaking terms of his father at the time of his death,

It appears that Eminem is doing his best to reverse the trend of absentee father figures within his extended family.

Sadly, it looks as though the process has often been a painful one.