Eminem has unveiled “Houdini,” the leading single from his highly anticipated 12th album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” set to release this summer.
The track opens with a familiar voice: Eminem’s longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg, expressing his reservations about the upcoming album. “Hey Em, it’s Paul. I was listening to the album… Good luck, you’re on your own,” Rosenberg remarks, setting the tone for what’s to come.
“Houdini” echoes Eminem’s 2002 hit “Without Me,” kicking off with playful rhymes, “Guess who’s back, back again / Shady’s back, tell a friend.” Produced by Eminem alongside Luis Resto, the song’s chorus samples Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” and makes a nod to the controversial shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion. Eminem raps, “If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me / Would I really have a shot at a feat? I don’t know, but I’m glad to be, back.”
In his trademark style, Eminem doesn’t shy away from provocative content. He takes jabs at various topics, including transgender issues and his personal life. “Cancel me, what? Okay, that’s it, go ahead Paul, quit / Snake ass prick, you male cross dresser, fake ass bitch / And I’ll probably get shit for that (watch) / But you can all suck my dick, in fact, fuck them / Fuck Dre, fuck Jimmy, fuck me, fuck you / Fuck my own kids, they’re brats (fuck ’em) / They can screw off, them and you all (yeah) / You too, Paul, got two balls, big as RuPaul’s,” he raps.
The music video for “Houdini” is a visual throwback to “Without Me.” Filmed in a comic strip style, it features appearances from 50 Cent, Pete Davidson, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Alchemist. The video creatively merges scenes of Eminem from 2002 with his present-day self, rapping together.
Details about “The Death of Slim Shady” have been scarce since its announcement. Dr. Dre hinted at the project during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in March, noting that he had collaborated on several tracks and was set to hear the album soon.
Eminem formally announced “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” during the NFL Draft in April through a dramatic teaser styled as a Detroit crime show. This was followed by a fake obituary for Slim Shady in the Detroit Free Press, marking the end of his iconic alter ego.
Earlier this week, Eminem teased “Houdini” on Instagram with magician David Blaine, saying, “For my last trick, I’m going to make my career disappear.” This playful announcement adds to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming album, promising a dramatic and entertaining new chapter in Eminem’s career.
