The Reemergence of Slim Shady
After teasing fans with cryptic videos, Eminem has finally unleashed his new single, Houdini, along with an accompanying music video.
The high-energy track serves as the lead single from his forthcoming 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), expected to drop this summer, 2024.
With Houdini, he brings his alter ego Slim Shady back into the spotlight with his characteristic blend of controversy, humour, and intricate wordplay.
A Nostalgic Homage to “Without Me”
The Houdini music video, directed by Rich Lee, pays homage to Eminem’s iconic 2002 hit Without Me.
The visual features cameos from Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Pete Davidson, and comedian Shane Gillis, among others.
Eminem dons his Robin costume from the “Without Me” video, and the clip even includes wannabe Slim Shadys, a callback to his memorable 2000 MTV Video Music Awards performance.
“Well, for my last trick, I’m gonna make my career disappear.”
Eminem’s teaser video with magician David Blaine, in which Blaine eats a wine glass while Eminem hints at his disappearing act, created a buzz among fans, building anticipation for Houdini’s release.
Revisiting the Early 2000s Sound
Collaborating once again with long-time producer Jeff Bass of the Bass Brothers, Eminem revisits the catchy, albeit morbid, sound that defined his early 2000s era.
Houdini sees the rapper reviving his signature catchphrases, like the iconic “Guess who’s back?” line from “Without Me.”
Mike Saputo’s artwork, which draws inspiration from vintage magician posters, further reinforces the magic theme.
Houdini Lyrics: A Lyrical Onslaught
The lyrics of Houdini showcase Eminem’s unrelenting wordplay, wit, humour, and no-holds-barred approach.
He takes aim at various targets, including fellow rappers, public figures, and even his own family members.
The song opens with a skit featuring Paul Rosenberg, setting the stage for Slim Shady’s return.
Eminem then launches into the first verse with lines that evoke his devilish persona.
This nod to his 2002 hit “Without Me” immediately signals the return of the mischievous Slim Shady.
Eminem wastes no time in establishing his irreverent tone, using provocative imagery and wordplay.
He plays with the idea of his rebirth as Slim Shady, complete with demonic attributes, emphasising his readiness to shock and entertain.
The chorus of Houdini cleverly interpolates the Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra,” adding a layer of nostalgia and magic to the song.
This refrain reinforces the theme of Eminem’s return, likening his comeback to a magician’s trick, fittingly named after the legendary escapologist Harry Houdini.
In the second verse, Eminem delves into more controversial territory, blending humour with biting social commentary.
Eminem reflects on his past struggles with addiction, using vivid imagery to describe the effects of codeine and opiates.
He also criticises societal norms and the censorship culture, highlighting how his career has thrived despite—or perhaps because of—his contentious nature.
Eminem pokes fun at Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 shooting incident involving Tory Lanez, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
It’s interesting, given Megan’s subliminal reference to Eminem on her track “HISS.”
Eminem’s disdain for participation trophies and what he perceives as a softening society is evident, reinforcing his image as a provocateur unafraid to speak his mind.
The third verse is a mix of personal reflections and typical Eminem humour.
Eminem questions his influence on younger generations, acknowledging his controversial legacy while maintaining his sharp wit.
He also references various celebrities and social issues, continuing to mix humour with pointed commentary.
Eminem takes shots at Dr. Dre, his mentor and long-time collaborator, as well as his own children, whom he refers to as “brats.”
The lyrics are accompanied by a FaceTime call in the music video, where Eminem’s kids react with exaggerated disgust.
Eminem doesn’t hold back, even taking a jab at the drag queen RuPaul.
He also references the infamous case of Sherri Papini, who was accused of faking her own kidnapping.
This highlights Eminem’s ability to provoke thought and laughter simultaneously, using absurd imagery and cultural references.
The Deeper Meaning: More Than Controversy
While Houdini features Eminem’s trademark witty and perhaps controversial wordplay, it also delves into deeper themes of addiction, censorship, and the challenges of fame.
The song serves as a reminder of Eminem’s complex and multifaceted personality, showcasing both his vulnerability and his relentless drive to push boundaries.
Houdini Music Video
The Houdini music video, directed by Rich Lee, is a visual feast that pays homage to Eminem’s iconic “Without Me” video.
Cameos from industry heavyweights like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent add an extra layer of star power, while Pete Davidson’s appearance as a young, blonde Eminem lookalike provides a humorous touch.
In one memorable scene, Davidson reassures Eminem that he’s “a great driver” before taking the wheel from Dr. Dre, only to proceed to wreck multiple vehicles in a nod to his real-life car accidents.
The video is a masterful blend of nostalgia, humour, and Eminem’s signature shock value, leaving fans both entertained and intrigued.
Houdini’s Legacy: A Connection to Eminem
The song’s title, Houdini, pays homage to the legendary magician Harry Houdini, known for his death-defying stunts and illusions.
The parallels between the two icons are further heightened by the fact that Houdini tragically passed away in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 52—a poignant detail considering Eminem’s own Detroit roots and his impending 52nd birthday in October 2024.
The Legacy of Slim Shady
As the album title “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” suggests, Eminem’s alter ego, the controversial and boundary-pushing Slim Shady, may be nearing its end.
The rapper has been teasing this departure for some time, even publishing a fake obituary for Slim Shady in the Detroit Free Press earlier this month.
The obituary, titled “Slim Shady Made Lasting Impressions,” pays tribute to the character’s impact on the rap game, stating: “A product of Detroit who began his career there as a rogue splinter in the flourishing underground rap scene of the mid to late 1990s, Shady first became a household name in 1999 with the debut of his playfully deranged single ‘My Name Is.'”
While the death of Slim Shady may be a sombre occasion for longtime fans, it also represents a natural evolution for Eminem, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of his artistry throughout his illustrious career.
The Enduring Impact of Eminem
Regardless of what the future holds for Slim Shady, one thing is certain: Eminem’s impact on the hip-hop landscape is indelible.
From his groundbreaking debut, “The Slim Shady LP,” to his more recent offerings like “Music to Be Murdered By,” the rapper has consistently pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and delivered thought-provoking, boundary-pushing lyrics that resonate with fans worldwide.
A Triumphant Return to Form
With Houdini, Eminem proves that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
The track’s lyrics, production, and accompanying visuals all harken back to his glory days while simultaneously showcasing his ability to stay relevant and push boundaries.
A New Era for Eminem?
Houdini marks a new chapter in Eminem’s career, one that promises to be as unpredictable and exciting as the magician who inspired its title.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the rapper’s next move, speculating about the album’s themes, guest features, and, most importantly, whether it will truly mark the end of an era for Slim Shady, or is it merely the beginning of a new chapter in the rapper’s ever-evolving journey?
Eminem’s announcement of the album’s title at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit only added fuel to the fire, leaving fans to ponder the significance of the “(Coup de Grâce)” suffix, which translates to “the final blow” or “the death stroke.”
One thing is certain: Eminem’s ability to captivate and surprise his audience remains unparalleled, and Houdini is a testament to his enduring magic.
As fans eagerly await the album’s arrival, they can rest assured that whatever tricks Eminem has up his sleeve, they’re in for a spellbinding experience.
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Eminem Houdini Lyrics
Skit: Paul Rosenberg
Hey, Em, it’s Paul
Uh, I was listening to the album
Good fucking luck, you’re on your own
Intro: Eminem
Guess who’s back, back again?
Shady’s back, tell a friend
Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back? Guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back? (Haha)
Da-da-da, da, da, da, da, da, da
Da-da-da, da, da, da, da
Verse 1: Eminem
Well, look what the stork brung (What?)
Little baby devil with the forked tongue
And it’s stickin’ out, yeah, like a sore thumb (Bleh)
With a forehead that it grew horns from (Look)
Still a white jerk (It’s him), pullin’ up in a Chrysler to the cypher
With the Vics, Percs and a Bud Light shirt
Lyrical technician (Yeah), an electrician (Yeah)
Y’all light work (Haha)
And I don’t gotta play pretend, it’s you I make believe (What?)
And you know I’m here to stay ’cause me (Why?)
If I was to ever take a leave (What?)
It would be aspirin’ to break a feve’ (Yeah)
If I was to ask for Megan Thee (What?)
Stallion if she would collab with me
Would I really have a shot at a feat? (Haha)
I don’t know, but I’m glad to be back like
Chorus: Eminem
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick)
I’m ’bout to reach in my bag, bruh (Like)
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick, poof)
Just like that and I’m back, bro
Verse 2: Eminem
Now, back in the days of old me (When?)
Right around the time I became a dope fiend (Oh)
Ate some codeine as a way of coping (Mm)
Taste of opiates, case of O.E.
Turned me into smiley face emoji (Woo)
My shit may not be age-appropriate
But I will hit an eight-year-old in the face with a participation trophy
‘Cause I have zero doubts
That this whole world’s ’bout
To turn into some girl scouts
That censorship bureau’s out to (Shut me down)
So when I started this verse
It did start off lighthearted at first (Hmm)
But it feels like I’m targeted
Mind-bogglin’ how my profit has skyrocketed
Look what I pocketed
Yeah, the shit is just like y’all had been light joggin’, and
I’ve been runnin’ at full speed
And that’s why I’m ahead like my noggin’, and
I’m the fight y’all get in
When you debate who the best, but opps, I’m white chalkin’ when
I step up to that mic, cock it then
“Oh my God, it’s him! Not again!”
Chorus: Eminem
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick)
I’m ’bout to reach in my bag, bruh (Like)
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick, poof)
Just like that and I’m back, bro (Break it down)
Bridge: Eminem
Sometimes, I wonder what the old me’d say (If what?)
If he could see the way shit is today (Look at this shit, man)
He’d probably say that everything is gay (Like happy)
What’s my name? What’s my name? (Slim Shady)
Verse 3: Eminem
So how many little kids still wanna act like me? (Haha)
I’m a bigger prick than cacti be (Yeah)
And that’s why these (What?)
Words sting just like you were being attacked by bees (Bzz)
In the coupe, leaning back my seat (What?)
Bumpin’ R. Kelly’s favorite group (Uh), the black guy (Guy) pees (Pees, haha)
In my Air Max 90s
White Ts, walkin’ parental advisory
My transgender cat’s Siamese (Why?)
Identifies as black, but acts Chinese (Haha)
Like a motherfuckin’ Hacky Sack, I treat (What?)
The whole world ’cause I got it at my feet (Yeah)
How can I explain to you (What?)
That even myself I’m a danger to? (Yeah)
I hop on tracks like a kangaroo
And say a few things or two to anger you
But fuck that, if I think that shit, I’ma say that shit
Cancel me, what? Okay, that’s it
Go ahead, Paul, quit, snake-ass prick
You male cross dresser (Haha), 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 (Yeah), them and you all (Uh)
You too, Paul (Punk), got two balls
Big as RuPaul’s (Woah)
What you thought you saw ain’t what you saw (Nah)
‘Cause you’re never gon’ see me
Caught sleepin’ and see the kidnappin’ never did happen
Like Sherri Papini, Harry Houdini
I vanish into the thin air as I’m leavin’ like
Chorus: Eminem
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick)
I’m ’bout to reach in my bag, bruh (Like)
Abra-abracadabra (And for my last trick, poof)
Just like that and I’m back, bro
