Rap legend Eminem explodes back onto the scene with “Houdini,” the electrifying lead single from his upcoming 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).
The song and its accompanying music video mark a triumphant return for his infamous alter ego, Slim Shady, taking listeners on a wild ride reminiscent of his early 2000s classics.
Lyrically, “Houdini” is a full-blown Slim Shady revival. Lines like “Guess who’s back, back again / Slim Shady’s back,tell a friend” leave no doubt about who’s in control. Eminem cleverly references his 2002 smash “Without Me,” weaving in its iconic hook and intricate rhyme schemes. He also throws in some playful jabs at current events and celebrity figures,keeping the track fresh and undeniably Shady.
The music video, directed by the renowned Rich Lee, is a love letter to “Without Me.” It playfully recreates iconic scenes from the original, including Eminem getting a frantic call from Dr. Dre about a Slim Shady situation. Cameos from a star-studded cast including 50 Cent, Pete Davidson, and even Eminem’s own kids add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Visually, the video depicts a battle between present-day Eminem and his younger, 2002-era Slim Shady self who’s mysteriously traveled through time. As the clip progresses, the two versions of Eminem merge into “some kind of unholy hybrid,” a fitting metaphor for the song’s thematic exploration of Slim Shady’s enduring legacy.
With “Houdini” serving as the opening act, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) is slated to arrive this summer. The album title itself hints at a potential farewell for Eminem’s iconic alter ego, marking the end of an era that redefined hip-hop for over two decades. But whether this truly signifies Slim Shady’s final bow or just another chapter in his ever-evolving story, one thing’s for sure: Eminem’s return promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.
Quotable Lyrics:
Well look what the stork brung
(What?) Little baby devil with the forked tongue
And it’s stickin’ out yeah like a sore thumb
(Bleah) With a forehead that it grew horns from
Still a white jerk
Pullin’ up in a Chrysler to the cypher with the vic’s, percs and a Bud Light shirt
Lyrical technician an electrician ya’ll light work
And I don’t gotta play pretend it’s you I make believe
And you know I’m here to stay cause me
If I was to ever take a leave
It would be aspirin to break a feve
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, like
