“Houdini” is Eminem’s new single, the first from the long-delayed twelfth album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), and it’s a significant departure for the MC, very well known for his harsh tongue and controversial nature. Now, though, with the nostalgic nods to his early-2000s sound, Eminem, a.k.a. Marshall Mathers, makes it official: retirement is coming his way. Not if, but when.
“Houdini” obviously refers to the towering, legendary magician Harry Houdini, whose name only gained fame through the performances of his escape acts that bordered on the nearly impossible. Right at the front of his 1999 track “Role Model,” he opens it with a reenactment of one of Houdini’s most famous acts: the Chinese Water Torture Cell. However, this references not just the legacy of the magician himself but introduces themes emphasized in Eminem’s past work: escape and disappearance.
Meanwhile, Jeff Bass is back on production—this time for “Houdini”—bringing that infectiously morbid sound so synonymous with early classic Eminem hit materials. This is full of indelible catchphrases from the “Guess Who’s Back?” which initially graced his 2002 smash hit, “Without Me,” and which will send longtime fans into a nostalgic tizzy.
Hype for “Houdini” began on May 20, 2024, after Eminem teased it with a mysterious text message: ” And for my last trick!” dating that message May 31, which started much buzz with many fans.
On May 28, 2024, Eminem pushed it to the next level, and in a tiny video posted on Instagram, he even brought in illusionist David Blaine into a FaceTime call. After the call, he went on to say the single was, indeed, being released on the 31st, with the very last line being, “For my last trick, I’m gonna make my career disappear,” which may conceivably mean The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) could be his last album.
Eminem & magician David Blaine link up to perform magic tricks ahead of the rapper’s upcoming single, “Houdini.”
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 29, 2024
PIC.TWITTER.COM/W4RGLPQZTX
In March, Dr. Dre appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and confirmed that Eminem was working on new album, revealing that he had collaborated on several tracks. Dre’s comments added to the mounting excitement.
Dr. Dre announces that Em will be dropping an album this year
byu/General_Young6126 inEminem
During the NFL Draft in April, Eminem officially announced The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) through a Detroit Murder Files crime show teaser, symbolizing the end of his alter ego. A subsequent fake obituary for Slim Shady in the Detroit Free Press further fueled rumors of his retirement.
Lyrics Analysis:
Lyrics:
[Skit: Paul Rosenberg]
Hey, Em, it’s Paul
Uh, I was listening to the album
Good fucking luck, you’re on your own
Paul Rosenberg, Eminem's manager, has been a recurring character in Eminem's albums. This skit indicates that Paul has heard the controversial content of the album and sarcastically wishes Eminem good luck, implying that Eminem might face backlash for his unapologetic lyrics.
Intro:
Lyrics:
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
This intro signals Eminem's return to the music scene as his alter ego, Slim Shady. The repetitive nature of "Guess who's back?" emphasizes his comeback, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement for his return.
Verse 1:
Lyrics:
Well, look what the stork brung (What?)
Little baby devil with the forked tongue (Ha)
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
Eminem describes himself as a "baby devil" with a "forked tongue," highlighting his controversial and provocative nature. He emphasizes his skill as a "lyrical technician" and "electrician," suggesting that he brings energy and technical prowess to his craft. The mention of Megan Thee Stallion hints at his admiration for her talent and playfully questions if he could collaborate with her. The overall tone is one of confidence and defiance, celebrating his return to music.
Chorus:
Lyrics:
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
The chorus uses the imagery of magic and tricks to signify Eminem's surprising and impactful return. The phrase "Abra-abracadabra" evokes the sense of pulling off something extraordinary, emphasizing his comeback as something spectacular.
Verse 2:
Lyrics:
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!”
Eminem reflects on his past struggles with drug addiction and how it affected him. He uses dark humor to criticize societal norms, suggesting he'd rather be brutally honest than conform to political correctness. He criticizes the increasing censorship in the world and boasts about his financial success despite controversies. The lines about "light joggin'" and "runnin' at full speed" illustrate his relentless work ethic and superior status in the rap game.
Bridge:
Lyrics:
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)
Eminem reflects on how his younger self would react to the current state of the world and his career. The term "gay" is used here in its older slang sense of "lame" or "strange," not as a derogatory term for homosexuality. He reiterates his alter ego, Slim Shady, reinforcing his identity and legacy.
Verse 3:
Lyrics:
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 (Haha, pees)
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 (What?)
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 (No)
Like Sherri Papini, Harry Houdini
I vanish into the thin air as I’m leaving like
Eminem uses his trademark provocative style to address several points. He questions how many young people still idolize him despite his controversial persona. He references R. Kelly and the Black Eyed Peas in a crude joke, displaying his dark humor. The mention of his "transgender cat" is a nonsensical statement meant to provoke and confuse. He asserts his dominance in the rap game and mocks cancel culture, daring critics to try to silence him. The lines about Paul Rosenberg and other figures in his life indicate tension and frustration, culminating in a series of aggressive dismissals. The comparison to Harry Houdini suggests his ability to escape unscathed from any controversy.
Music Video Analysis
The music video for “Houdini” pays homage to “Without Me” with its comic strip style and time-travel elements. The video features cameos from Dr. Dre, Pete Davidson, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Jimmy Iovine, Grip, Westside Boogie, Denaun Porter, Royce 5’ 9”, Paul Rosenberg, The Alchemist, EZ Mil, Ryan Keely, Samantha Mack, and comedian Shane Gillis. The video depicts two versions of Eminem—one from 2002 and one from the current day—rapping together, creating a visual representation of his career’s evolution.
Career Disappearance
Eminem’s hints at retirement with The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) suggest a dramatic end to his prolific career. The themes of escapism and finality in “Houdini” align with this potential career disappearance, leaving fans speculating about his future in the music industry.
As Eminem turns 52, the same age Houdini was when he passed away in Detroit, the symbolism in “Houdini” becomes even more poignant. Whether this album marks the end of Eminem’s musical journey or is just another elaborate stunt remains to be seen, but “Houdini” ensures his legacy will endure, much like the legendary magician he references.
