Eminem is back with a bang, and he’s making magic happen with his new single "Houdini," the first taste of his upcoming 12th album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), set to release this summer.
“Houdini” brings a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of Eminem’s 2002 hit “Without Me.” The song kicks off with a playful, singsong rhyme, “Guess who’s back, back again / Shady’s back, tell a friend,” instantly pulling fans back to the early 2000s. Produced by Eminem and his frequent collaborator Luis Resto, the track features a catchy chorus that samples Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” and includes a cheeky reference to Megan Thee Stallion's infamous shooting incident.
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
See upcoming rap shows
[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 (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
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
[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
Source: Genius
Watch the music video on YouTube
The music video for "Houdini" is a visual treat, echoing the comic strip style of “Without Me.” It features two versions of Eminem - one from 2002 and the current-day version - rapping together through a time-travel portal. The video includes cameo appearances from big names like 50 Cent, Pete Davidson, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Alchemist, making it a star-studded affair. The clip even showcases a humorous scene where Pete Davidson, sporting bleach blonde hair, gives Eminem a ride, quipping, "Don't worry, I just got my license back."
Eminem announced "Houdini" earlier this week through his socials with magician David Blaine, where he joked, “For my last trick, I’m going to make my career disappear.” This playful yet ominous statement adds to the mystique surrounding his latest work.
Please do not try this at home. Or anywhere else. 🐰🎩🪄 @davidblaine pic.twitter.com/1HUPDkiaV0
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) May 29, 2024
With The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), Eminem seems ready to close one chapter and possibly begin a new era in his illustrious career. As fans gear up for the summer release, "Houdini" sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling musical journey.
