Eminem Drops New Single ‘Houdini,’ Teasing Upcoming Album & Already Upset Fans Over with Shot About Megan

Eminem has just released “Houdini,” the lead single from his much-anticipated 12th album, *The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)*, set to drop this summer.

The track opens with a classic Eminem move, featuring his longtime manager Paul Rosenberg expressing his doubts about the upcoming album. “Hey Em, it’s Paul. I was listening to the album… Good fucking luck, you’re on your own,” says Rosenberg.

“Houdini” pays homage to Eminem’s 2002 hit “Without Me,” starting with the familiar singsong lines, “Guess who’s back, back again / Shady’s back, tell a friend.” Produced by Eminem and his long-time collaborator Luis Resto, the song incorporates elements of Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” in the chorus and references the Megan Thee Stallion shooting incident. 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.”

VINTAGE EMINEM CONTROVERSY

True to form, Eminem stirs up controversy with provocative lyrics that touch on transgender issues, RuPaul, and even his own children. He spits, “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.”

The music video for “Houdini” is a direct tribute to “Without Me,” featuring a portal that transports Eminem back to 2002. Shot in a comic strip style reminiscent of the original video, it includes guest appearances from 50 Cent, Pete Davidson, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Alchemist. The video showcases two versions of Eminem — one from 2002 and one from today — performing the track together.

DEATH OF SLIM SHADY

Details about *The Death of Slim Shady* have been sparse since Eminem announced the album last month. In March, Dr. Dre revealed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that he had worked on several songs for the project and was set to hear the complete album the day after his TV appearance.

Fans eagerly await more news and tracks from what promises to be another provocative and boundary-pushing release from the rap icon.

ONLINE REACTIONS

The music video has not even been released for 12 hours, but it has fans all over social media with their responses to the visuals. Check out some of the commentary on X below including from NBA great LeBron James.

And just like that, HE’S BACK bruh! @Eminem Houdini is too good! 🫡🔥🔥🔥

— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 31, 2024

How is that a diss? Y’all need to learn the difference between a diss and word play. That’s like when Hov had that future bar and people were saying he dissed him. Smh.

— Gru Doo (@grudoodu) May 31, 2024

bar for bar

— Xavier (@Xavier249315284) May 31, 2024

I don’t think so either. Especially when people are saying she did not get shot. He acknowledges she did get shot.

— Nicole Rogers (@RogersNico29003) May 31, 2024

Bc we would forget about them otherwise. Fr, when was the last time you listened to a full Em song on purpose? I hadn’t heard Nicki since Superbass. Drake? I thought he was just doing photo-ops.

They want to reach the young and fresh crowd by using the same old 2003 tactics. pic.twitter.com/RuHx2iyZAv

— bucky (@bucky_chomp) May 31, 2024

Nah he did not say that😭 real rap is back #Eminem pic.twitter.com/QqLBcyD99O

— NACKB0Y (@Nackb0Y) May 31, 2024

Exactly like this man never had a filter😭

— Lucas🧚🏾‍♂️ (@itslucassssss) May 31, 2024

Sir… now why ain’t captiol records put you on the damn marketing or social team cause pic.twitter.com/rBTLSCvvyj

— Jaymie Gill (@JaymieGill) May 31, 2024

It’s rap! We were just having a good old time with the Drake and Kendrick beef and they went to the GUTTER. Go listen to pop if this offends you…

— Genea mom (@GuerdyY) May 31, 2024