{"id":172167,"date":"2024-06-05T15:54:26","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T15:54:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/culture.org\/?p=172167"},"modified":"2024-06-05T15:54:26","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T15:54:26","slug":"eminem-houdini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/culture.org\/art-and-culture\/music\/eminem-houdini\/","title":{"rendered":"Eminem’s New Single ‘Houdini’: The Last Act of Slim Shady"},"content":{"rendered":"
Eminem’s fans are in for a nostalgic yet controversial treat with his new single “Houdini,” released as a precursor to his forthcoming 12th album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Gr\u00e2ce)<\/i>.<\/p>\n
As expected, the song is loaded with tons of Easter eggs, so we\u2019ve unpacked everything for you right here! Discover its hidden details, references, and more about Slim Shady’s legacy.<\/p>\n \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
Eminem has just released the first single, \u201cHoudini,\u201d from his upcoming 12th album, <\/b>The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Gr\u00e2ce)<\/i><\/b>, set to drop this summer.<\/b><\/p>\n
The song features Eminem’s trademark controversial lyrics and nostalgic references to his earlier work.<\/p>\n
The track opens with a familiar voice: Eminem’s longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg, expressing his usual disdain for Eminem’s new work.<\/p>\n
“Hey Em, it\u2019s Paul. I was listening to the album\u2026 Good fucking luck, you\u2019re on your own<\/i>,” says Rosenberg.<\/p>\n
\u201cHoudini\u201d is reminiscent of his 2002 single \u201cWithout Me<\/b>,\u201d with the lyrics “Guess who\u2019s back, back again \/ Shady\u2019s back, tell a friend.<\/i>”<\/p>\n
Produced by Eminem and Luis Resto<\/b>, the song samples Steve Miller Band\u2019s \u201cAbracadabra\u201d in the chorus.<\/p>\n
Eminem even references the Megan Thee Stallion shooting incident, adding a layer of contemporary relevance and controversy.<\/p>\n
In true Eminem fashion, \u201cHoudini\u201d doesn’t shy away from controversy. He takes jabs at various targets, even including RuPaul and his own children.<\/p>\n
The provocative lines, \u201cCancel me, what? Okay, that\u2019s it, go ahead Paul, quit \/ Snake ass prick, you male cross-dresser, fake ass bitch,<\/i>” highlight the singer\u2019s characteristic boldness.<\/p>\nA Video Packed with Cameos and References<\/h2>\n
The music video for Houdini<\/i> is a direct homage to \u201cWithout Me.\u201d It shows Eminem stepping into a portal in 2002<\/b> and features guest appearances from 50 Cent, Pete Davidson, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Alchemist<\/b>.<\/p>\n
The comic strip style and the dual presence of the 2002 and present-day Eminem create a nostalgic yet fresh visual experience<\/b>.<\/p>\nThe End of Slim Shady?<\/h2>\n
Earlier this week, Eminem announced \u201cHoudini\u201d as the first single via an Instagram Reel with magician David Blaine.<\/p>\n
In the video, Eminem states, \u201cFor my last trick, I\u2019m going to make my career disappear.<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n
Details about The Death of Slim Shady <\/i>have been sparse. Dr. Dre mentioned on Jimmy Kimmel Live!<\/i> that Eminem was working on a new project<\/b>.<\/p>\n
The album signals the demise of Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady<\/b>. Eminem hinted at this with a fake obituary in the Detroit Free Press and a teaser during the NFL Draft.<\/p>\nReflecting on Slim Shady’s Legacy<\/h2>\n
Eminem’s alter ego, Slim Shady, known for his provocative and controversial persona<\/b>, has been a significant part of his career.<\/p>\n
Born Marshall Mathers III, Eminem grew up in Michigan’s low-income, majority-black Detroit neighborhoods<\/b>.<\/p>\n
As such, Slim Shady emerged as a response to the challenges and frustrations he faced.<\/p>\n
The creation of Slim Shady helped Eminem break into the mainstream, but it also sparked many controversies<\/b>.<\/p>\n
His lyrics often depicted violence, misogyny, and homophobia<\/b>, defended by Eminem as fantasy rather than reality.<\/p>\nA Dual Identity<\/h2>\n
While Slim Shady allowed Eminem to express his anger and frustration, the rapper’s other persona, Eminem, offered more introspective and thought-provoking content.<\/b><\/p>\n
The song \u201cStan\u201d is a prime example, showcasing Eminem’s awareness of the impact of fame<\/b> and the responsibilities that come with it.<\/p>\nThe Evolution of Eminem’s Image<\/h2>\n
As Eminem’s career progressed, he tried to balance his controversial alter ego with more socially conscious content.<\/b><\/p>\n
Songs like \u201cNot Afraid\u201d and collaborations with artists like Rihanna marked a shift in his image, addressing his struggles with drug addiction and recovery.<\/p>\n