Eminem’s latest track, “Houdini,” is already making waves with its intense lyrics and provocative references.
The song touches on everything from celebrity controversies to personal family dynamics, wrapped in Eminem’s signature sharp wordplay and cultural insights.
The official Houdini music video is now live on YouTube. Watch it here: Eminem – Houdini
Key References in “Houdini”
1. Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez Eminem revisits the 2023 incident between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez, who was sentenced to 10 years for the assault. He wonders if he’ll ever have the chance to collaborate with Megan, indirectly referencing Lanez’s impact on her career.
2. RuPaul and R. Kelly Eminem critiques RuPaul in his usual blunt style and doesn’t hold back his disdain for R. Kelly, a nod to the serious allegations that shadowed Kelly’s career.
3. Musical Throwbacks The chorus of “Houdini” features a sample from the Steve Miller Band’s 1982 classic “Abracadabra.” Eminem also throws shade at Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine with lines like “fck Dre” and “fck Jimmy,” suggesting their absence from the album’s production.
4. Family Dynamics In a raw moment, Eminem refers to his kids as “brats” and even swears at them during a video call scene with Hailie, Alaina, and Stevie in the music video. This marks a rare glimpse of his children together, adding an emotional layer to the track.
5. Additional References and Cameos
- Sherri Papini: Eminem mentions Papini, who made headlines in 2022 for faking her disappearance, adding a twist to the track’s themes of deception.
- Paul Rosenberg: Eminem’s manager makes a voicemail appearance, expressing his concerns about the album, adding humor and a touch of reality.
- Pete Davidson: Davidson’s cameo in a high-speed car wreck scene references his 2021 car incident.
The video also includes appearances from 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Alchemist, and even hints at a major shift: Eminem announces the end of his Slim Shady persona with his album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).
In “Houdini,” Eminem blends controversy, cultural events, and personal moments, offering fans a raw look at his life and the world around him.