Eminem has unleashed his newest track, “Houdini,” signaling the imminent arrival of his highly anticipated album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace). This single doesn’t just mark a new release; it’s a bold statement as Eminem playfully declares his intention to make his own career “disappear.”
The track opens with classic Eminem wit and lyrical dexterity. “Little baby devil with the forked tongue and it’s stickin’ out,” he raps, setting a characteristically edgy tone. He continues with, “Still a white jerk pullin’ up in a Chrysler to the cypher with the Vics, Percs, and a Bud Light shirt,” a line that’s both self-deprecating and sharply observant of his enduring persona.
In a nod to contemporary rap royalty, Eminem name-drops Megan Thee Stallion, rapping, “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 like abra-abracadabra.” This playful verse showcases his continued relevance and willingness to engage with the current hip-hop landscape.
The announcement of The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace) album came in April, following Eminem’s appearance at the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. This album, his first since 2020’s Music To Be Murdered By, promises a thematic conclusion to his iconic Slim Shady alter ego. Eminem has been building anticipation for this project with a series of creative and theatrical announcements.
To further emphasize the “death” of Slim Shady, Eminem’s team orchestrated a faux true-crime show trailer and even published a mock obituary in the Detroit Free Press. The obituary, headlined “Slim Shady Made Lasting Impressions,” declared that “Fans ‘will never forget’ controversial rapper.” It humorously chronicled the rise of Slim Shady from Detroit’s underground rap scene to mainstream notoriety with his breakthrough single “My Name Is” in 1999, highlighting the persona’s “sudden and horrific end.”
The magical theme of “Houdini” is reinforced by a teaser video featuring David Blaine, where Eminem states, “For my last trick, I’m gonna make my career disappear.” Referencing the legendary magician Houdini, who died at 52 – Eminem’s own age – adds another layer to the concept of transformation and perhaps, career reinvention.
Fans can anticipate The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace) to drop this summer. “Houdini” sets the stage for what promises to be a conceptually rich and lyrically sharp album, marking a significant chapter in Eminem’s storied career.
