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Eminem’s latest single “Houdini” has sparked conversation as the rapper takes playful jabs at Megan Thee Stallion and R. Kelly.
In “Houdini,” which samples his classic “Without Me,” Eminem references Megan’s 2020 shooting incident involving Tory Lanez. Over a whimsical beat that also features the Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra,” he 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?”
Eminem doesn’t stop there, making a joke about R. Kelly and the infamous sex tape scandal: “In the coupe, leaning back my seat/ Bumpin’ R. Kelly’s favorite group, the black guy pees,” he quips, referencing the Black Eyed Peas.
The 51-year-old rap icon also tackles modern issues like cancel culture and gender identity. He raps: “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).” He adds a controversial line about his cat: “My transgender cat’s Siamese/ Identifies as black, but acts Chinese.”
The music video, directed by Rich Lee, features Eminem dressed as his Rap Boy superhero from the “Without Me” video, facing off against his Slim Shady alter ego from 2002. The clash turns chaotic, culminating in a hybrid “monster” of controversy and unfiltered lyrics.
The video includes cameos from Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Royce Da 5’9″, The Alchemist, Jimmy Iovine, manager Paul Rosenberg, and Shady Records artist Westside Boogie. Pete Davidson also makes an appearance, riding in a car with Eminem, and the rapper’s three children are briefly featured.
“Houdini” is the lead single from Eminem’s upcoming 12th album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), set to release this summer. The album’s rollout has heavily hinted at the end of his Slim Shady persona, including an obituary for the character in a Detroit newspaper.
