Guess Who’s Back? Eminem Returns With Hooking Single ‘Houdini’
Eminem is back. Following his 2020 work, ‘Music To Be Murdered By’, he’s returned in full force with hooking, self-produced single ‘Houdini’. The track is the lead single from his upcoming album ‘The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)’. It’s a first glimpse for what’s to come, radiating nostalgia, and bringing back the chaos of his alter-ego Slim Shady.
The opening serves as an ode to ‘Without Me’ through the legendary, recognisable ‘guess who’s back’ lyrics as well as accompanying visuals. The opening verse carries a catchy flow, with the addition of layered sound effects that bring an emphasis and comical tone.
To make it even more catchy and fitting to the theme, Steve Miller Band’s 1982 hit, ‘Abracadabra’ is included as a sample and interpolation.
‘Houdini’ is imaginative and creative. Not only leaning into the alter-ego's sound but presenting him as an antagonistic character coming into 2024 via a portal. The accompanying music video takes on a comic style and sees Eminem attempt to save the world from Shady.
The rhyming patterns are effective, and the final verse takes ‘Houdini’ a step further lyrically, not without Eminem’s typical controversy. He flows through it with a bold style even adding in a diss of his own kids.
Closing with the same addictive chorus and fading out abruptly. It leaves you wanting to listen again, and you're bound to spot something new each time.
‘Houdini’ certainly brings back the charm of early days Eminem. The layered production elements add to the comedic tone the track takes. The music video takes the track to another level with its intricate storyline, packed with cameos. ‘Houdini’ is innovative and seems to be one of the most creative efforts from Eminem in recent years. It’s clear he’s had fun with this one.
