And for his subsequent trick… Eminem has revived his impish alter-ego Slim Shady for brand new observe “Houdini”, the much-teased lead single from his forthcoming album, believed to be titled The Loss of life of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).
The track, which harks again to the US rapper’s 2002 hit “With out Me”, can also be accompanied by a music video that includes cameos from Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Pete Davidson, 50 Cent and comic Shane Gillis.
It opens with a skit from Eminem’s longtime supervisor Paul Rosenberg, who calls up the rapper to inform him: “Hey Em, it’s Paul, uh, I used to be listening to the album… good f***ing luck, you’re by yourself,” earlier than hanging up the cellphone.
“Houdini” makes use of the identical bouncing hook from “With out Me” and equally sees him taking goal at critics, his family, and himself: “Nonetheless a white jerk (It’s him!), pullin’ up in a Chrysler to the cypher.”
Eminem, actual title Marshall Mathers, additionally namechecks fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion with wordplay that references her 2020 taking pictures by Tory Lanez: “If I used to be to ask for Megan Thee (What?)/ Stallion if she would collab with me/ Would I actually have a shot at a feat? (Haha).”
Later, he references the infamous faked 2016 kidnapping by Sherri Papini as he additionally compares himself to Hungarian-American escape artist Harry Houdini: “’Trigger you are by no means gon’ see me/ Caught sleepin’ and see the kidnappin’ by no means did occur/ Like Sherri Papini, Harry Houdini/ I vanish into the skinny air as I am leavin’ like…”
Whereas Eminem has promised the album for summer time, followers may discover that he turns 52 in October, near the date that Houdini himself died, additionally aged 52. Whether or not this implies he has one thing deliberate for that date, to tie in with him killing off Slim Shady, stays to be seen.
Earlier than releasing “Houdini”, Eminem shared a teaser with David Blaine, during which the magician and illusionist eats a wine glass whereas he declares: “Nicely, for my final observe, I’m gonna make my profession disappear.”
The video, directed by Wealthy Lee, finds him again in his Rapboy costume from the “With out Me” video and hurtling round a comic book strip universe together with his youthful self. He additionally brings again the wannabe Slim Shadys who featured in his 2000 MTV Video Music Awards efficiency.
On the finish of the clip, comic Pete Davidson takes over driving his Lamborghini (”belief me, I’m a terrific driver”) and sends them careening by the streets at night time.
The Loss of life of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), is due for launch this summer time and can comply with Eminem’s final document, 2020’s Music to Be Murdered By.