Eminem has a monster single on his hands in the form of "Houdini." The track, which serves as the lead single from his forthcoming album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), arrived May 31 with a video starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, The Alchemist, Jimmy Iovine, Pete Davidson, longtime manager Paul Rosenberg and more.
At Spotify, the song has already been streamed more than 51 million times, while the YouTube views are inching toward 49 million. The comic book-themed visual, directed by Rich Lee, takes a comedic approach to Eminem's career and finds him in true Shady form—irreverent as ever.
It begins with the old Eminem—also known by his alter-ego Slim Shady—getting a call from Rosenberg. The scene suddenly cuts to 2024 and Eminem waking up to a call from Dr. Dre, who says, "We have a problem." Turns out, a portal from the year 2002 opened up and the old Eminem (aka Slim Shady) was able to escape.
From there, Dr. Dre scoops up the 51-year-old Marshall Mathers and they reimagine a scene from "Without Me," with Em dressed as a super hero named "Rap Boy." The shenanigans continue as Eminem raps about his past and present using commentary on censorship and touching on his drug addiction.
"Now, back in the days of old me (When?)," he spits. "Right around the time I became a dope fiend (Oh)/Ate some codeine as a way of coping (Mm)/Taste of opiates, case of O.E./Turned me into smiley face emoji (Woo)/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)."
The release date for The Death of Slim Shady has yet to be announced. In the meantime, watch the "Houdini" video below.
