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Eminem is no stranger to controversy, and his latest single, “Houdini,” is sparking backlash for a lyric referencing the July 2020 shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez, Pagesix reports. Dropped at midnight on Friday, “Houdini” is the first release from his upcoming album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).”
The track features a catchy melody borrowed from the Steve Miller Band’s 1982 hit “Abracadabra” and carries echoes of Eminem's 2002 hit “Without Me.” In typical Slim Shady fashion, Eminem delivers a bouncy yet grouchy diatribe, reflecting on his life in the '90s compared to today. Known for his sharp tongue and unfiltered lyrics, Eminem doesn’t hold back, taking shots at everyone from Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre to his own children.
Controversial Lyrics and Backlash
However, it's a particular lyric about Megan Thee Stallion that has ignited criticism. Eminem 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?” This line references the incident in 2020 when Tory Lanez shot Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, a double entendre that has been labeled as mean-spirited, despite its clever wordplay.
Music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy criticized Eminem as “out of touch,” pointing out that his career has thrived on being shocking and provocative. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disappointment, saying, “Being 51 years old and taking shots at Megan Thee Stallion?” This isn't the first time a male entertainer has made light of Megan's shooting. Eminem's long-time collaborator, 50 Cent, also faced backlash for trolling Megan but later apologized when he realized the gravity of the situation.
In December 2022, Tory Lanez was found guilty of multiple felony charges related to the shooting, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm. He was also convicted of discharging a firearm with gross negligence. This context makes Eminem's lyric even more controversial.
Elaborate Rollout for New Album
Eminem has meticulously crafted the rollout for his 12th studio album. He used the NFL draft in April, held in his hometown of Detroit, to announce “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).” The announcement came in the form of a video styled as an episode of “Unsolved Mysteries,” posing the question, “Who killed Slim Shady?” The video hinted at “rude and controversial antics” as possible reasons for the demise of his alter ego. 50 Cent also made an appearance, humorously stating, “He's not a friend. He's a psychopath.”
The anticipation for the album is high, with fans eager to see how Eminem's persona has evolved. Despite the backlash, “Houdini” is a reminder that Eminem remains unapologetically himself, continuing to push boundaries and provoke reactions.
Eminem’s return to the limelight with “Houdini” proves that he hasn't lost his touch for stirring controversy and dominating headlines. As fans and critics dissect his new work, it’s clear that the debate over his provocative style and lyrical content is far from over. Whether praised or criticized, Eminem's influence on the music industry remains undeniable, and “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” is set to be another milestone in his storied career.
