- Photo 1:
- Valerie Albert`
- Wikimedia Commons
- CC-BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 2:
- Photo 3:
- David Shankbone
- Wikimedia Commons
- CC-BY 3.0
On May 31, 2024 Eminem released his much-anticipated song “Houdini,” the lead single from his 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).
In typical Eminem fashion, the song has generated praise while also raising more than a few eyebrows considering all the famous figures Em calls out in the record. Eminem is no stranger to generating controversy, with his music often taking jabs at fellow celebrities (who could forget his famous disses against Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, and MGK over the years?). On “Houdini,” Eminem gets back to his old ways and throws shade towards people like rapper Megan Thee Stallion, his producer/mentor Dr. Dre, and drag icon RuPaul for good measure.
For those who have heard the headline-grabbing song, vote up the insults and references that you thought hit the hardest; vote down the insults that fell flat and help determine the best lyrics on “Houdini.”
- 1
Gen-Z Kids
Lyric: "My sh*t may not be age-appropriate / but I will hit an 8-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."
Explanation: There have been waves of people on TikTok complaining about Eminem lyrics, so this lyric seems to be his response to all of the backlash.
Lyric: “Bumpin' R. Kelly's favorite group, the Black Eyed Peas.”
Explanation: Eminem says “Black guy pees," referencing R. Kelly's criminal trial.
Lyric: “If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me / would I really have a shot at a feat?”
Explanation: References Megan’s shooting (which injured her feet) with the use of the word “feat.”
- 4
Sherri Papini
Lyric: “…and see the kidnappin' never did happen like Sherri Papini.”
Explanation: References the infamous hoax where Sherri Papini faked her kidnapping.
- 5
Paul Rosenberg
Lyric: “You too Paul.”
Explanation: Paul is Eminem’s manager; he has been featured in skits since Eminem's first album and is also the voice at the start of the record. He's generally portrayed as upset at how hard Eminem makes his job.
Lyric: “F*ck Jimmy.”
Explanation: The co-founder of Interscope records is frequently mentioned and featured in Eminem skits because the label is never happy with his output.
Lyric: "Got two balls, big as RuPaul's."
Explanation: Not much here besides the name drop and connection to RuPaul being a drag performer.
- 8
Hailie
Lyric: “F*ck my own kids, they're brats.”
Explanation: Hailie is Eminem's daughter. Eminem went from “if you say Hailie’s name on a song, I will come after you” to dissing Hailie himself - now that’s growth.
- 9
Himself
Lyric: “F*ck me.”
Explanation: As much as Eminem insults everyone, he’s also directed a lot of hate towards himself over the years.
- 10
Lyric: “F*ck Dre.”
Explanation: Dr. Dre discovered Eminem and has been his producer since 1999, but he’s also consistently gotten insulted on Eminem songs since “My Name Is.”
Lyric: “I vanish into the thin air as I'm leavin' like -”
Explanation: Obviously the whole song is inspired by escape artist Harry Houdini - the album art, the chorus, and this line.
