Abracadabra! Eminem is back. Slim Shady returned to kick off his The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) rollout with his “Houdini” single on Friday (May 31). The lead track name-drops Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre and even shades Em’s own kids while also shooting his shot at a collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion.
In the midst of his rhymes and collab request, Eminem appears to tie in and reference Megan being shot in the feet by Tory Lanez outside a California house party in 2020.
“If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me/ Would I really have a shot at a feat,” he raps.
While Eminem has a history of being a provocateur with his lyrics, fans were taken aback by him bring up the shooting. The “Hiss” rapper has been open about the depression she suffered and her continued journey to healing from the trauma as a result of the shooting and Lanez’s subsequent trial. Lanez — born Daystar Peterson — was convicted of three felony charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
“Eminem’s career has largely been built on being shocking and provocative to certain audiences … Being 51 years old and taking shots at Megan Thee Stallion? Out of touch,” one fan wrote on X.
Another said, “Eminem can houdini his a– to hell. LEAVE MEGAN ALOOOONEEEEE TF!!”
But there were others who welcomed the 15-time Grammy winner touching on the controversial subject. “So many people saying Eminem made an unnecessary comment at Megan. WE SO BACK this the EM I love!!!”
Eminem is set to unveil his The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) album — which will serve as his 12th studio LP — at some point this summer.
Watch the “Houdini” music video below.
