The rap icon returns with a bang, sending shockwaves through the music industry with massive streaming numbers and a chart-topping hit, while sparking debate among fans and critics alike.
- Jun 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - Eminem's recent single "Houdini" has taken the music world by storm, heralding the rapper's comeback in a blaze of controversy and unparalleled streaming success. The track, which serves as a precursor to his highly anticipated album, "The Death Of Slim Shady", debuted with impressive figures, cementing Eminem's enduring influence in the industry.
Announced earlier this year at the NFL Draft in Detroit, Eminem revealed the forthcoming album to elated fans, symbolically marking the end of his alter-ego, Slim Shady. Propelled by a wave of promotional efforts, including an obituary for Slim Shady published in a Detroit newspaper, the lead single "Houdini" has captured listeners' attention globally.
The track's streaming numbers are nothing short of monumental. It garnered over 56 million streams on Spotify in its first week, the second most for a rap song in the platform's history. In the U.S. alone, it amassed more than 30 million official on-demand streams in just four days and sold over 36,000 copies. Such figures are staggering, especially for a 51-year-old artist, showcasing Eminem's ability to remain relevant amid younger artists.
"Houdini" also achieved a feat in the U.K., securing Eminem his 11th number one single with 104,800 chart units and 13.3 million streams. This marks his first UK chart-topper since "Godzilla" in 2020, knocking Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" from the top spot.
However, the song has not been without its share of controversy. Eminem's provocative lyrics, known for their dark humor and contentious subjects, include references to Tory Lanez' shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion. Critics and fans are divided, with some appreciating the revival of Slim Shady's antics while others deem the rhymes outdated.
