It’s never pretty when an artist tries way too hard to stay relevant. Entertainers don’t have to move on once their popularity wanes, but there’s definitely a way to keep doing interesting art without moving into cringe territory.
Apparently no one told Eminem, as his new single, “Houdini,” has been poorly received by fans. A particular bone of contention are his lyrics referencing Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 shooting by Tory Lanez. In the song, Em 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? / I don’t know but I’m glad to be back like…”
Off color dad jokes? Is that really where one of the greatest musical storytellers of a generation finds himself? The way he chuckles at his own nonsense is so cringey. He’s basically your awkward uncle who used to be cool a long time ago.
The really offensive part of all this is that he chose one of the most painful and traumatic moments of her life to joke about. Does he think this will get Meg’s attention and she’ll actually collab with him, or did he hear other artists doing this and thought it was what the cool kids are doing now? Either way, it’s extremely distasteful and disrespectful.
He also spends a lot of time poking fun at himself, which feels fake and manufactured. Hey Marshall, just because you’re OK referencing your pain doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same way. He also takes jabs at RuPaul, R. Kelly, Dr. Dre and his own kids.
It should come as no surprise that the internet had strong thoughts about the song.
One person, seemingly referencing his issues with Mariah Carey, noted his history, writing on X, “He can’t do nothing without mentioning a black womans name.”
Another person didn’t mince words on how they felt about this line, writing on X, “yea this was disgusting especially coming from a grown man. just unnecessary.”
As if that wasn’t enough drama, Em quickly found himself overshadowed by one of the best in the business when Grammy winner SZA dropped an amazing cover of his biggest hit, “Lose Yourself,” for no reason other than she could.
“U ever just cover Eminem on some tender shit for feels? (Not on a project Just for mental health,” she wrote alongside a beautiful, stripped down version of the Oscar-winning song.
Seems like Slim Shady can take his outdated rhymes back into hibernation, because SZA’s version of “Lose Yourself” is the only one the internet needs.
One person noted the healing power of SZA’s talent, replying, “who needs therapy when you have sza?”
Another user demanded more, writing, “Ima need an entire album of tender rap covers STAT.”
Meanwhile, one fan wants the two artists to collab on a new version of the song, writing on X, “This is dope!!! Eminem should do a remix with her on the hook.”
One user commented on SZA’s melodic voice, writing, on X, “I’m convinced Sza can talk about Dog S—t and her voice will make it fire!”
In case you’re wondering, Eminem replied to the post with a shocked face emoji, seemingly offering his stamp of approval.
It looks like the people have spoken and you can skip “Houdini,” but definitely vibe to SZA’s R&B “Lose Yourself.”