In a recent review, a prominent newspaper critiqued Eminem’s latest release, ‘Houdini’, labeling it as outdated and suggesting that the music industry is no longer missing his presence. The review, titled “Eminem’s ‘Houdini’: Why It’s Not Empty Without Him Anymore,” sparked considerable discussion among fans and critics alike, raising questions about the relevance of the iconic rapper in today’s evolving music landscape. 

Eminem, known for his rapid-fire delivery and raw, confessional lyrics, has been a dominant force in the rap world for over two decades. His influence is undeniable, with a legacy that includes numerous Grammy Awards, a vast catalog of multi-platinum albums, and a legion of devoted fans. However, the newspaper’s critique of ‘Houdini’ highlights a growing sentiment that his recent work may not be keeping pace with the current trends in hip-hop.

Eminem’s ‘Houdini’: Why it’s not empty without him anymore

The rapper has notoriously dipped his hand in the nostalgia cookie jar far too many times now. This begs the question: Why can’t he stop invoking his past self to make new music?

Guess who’s back, back again? Hip-hop’s favourite (man)child and the personification of the neverending Fast & Furious franchise, rapper Eminem. The 51-year-old artist dropped ‘Houdini’, the lead single from his upcoming 12th album (yes, 12th) — The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) — late last month. However, despite debuting at No.1 on the UK singles chart this week, ‘Houdini’ could well mean that it probably doesn’t feel so empty without him.

Arguably one of the most recognisable faces of hip hop, Eminem enjoys GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) status even today. Apart from hat-tips from the best in the game, in a career spanning more than three decades, the rapper has won 15 Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards and 17 Billboard Music Awards, among numerous other accolades. In 2024, much weighs on the “Rap God”. A waning popularity among a new generation of younger listeners. Relevance in the game. The legacy he will leave behind.

A master of his craft, Eminem is known to be a workaholic, who obsesses over his lyrics and delivery and comes up with tasteful wordplays, some of the best in hip hop history. Puns, double (even triple) entendre, complex rhythms, multisyllabic rhymes, you name it and the rapper has nearly perfected it. Apart from his technical prowess, Eminem also found global success in the late 1990s and early 2000s due to his transgressive lyrical content and “White-trash” angst. The rapper revealed the underbelly of the poor suburban White underclass of Detroit where he grew up, but it was his ability to shock through his music that drew controversy and turned ears.

He has, time and again, been accused of homophobic and transphobic lyrics since the beginning of his career. And time and again, Eminem claimed that he never really equated slurs like “faggot” and “queer” with homosexual. These words, he has often claimed, used to be thrown around in rap battles in his time. He was also criticised as recently as 2018 for using the word “faggot” for rapper Tyler, the Creator in his song Fall. Though he apologised for “taking things too far”, it’s a transgression that Eminem knows far too well. At the same time, he is openly friends with Elton John, a famous gay artist. He has even supported gay marriage, and said in an interview, “I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable if they want.”

Eminem is also infamous for being misogynistic and drawing violent images in his songs. If you’re curious, pull the lyrics for most of the songs from The Marshall Mathers LP. He created an alter ego, Slim Shady, to channel all his rage towards the world.

But the times, they are a-changin’, and listeners today are, for lack of a better word, more woke. Thanks to the Internet, the audience, especially younger listeners, is more sensitive to minority groups (women, queer folk, people with disabilities) and concerned about political correctness. When Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar dropped Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers in 2022, the internet was quick to point out that he deadnamed (refer to someone who went through gender reassignment with their former name) his uncle in the song ‘Auntie Diaries’. Nothing escapes the social media glare. Not even your old tweets. But Eminem took a while to adjust to that.

His shtick (of being controversial for controversy’s sake) is a little too old for a new world. It is also unpalatable. Once an indomitable force in the rap industry, Eminem has failed to capture the zeitgeist that he used to do so well in the past. Even if one excuses Eminem for his several faux pax, macabre and shock value don’t seem to move people anymore.

In ‘Houdini’, the rapper uses a sample of Steve Miller Band’s ‘Abracadabra’ and tiringly rehashes the hook (and video content) of his old song (‘Without Me’) with ample verbal gymnastics. Whether you’re a stan (Internet slang for fan, interestingly inspired by an eponymous Eminem song) or not, the song is a chartbuster — thanks to a loyal fan base. But Eminem has notoriously dipped his hand in the nostalgia cookie jar far too many times now. This begs the question: Why can’t the rapper stop invoking his past self to make new music? When will this shtick get old? What’s underneath all that pretentious angst? And, will the real Eminem please stand up?

The review points out that ‘Houdini’ feels like a rehash of Eminem’s previous themes and styles, lacking the innovation that once set him apart from his peers. While his technical skills remain sharp, the lyrics and beats on ‘Houdini’ are described as reminiscent of an earlier era, failing to resonate with a younger audience that has grown up with a new generation of rappers pushing the boundaries of the genre.

One of the key arguments presented in the review is that the rap scene has evolved significantly since Eminem’s peak. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Travis Scott have introduced fresh sounds and narratives that reflect the complexities of modern life, often blending genres and experimenting with new production techniques. In comparison, ‘Houdini’ is seen as a nostalgic throwback rather than a forward-thinking contribution to hip-hop.

The newspaper also touches on Eminem’s lyrical content, noting that his confrontational and often controversial style, once a hallmark of his appeal, now feels less impactful in a music industry that has diversified and matured. Today’s audiences are more attuned to themes of social justice, mental health, and personal growth, areas where newer artists have made significant inroads.

Despite the criticism, it’s worth noting that Eminem’s fanbase remains loyal and passionate. Many fans argue that his consistency and adherence to his unique style are precisely what make him stand out in a rapidly changing industry. They appreciate his willingness to stay true to his roots and continue delivering the rapid-fire verses and introspective lyrics that first catapulted him to fame.

Eminem’s influence on the rap genre cannot be overstated. He paved the way for countless artists and brought rap to a mainstream audience in a way that few others have. However, as the newspaper’s review of ‘Houdini’ suggests, the challenge for established artists like Eminem lies in balancing the preservation of their legacy with the need to evolve and remain relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.

Ultimately, whether ‘Houdini’ is seen as outdated or a testament to Eminem’s enduring style is subjective. What’s clear is that Eminem’s presence in the music world continues to spark debate and discussion, proving that his impact, whether viewed as past or present, remains significant.