Rap God Still Rules: Eminem’s ‘Houdini’ Debuts At No. 2 on Billboard

25 years after his iconic rise to superstardom with”My Name Is.”, the one true Rap God Eminem returns with his latest single, “Houdini,” which not only reminds fans of his enduring legacy but also proves that the rapper remains a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Houdini” proves Eminem’s place in rap history as a genuine legend whose work fans of the genre still look forward to, even though this is his highest-charting single in over a decade. 

Nostalgising His Own Classic Era

“Houdini,” Eminem’s first solo release since 2020, takes fans on a nostalgic journey reminiscent of his “Without Me” era. The song opens with the very familiar line, “Guess who’s back, back again,” immediately signalling a return to the playful yet potent style that characterised his early 2000s hits. The accompanying music video, featuring the rapper in Robin’s superhero getup, further reinforces this throwback, with appearances from frequent collaborators and fellow legends 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and The Alchemist adding to its star-studded allure.

The single is a precursor to Eminem’s highly anticipated 12th studio album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce).” While the album’s release date remains under wraps, it is expected to drop sometime this summer, and “Houdini” sets a high bar for what fans can expect from the project.

A Stunning Billboard Debut

Debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Houdini” matches the peak position of Eminem’s 2002 classic “Without Me.” This achievement underscores the rapper’s continued relevance and popularity over two decades. The viral music video and the song’s rapid rise in the charts make it Eminem’s fastest song to reach this level of success and the second-fastest hip-hop song ever in history to hit 100 million streams, the first being Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss track “Not Like Us.”

Despite its impressive debut, “Houdini” was edged out of the No. 1 spot by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” a country hit dominating the airwaves in both the US and the UK with 59.3 million airplay impressions and 45.6 million official streams. However, this does not underscore “Houdini’s” performance, which is nothing short of spectacular, reaffirming Eminem’s status as a chart-topping artist.

Eminem debuted “Houdini” during a surprise four-song set at “Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central.” Eminem (real name Marshall Mathers) is originally from Michigan, further adding a personal layer of nostalgia and reminiscing to the song’s history. This hometown event also featured iconic artists like Diana Ross, Big Sean, and Jack White. 

Anticipation for the New Album

With “Houdini” setting the stage, anticipation for “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” is at an all-time high. The album looks like it will delve into similar nostalgia-induced themes, as hinted by the time-travelling portal in the “Houdini” video. Fans are eager to see how Eminem will blend his own personal style with contemporary influences and themes in this new project. 

Eminem’s return with “Houdini” is a powerful reminder of his impact on the music industry. As the single debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, it cements his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time. With his new album on the horizon, Eminem continues to evolve while staying true to the roots that made him a household name. Fans can only wait in anticipation for what the Rap God has in store next.