Guess Who's Back...Again...

In case you haven't noticed Slim Shady from 2002 passed through a portal in 2024.

Everyone's wondering what the old Eminem would actually say in 2024 but guess what, you will be able to listen to a whole album with that exact theme!

Eminem released new song ‘Houdini’ along with a music video and a large portion of the it is similar to the one the rapper made for his previous hit.

The opening line of "Houdini" is reminiscent to his 2002 hit song "Without Me," with the lyrics "Guess who's back, back again / Shady's back, tell a friend." The song, which was produced by Eminem and his regular partner Luis Resto, mentions the shooting event involving Megan Thee Stallion in one of the verses and quotes Steve Miller Band's "Abracadabra" in the chorus. “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,” he raps.

You can watch the music video for the new song "Houdini" below:

But let's go through that portal and see who we're talking about.

In the late 1990s, Eminem's career took a pivotal turn when he was discovered by Dr. Dre. His major-label debut, "The Slim Shady LP," released in 1999, catapulted him to fame with its provocative content and distinctive style. The album was a commercial success and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

Throughout his career, Eminem has been open about his personal struggles, including battles with addiction, mental health issues, and tumultuous relationships. His 2004 album "Encore" was followed by a period of relative inactivity as he dealt with these challenges. However, he made a triumphant return with "Relapse" (2009) and "Recovery" (2010), the latter of which was critically acclaimed and marked his resurgence in the music industry.

The relationship between Eminem and Dr. Dre is one of the most iconic and influential partnerships in the history of hip-hop. Their collaboration not only propelled Eminem to stardom but also revitalized Dr. Dre's career, establishing a powerhouse duo that left an indelible mark on the music industry.

The story began in the late 1990s when Eminem, an aspiring rapper from Detroit, was struggling to gain mainstream attention. Despite winning local rap battles and releasing his independent debut album "Infinite" (1996), Eminem faced significant obstacles due to his unconventional style and background in a predominantly black genre. His fortunes changed dramatically when he released "The Slim Shady EP" in 1997, which caught the attention of Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records. Iovine introduced Eminem's work to Dr. Dre, the legendary producer and co-founder of Aftermath Entertainment.

First Meeting and "The Slim Shady LP"

Dr. Dre was immediately impressed by Eminem's unique style and lyrical prowess. In a now-famous story, Dre recalled how he was blown away by the first few bars of Eminem's demo tape. The two met, and their chemistry was instant. Dr. Dre signed Eminem to Aftermath Entertainment and quickly set to work on what would become "The Slim Shady LP."

Released in 1999, "The Slim Shady LP" was a commercial and critical success. The album, produced by Dr. Dre, featured hit singles like "My Name Is" and "Guilty Conscience," showcasing Eminem's provocative lyrics and Dre's polished production. The success of the album catapulted Eminem to international fame and solidified Dr. Dre's reputation as a premier producer.

But who is Slim Shady?

Eminem, as Slim Shady, has had a profound and lasting impact on pop culture. His alter ego, characterized by provocative, darkly humorous, and often controversial lyrics, has left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond. 

Slim Shady’s arrival in the late 1990s brought a new level of lyrical complexity and audacity to hip-hop. Eminem's ability to weave intricate rhyme schemes, tell compelling stories, and tackle taboo subjects set a new standard for the genre. Songs like "My Name Is," "The Real Slim Shady," and "Stan" showcased his unique ability to blend humor, social commentary, and raw emotion.

Slim Shady didn't shy away from controversial and sensitive topics. From criticizing societal norms and celebrity culture to discussing his personal battles with addiction and mental health, Eminem's lyrics sparked conversations and often provoked strong reactions. This willingness to explore uncomfortable subjects helped to expand the scope of what could be addressed in hip-hop music.

Slim Shady’s impact extended to language and fashion. Phrases from his songs entered the vernacular of young people, and his distinctive style—baggy clothes, dyed blonde hair, and tattoos—became iconic. This influence can still be seen today in various aspects of youth culture and fashion trends.

Eminem has used his platform to address various social issues, including poverty, domestic violence, and political corruption. Through Slim Shady, he often highlighted the harsh realities of life, prompting listeners to think critically about these issues.

A small example of the Slim Shady experience is this part from the song "Guilty Conscience" feat Dr Dre from 2000:

You gonna take advice from somebody who slapped Dee Barnes?
What you say?
What's wrong? Didn't think I'd remember?
I'ma k*ll you, mo*****er
Uh-uh, temper, temper
Mr. Dre, Mr. N.W.A, Mr. AK

On January 27, 1991, she was physically assaulted by Dr. Dre at a rap industry party. Barnes filed charges. Dre pled no contest. A public apology came years later but did not account specifically to the targets of his abuse, including artist Michel'le: "I apologize to the women I've hurt. I deeply regret what I did and know that it has forever impacted all of our lives." Barnes plans on writing a biography of her life, according to a 2019 VIBE Magazine article.