Eminem’s ‘Houdini’ Samples a Terrible 1980s Song

Eminem‘s “Houdini” samples one of the big hits of the 1980s. Unfortunately, the song in question is terrible. Regardless, Eminem’s decision to sample a certain song made one classic rocker very happy.

Eminem’s ‘Houdini’ samples a song that doesn’t feel very similar to hip-hop

Eminem’s “Houdini” samples “Abracadabra” by the Steve Miller Band. Get it? Both songs have a magic theme. It’s not clever or cute. It’s also an odd choice of song title, considering Dua Lipa released a hit called “Houdini” last year. Maybe vaudeville illusionists are having a major comeback that isn’t obvious to most people.

The real problem here is that “Abracadabra” sounds awful. It’s a stale slice of 1980s corporate rock ‘n’ roll, and it’s not any fresher in Eminem’s hands. His decision to rework the track is a little baffling. It’s not as if  “Abracadabra” is a particularly beloved song or a song that translates well into hip-hop like “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club does.

What Steve Miller had to say about Eminem

Steve Miller was happy about the sample. In 2024, Vulture reported that Miller wrote some kind things about Eminem on social media. “There is a long chain of stories, poetry, lyrics, and musical roots that have crossed cultures and generations, inspiring the whole world for hundreds of years, and in all those lines of thought, music, and rhythm, there are special artists who take it all in and create new original ideas from their own feelings and experiences,” Miller wrote. “You are one of those timeless originators building something new on a long musical legacy of original artists.

“There aren’t many artists who take the time or make the effort to stand up for themselves and credit and respect their influencers at the same time,” Miller added. “Marshall Mathers, you are an exception and on my short list of people who respect the art. To be included in your process feels good while I’m still singing and playing the music I love. I’m honored.”

How ‘Abracadabra’ and ‘Houdini’ performed

“Abracadabra” was the third and final Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single from the Steve Miller Band, after “The Joker” and “Rock’n Me.” “Abracadabra” was No. 1 for two weeks, staying on the chart for 25 weeks. The Steve Miller Band included the tune on the album Abracadabra reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for 33 weeks.

So far, “Houdini” has not been nearly as popular as “Abracadabra,” but it hasn’t been out for very long. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and it’s been on the chart for two weeks at this point. “Houdini” is the lead single of Eminem’s upcoming album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). There’s plenty of hype for that album because of its provocative title.

Who knows if The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) will live up to expectations? Considering “Houdini” is middling at best, it’s hard for me to get my hopes up. The music video for the track is a bad sign as well. It features Eminem recreating moments from his past videos, suggesting he doesn’t have many new ideas up his sleeve.

Eminem’s taste in samples isn’t the greatest, but he made Miller happy.