Eminem has thrilled his fans with the music video for his latest single, “Houdini,” which is packed with nostalgic references to his earlier work. Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted numerous Easter eggs, particularly nods to his iconic 2002 hit “Without Me.”
The video for “Houdini” opens with Eminem in bed with two women, a direct reference to the beginning of the “Without Me” video. This time, Eminem returns as ‘Rap Boy,’ a superhero alter ego who, along with Dr. Dre dressed as Robin, aims to prevent the 2002 version of himself from being canceled in the future. As the two versions of Eminem clash, they eventually fuse, resulting in a blend of his blonde-haired and black-bearded looks.
Throughout the video, fans have noticed multiple callbacks to “Without Me” and other classic tracks. These include the reappearance of a man in a bunny costume, the iconic superhero freeze frame for ‘Rap Boy,’ an unorthodox crotch shot, and the Batman-esque wall climb reminiscent of Adam West’s era. Dr. Dre also makes a return, visibly exasperated by Eminem’s antics.
One standout moment is when Eminem, using his mystical telekinesis powers, battles his past self. Additionally, there is a scene that echoes “The Real Slim Shady” video, where Eminem and his lookalikes gather in a pink room, this time sporting black tees and black beards instead of the original white shirts and blonde hair.
The “Houdini” video has already garnered over 4 million views, with fans praising the clever references and the rapper’s ability to blend humor and controversy. As Eminem continues to entertain and provoke, the video serves as a testament to his enduring influence and creativity in the music industry.
