Get the latest gossip

Will The Real ‘Houdini’ Please Stand Up?

Eminem’s new song gives him something in common with Dua Lipa (and Kate Bush and Foster the People).

The actual Harry Houdini — a Hungarian illusionist who captivated the world with his seemingly impossible stunts — died in 1926, so he can’t stand up unless he’s finally found a way to permanently cheat death. The lyrics reference Megan the Stallion’s shooting(“would I have a shot at a feat”), call his own kids “brats,” and make the self-aware observation that he’s “a bigger prick than cacti be.” Dua brought a crew-dini together for the group choreography in the music video for her version of “Houdini.” The dance track, off her album Radical Optimism, expresses the perspective of someone who is a serial ghoster but might be ready to settle down for the right person.

Get the Android app