Eminem has once again proven his enduring appeal by securing his 11th number one single on the official charts with his latest track, “Houdini.” This achievement marks his first chart-topping hit since “Godzilla” in 2020. The song is part of his new album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),” and is his first solo number one single in 19 years. “Houdini” has also set a record for the biggest opening week for a song since Dave and Central Cee’s “Sprinter” last year.
The Detroit rapper, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, has stirred up conversation with the title of his new album, signaling a farewell to his alter-ego, Slim Shady. In April, he teased the album with a mock murder news report, featuring appearances from long-time collaborators Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent. “Houdini” has dethroned Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” from the top spot, putting Eminem on par with Calvin Harris for the most number one singles in the UK, both having 11.
In other chart news, Central Cee and Lil Baby’s “BAND4BAND” has climbed to number three, while singer-songwriter Myles Smith has reached new heights with his track “Stargazing,” now at number eight. Smith expressed his joy, saying it is “beautiful to see Stargazing resonating with so many people.” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has dropped to number four, and Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” remains steady at number five.
Taylor Swift continues to dominate the album charts with “The Tortured Poets Department,” coinciding with the UK leg of her Eras Tour. Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” has moved up to second place, while Becky Hill’s “Believe Me Now” has debuted at number three. Hill’s album is her best-performing to date, surpassing her debut album “Only Honest On The Weekend,” which peaked at number seven in 2021.
K-pop group ATEEZ has also made waves, achieving their third top 10 album with “Golden Hour: Part 1.” The South Korean group, consisting of eight members, has set a record by securing three top 10 albums in one year, following the success of “The World EP.2: Outlaw” and “The World EP.Fin: Will.”
Eminem’s “Houdini” has been streamed 13.3 million times in the UK over the past week, making it the highest-selling track since “Sprinter” by Dave & Central Cee. The song, which samples Steve Miller Band’s 1982 hit “Abracadabra,” debuted at number one with 104,803 units, including 8,217 digital downloads and 96,586 sales-equivalent streams. It also had the biggest opening week of video streams since Adele’s “Easy On Me” in October 2021.
Polydor, the label behind “Houdini,” also holds the number two single with Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” and two top 10 entries for Billie Eilish. In the albums chart, Eminem’s “Curtain Call – The Hits” saw a 50.4% increase in sales, moving from 15 to 7. Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard And Soft” climbed to number two, while Becky Hill’s “Believe Me Now” debuted at number three.
“Houdini” has given Eminem his best first week since 2002 when “Without Me” achieved 165,669 units. The song references “Without Me,” which saw a 240.73% increase in consumption, returning to the Top 75 for the first time in 22 years. Eminem’s top weekly tally came in 2000 with “Stan,” which debuted at number one with 198,805 units.
With 11 number one singles, Eminem is tied with Calvin Harris for the most number ones and holds the record for the most by a rapper. “Houdini” is his first solo number one since “Like Toy Soldiers” in 2005 and his ninth single to debut at number one. His last number one was “Godzilla” in 2020, featuring Juice WRLD.
“Houdini” extends Eminem’s chart career to over 25 years, making it his 34th top 10 hit. The song has already racked up over 30 million official on-demand U.S. streams and sold over 36,000 copies. It has also boosted the rest of Eminem’s discography, with a 38% rise in streams over four days. Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” has also seen a 101% increase in streams, benefiting from the success of “Houdini.”
Eminem’s ability to stay relevant and dominate the charts after more than two decades in the industry is a testament to his enduring talent and appeal. “Houdini” is not just a hit; it’s a statement that Eminem is still a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
