Eminem’s latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),” has sparked significant discussion among fans and critics alike. One of the most debated topics is whether Eminem took a jab at Kendrick Lamar on this album. This speculation arises amidst a backdrop of Eminem’s history of provocative lyrics and high-profile feuds.
In the lead single “Houdini,” Eminem name-drops several celebrities, including Megan Thee Stallion, R. Kelly, Dr. Dre, and RuPaul. However, it’s the potential jab at Kendrick Lamar that has caught the most attention. Eminem raps, “If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me, would I really have a shot at a feat?” While this line seems to reference the 2020 shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez, some fans believe it also subtly targets Kendrick Lamar.
The line has divided listeners. Some interpret it as a diss, while others argue that Eminem, known for his alter-ego Slim Shady, is simply being his provocative self. Megan Thee Stallion has not commented on the song, but she has previously criticized rappers for using her shooting incident for clout.
Eminem’s history of feuds and diss tracks adds fuel to the speculation. In 2022, Drake’s song “Circo Loco” was interpreted as a diss towards Megan Thee Stallion, suggesting she fabricated the shooting incident. Megan responded on social media, criticizing Drake and other rappers for making light of her trauma. This context makes Eminem’s line in “Houdini” even more controversial.
Critics have had mixed reactions to Eminem’s new album. Some have slammed the song “Houdini” for its lyrics, calling them “cluttered and unpleasant.” The New York Times described Eminem as “desperate to offend at every turn,” while music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy tweeted that Eminem’s career has been built on being shocking and provocative. On the other hand, some fans defended Eminem, noting that he was rapping in character as Slim Shady and not genuinely dissing Megan Thee Stallion.
The potential jab at Kendrick Lamar is particularly intriguing given the recent history of diss tracks in the rap industry. Earlier this year, Kendrick Lamar and Drake engaged in a highly publicized feud, releasing a series of diss tracks aimed at each other. This feud saw both rappers making wild accusations, with Lamar accusing Drake of being a “predator” and Drake accusing Lamar of abusing his wife. The feud dominated the charts, with both artists ranking high on Spotify and their diss tracks topping the Billboard Hot 100.
Eminem’s new album also features a track with Anderson .Paak, which has been well-received. However, the album’s overall reception has been mixed. Some tracks have been praised for their technical prowess, while others have been criticized for being overly technical and lacking substance. Eminem’s tendency to include controversial and provocative lyrics has been a double-edged sword, garnering both praise and criticism.
The speculation about a potential jab at Kendrick Lamar adds another layer of intrigue to Eminem’s latest release. While some fans believe the line in “Houdini” is a subtle dig at Lamar, others argue that it is simply a continuation of Eminem’s provocative style. Regardless, the debate highlights the enduring impact of Eminem’s music and his ability to generate discussion and controversy.
In conclusion, whether Eminem took a jab at Kendrick Lamar on his latest album remains a topic of debate. The line in “Houdini” has sparked significant discussion, with fans and critics divided on its interpretation. Eminem’s history of provocative lyrics and high-profile feuds adds context to the speculation, making it a compelling topic for fans of the rap industry. As with many of Eminem’s releases, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” has succeeded in generating buzz and keeping listeners engaged.
Source: Rolling Stone, Forbes, The Guardian
