After four years, Eminem has released “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)”, his 12th studio album (along with lead single “Houdini” on Friday). But how likely is it that it will be the rapper’s last?

Eminem “kills off Slim Shady” alter ego

We have known for several weeks that the 51-year-old has been planning to use his latest release to kill off his notorious alter-ego Slim Shady, as the album title states outright.

Eminem first earned global recognition after introducing the sadistic, violent character into his music in the late 1990s, stating that Slim Shady’s purpose was to allow him to say things that he, Marshall Mathers III, would never say in real life. His debut EP, named “Slim Shady EP” features constant references to drug use, sexual acts, mental instability, and excessive violence, just about par for the course for his alter ego.

What is “Houdini” a reference to?

“Houdini,” the musician’s first single since “The Death of Slim Shady”, is nevertheless an expletive-ridden affair, which samples the Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” and has a very similar vibe – as does the music video – to his 2002 single “Without Me”.

Dr Dre, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog and even comedian Pete Davidson make cameos in the video, although perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the song is its title.

“Houdini” came out today, Friday 31 May. Earlier this week, Eminem had unveiled the track’s name and release date, and teased its melody, in a trailer filmed with the magician David Blaine.

Why people think Eminem is retiring

The rapper is seen in a video call with Blaine, asking the 51-year-old: “I was wondering, how far can we go with this magic? Like, can we do like a stunt or something?” Eminem then adds: “For my last trick, I’m going to make my career disappear.” In response, Blaine splutters: “Wait, what?!”