Steve Miller reacts to Eminem interpolating ‘Abracadabra’ in new song ‘Houdini’

“You are one of those timeless originators building something new on a long musical legacy of original artists”

Steve Miller has said that he is “honoured” that Eminem interpolated his eponymous band’s song ‘Abracadabra’ in new single ‘Houdini’.

Eminem dropped the new track on Friday (May 31), which will serve as the lead single from his forthcoming album ‘The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)’. The record has yet to receive a release date but is expected to arrive sometime this summer.

In an Instagram post posted yesterday (June 1), Miller wrote a letter addressed to the rapper: “There is a long chain of stories, poetry, lyrics, and musical roots that have crossed cultures and generations inspiring the whole world for hundreds of years and in all those lines of thought, music, and rhythm there are special artists who take it all in and create new original ideas from their own feelings and experiences.

“You are one of those timeless originators building something new on a long musical legacy of original artists.”

He continued: “I have always tried to credit, honor, and respect the major influencers in my life and to always credit, honor royalties and share knowledge of their work through my own work. I didn’t know it would be this way when I was a kid trying to make a living playing music and making records, I only knew I had to respect the art that came before me and fight for it too among all the crooks, thieves, and imposters.”

Miller went on to add that Eminem is one of the few artists “who take the time or make the effort to stand up for themselves and credit and respect their influencers at the same time.”

Concluding his letter, he wrote: “Marshall Mathers you are an exception and on my short list of people who respect the art. To be included in your process feels good while I’m still singing and playing the music I love. I’m Honored.”

The track did prove controversial, however, for referencing the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

In 2022, Tory Lanez – real name Daystar Peterson – was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in both feet in 2020. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and began serving his sentence the following August.

In his latest song, ‘Houdini’, Eminem references the incident, rapping: “If I was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me / Would I really have a shot at a feat? I don’t know, but I’m glad to be, back.”

Eminem’s last studio album, ‘Music To Be Murdered By’, was given a three-star review by NME. “Eminem’s discography once looked lopsided, youthful iconoclasm dissipating into creative exhaustion. But now it comes across as a little more interesting,” it read.

“These curious newer records may age well […] The bigger question is this: should Eminem continue to grow old disgracefully, or cut the stately figure he adopts on the moving and impactful pro-gun control track ‘Darkness’?”