Steve Miller welcomed Eminem’s use of the Steve Miller Band’s 1982 hit “Abracadabra” in “Houdini,” saying he felt honored to be included in the rapper’s creative process. Eminem’s May 31, 2024 announcement described the new track as featuring both a sample and an interpolation of the earlier song.
What Steve Miller said about Eminem
In a note addressed to Eminem and published on the Steve Miller Band’s website on June 4, 2024, Miller praised the rapper’s relationship to earlier artists. He wrote: “You are one of those timeless originators building something new on a long musical legacy of original artists.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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D e a t h . 0 f . S I i m S h a d y . (Houdini etc.) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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The Eminem Show | $10.36 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Houdini and Me | $8.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Angry Blonde: The Only Official Eminem Book of Uncensored Lyrics, Personal Commentary, and Rare... | $14.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Midnight at the Houdini | $8.83 | Buy on Amazon |
Miller closed by saying: “To be included in your process feels good while I’m still singing and playing the music I love. I’m Honored.” His response was positive: he presented Eminem’s engagement with musical influences as a point of respect and said he was glad to be part of the process.
How “Abracadabra” connects to “Houdini”
Eminem’s official announcement says “Houdini” features “a sample and interpolation” of “Abracadabra.” That wording identifies two forms of musical use; it is more precise than describing the connection only as a sample or simply as an influence. The announcement does not provide further detail about which parts of the earlier recording are sampled or interpolated.
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“Abracadabra” was a Steve Miller Band hit released in May 1982. ABC Audio reported that it reached No. 1 and was the band’s third and last chart-topper. ABC Audio’s account does not name the chart, so the achievement should not be attributed to a specific chart on that basis alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When “Houdini” was announced
Eminem announced “Houdini” on May 31, 2024, calling it the first single from The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). The announcement also says Eminem produced the track himself.
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Contemporary coverage reported Miller’s praise on June 1. The Steve Miller Band’s own site published Miller’s note on June 4; these are different publication dates, not conflicting dates for the statement’s appearance.
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