"Too good": Hyped LeBron James gives his verdict on Eminem's new single 'Houdini'
LA Lakers star LeBron James recently gave a nod of approval to rap legend Eminem after hearing his latest single, Houdini this week. The single, which was released as part of the rappers upcoming album The Death of Slim Shady was also released with an accompanying music video that included a number of guest appearances from high-profile celebrities.
The video for the song takes viewers on a multi-dimensional journey with the rap legend as a 2002 version of his younger self appears in the present time. Moreover, the song also notably pays tribute to one of Eminem's classic songs, Without Me.
The music video, which, at the time of publication, has racked up 4.7 million views in less than 12 hours, includes some pretty big guest appearances. While no NBA players appear in the video, the song caught the attention of future Hall of Famer LeBron James.
In a post on social media, James praised the song, and Eminem, noting the rap legend's return to the game more than four years after the release of his 2020 album, Music To Be Murdered By. Accompanied by a saluting emoji and some fire emojis, LeBron James wrote:
"And just like that, HE’S BACK bruh! @Eminem Houdini is too good!"
LeBron James' recent stance in the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef
LeBron James' recent praise of Eminem's new song comes on the heels of the future Hall of Famer joining the NBA community in following along with the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef that took place during the NBA postseason.
The rap feud divided the NBA community given that Lamar is a LA local and a longtime Lakers fan, while Drake is an ambassador for the Raptors organization. The pair traded barbs via diss tracks throughout the early stretch of the postseason, with NBA teams and players getting involved.
In one instance, for example, the Minnesota Timberwolves used one of Lamar's diss tracks while warming up on the road at Ball Arena, sending a clear message to the Nuggets.
In another instance, Inside the NBA producers used another one of Lamar's songs on the broadcast during playoff coverage. The situation sparked hilarious reactions from Shaquiile O'Neal and Kenny 'The Jet' Smith, while Charles Barkley was unamused.
In the case of LeBron James, as a longtime friend of Drake's, and as a member of the LA Lakers, he seemed to have a foot in both camps. Early on in the beef, he took to social media, writing:
“Nothing like 2 heavyweights doing What They Do Best! For the love off of the sport.”
Nevertheless, James was then seen dancing to Lamar's Like That diss track in the club, and was then seen rapping along with the song pregame in late March.
While it's unclear whether James has chosen a side, it's clear that whether it's a rap beef or simply a new release, the NBA legend keeps an eye on the world of hip hop.