Eminem’s “Houdini” reaches #1 and dethrones Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” on Global Apple Music Charts

Eminem has done it again. The rap legend’s latest single, Houdini, has skyrocketed to #1 on the Global Apple Music charts, dethroning Kendrick Lamar’s chart-dominating hit, Not Like Us.

The success of Houdini is a testament to Eminem’s enduring legacy in hip-hop. Despite decades in the industry, he remains a dominant force, capable of outperforming even the most celebrated artists of today. The song’s rapid rise to the top is not only a personal victory for Eminem but also a reflection of how the music industry is evolving in the streaming era.

In this article, we’ll break down the significance of Houdini’s success, analyze its performance on streaming platforms, compare it to Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us, and explore what this means for the future of hip-hop.

Eminem’s Houdini: A Chart-Topping Phenomenon

The Return of Slim Shady

Released on May 31, 2024, Houdini serves as the lead single from Eminem’s upcoming album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). The track signals the return of Slim Shady, Eminem’s infamous alter ego, known for his provocative and darkly humorous lyrics.

The song instantly resonated with fans, blending nostalgia with a modern twist. Sampling Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra,” Houdini is a fast-paced, punchline-heavy track that reminds listeners why Eminem remains one of the greatest lyricists in rap history.

Streaming and Chart Performance

Upon release, Houdini made an explosive debut across major streaming platforms:

• Spotify: The song debuted at #3 on the Global Spotify Charts, accumulating 7.85 million streams within 24 hours. In the U.S., it ranked #4 with 2.97 million streams on its first day.
• Apple Music: Houdini immediately climbed the charts, reaching #1 in the UK, #3 in Canada, and #4 in the U.S. before eventually securing #1 on the Global Apple Music charts.
• TikTok: The song became a viral sensation, ranking #10 on TikTok’s Viral 50 Chart, with over 114,000 video posts in its first week.

The rapid success of Houdini demonstrates Eminem’s cross-generational appeal. While long-time fans celebrated the return of Slim Shady, younger audiences discovered his style through TikTok and streaming platforms.

Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us: A Reign to Remember

Before Houdini took over, Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us was the song of 2024.

Released amid Kendrick’s high-profile feud with Drake, Not Like Us became an instant cultural moment. The track not only dominated streaming charts but also sparked discussions across social media and hip-hop communities.

Chart-Topping Dominance

• Not Like Us held the #1 spot on the Global Apple Music charts for weeks, making it one of the biggest songs of the year.
• The song topped Spotify’s U.S. and Global Charts, securing millions of streams daily.
• It became the most-streamed song of 2024 on Apple Music, proving Kendrick’s influence on both rap and mainstream audiences.

Despite Houdini’s success, Not Like Us remains one of the defining tracks of the year. Its cultural impact, particularly within the hip-hop community, ensures that Kendrick’s reign isn’t over—just momentarily interrupted.

Eminem vs. Kendrick Lamar: A Battle of Rap Titans

The fact that Eminem and Kendrick Lamar are competing for the top spot is a testament to their respective legacies. Both are regarded as two of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop history, each with a unique style and approach to storytelling.

Why Houdini Surpassed Not Like Us

1. Mass Appeal: Houdini’s upbeat, nostalgic feel, combined with its sample of Abracadabra, made it more accessible to casual listeners compared to Kendrick’s harder-hitting disc track.
2. The Slim Shady Effect: Eminem’s return to his controversial alter ego created buzz, drawing in both older fans and a new generation intrigued by his unpredictable style.
3. Social Media Virality: Unlike Kendrick’s Not Like Us, which thrived on hip-hop culture and rap feuds, Houdini spread faster on TikTok and Instagram due to its playful nature and catchy hook.

However, while Houdini has claimed the top spot, it remains to be seen whether it will have the same lasting cultural impact as Not Like Us.

How Streaming Has Changed the Music Industry

The rapid back and forth between Kendrick Lamar and Eminem on the charts illustrates how quickly trends shift in the digital era.

In the past, hit songs remained at #1 for months, driven by radio airplay and physical sales. Today, social media, TikTok, and streaming services dictate which songs rise and fall.

Key Factors Behind a #1 Hit in 2024

1. Streaming Numbers: Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube drive the majority of music consumption.
2. TikTok & Viral Trends  Songs that trend on TikTok can see millions of plays overnight, propelling them up the charts.
3. Cultural Moments: Diss tracks, collaborations, or controversial lyrics create buzz that pushes songs higher.
4. Global Appeal: Artists with international fanbases (like Eminem and Kendrick) dominate global streaming charts.

Eminem’s ability to adapt to this changing landscape is one of the reasons Houdini has performed so well.

What’s Next for Eminem and Kendrick Lamar?

With Houdini reaching #1, Eminem has successfully set the stage for his upcoming album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). If the album follows the same trajectory as Houdini, we could see Eminem dominating the charts for the rest of 2024.

Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar is far from done. The success of Not Like Us proves that he remains a powerhouse in modern hip-hop. Many believe that he could respond with another high-impact release, potentially reclaiming the top spot.

The competition between these two rap giants is far from over—and hip-hop fans are here for it.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Hip-Hop in the Streaming Era

Eminem’s Houdini surpassing Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us on the Global Apple Music charts is a significant moment in 2024’s hip-hop scene. It highlights how:

• Legacy artists like Eminem can still dominate the charts, proving their relevance in a fast-paced industry.
• Streaming and TikTok have changed how hit songs emerge, making virality as important as traditional promotion.
• Competition among rap’s biggest names keeps the genre exciting, with fans constantly engaged in debates and speculation.

While Houdini currently sits at #1, the battle for dominance in hip-hop never truly ends. Both Eminem and Kendrick Lamar have cemented their legacies, but as music evolves, so will their strategies to stay on top.

Whether you’re an Eminem fan, a Kendrick Lamar supporter, or just a lover of hip-hop, one thing is clear: 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for rap music in recent history!