Steve Miller Reacts to Eminem Interpolating ‘Abracadabra’ in ‘Houdini’

Steve Miller is sharing his thoughts on Eminem‘s new song “Houdini.”

On Saturday (June 1), the Steve Miller Band frontman praised Em after his group’s chart-topping song “Abracadabra” was interpolated in the rap superstar’s latest single.

“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,” Miller wrote in a lengthy message on Instagram. “You are one of those timeless originators building something new on a long musical legacy of original artists.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee 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.”

“Abracadabra” spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1982. Miller’s music has been sampled by numerous artists over the years, including other hip-hop stars like Nas, Lil Wayne, Ice Cube, Beastie Boys, and N.W.A.

The rocker added 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.” He concluded his letter, writing, “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.”

“Houdini” is the lead single off of Eminem’s 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), which is expected to arrive this summer. The upcoming set follows 2020’s Music to Be Murdered By, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. 

“Houdini” hit streaming services on Friday (May 31). The star-studded accompanying music video features cameos by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent, among others.

Eminem announced plans for the new album shortly after his appearance at the 2024 NFL Draft, which happened to be in his hometown of Detroit. He used a clip in the mold of an Unsolved Mysteries episode featuring a cameo from 50 Cent. However, it was actually Dr. Dre who spilled the beans on Em’s next album during a late-night appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March.

Read Miller’s full reaction to Eminem’s “Houdini” on Instagram below.