ICYMI: Steve Miller praised Eminem's 'Houdini' for honoring musical legacy

Steve Miller has expressed admiration for Eminem's sampling of the Steve Miller Band's 1982 hit "Abracadabra" in Eminem's new single, "Houdini" (not to be confused with Dua Lipa's song from 2023, of the Melvins album from 1993).

Miller praised the rapper in an Instagram post, emphasizing the importance of musical legacy and innovation. Miller highlighted several artists he considers "original artists." He stated, "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."

Reflecting on his journey in the music industry, Miller addresses early doubts that he'd ever have that much of an impact: "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."

Steve Miller doesn't hold back in praising Eminem

In his Instagram post, Miller also commended Eminem for his originality and respect for musical influences. He wrote, "Hey EM, 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."

Despite being a rap artist, Eminem, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 during his first year of eligibility, acknowledged his own musical influences during his induction speech. He remarked, "My musical influences are many," and listed numerous artists, adding, "They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it took a whole genre and culture to raise me. They say success has many colors, and that's definitely true for me."

Miller concluded his Instagram post by addressing Eminem by his real name, Marshall Mathers: "There aren't many artists who take the time or make the effort to stand up for themselves and credit and respect their influencers at the same time. 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."

More basic facts about Steve Miller and Eminem

The Steve Miller Band, formed in 1966, is renowned for its contributions to rock music, producing hits like "The Joker," "Fly Like an Eagle," and "Rock'n Me."

Their 1982 song "Abracadabra" topped the charts in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Steve Miller himself has been celebrated for his guitar skills and songwriting, earning an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. That being said, he has sternly criticized the institution in the past (and so have other artists, including Cher).

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, emerged from Detroit's rap scene in the late 1990s. Known for his rapid-fire lyrical delivery and provocative themes, he has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. His influence spans multiple generations, and his work often reflects a deep respect for the artists who came before him.

This collaboration, albeit through sampling, showcases the continuous interplay and mutual respect between different generations of musicians, bridging gaps between rock and hip-hop. Eminem's sampling of "Abracadabra" is a solid example of how popular music can inspire new creations, resonating with audiences across different eras and genres.