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Eminem and Kids Rock share a connection that goes back decades, with both artists rising to prominence within the Detroit hip-hop music scene. Their latest collaboration has drawn criticism, with their political beliefs seemingly putting the partnership under scrutiny. In response, Eminem is pushing back against the implications of the project, saying that his decision came down to making music with an old friend.
Eminem responds to backlash over Kid Rock collaboration
On October 1, Kid Rock announced that Eminem would be featured on a track for his Christian rock album titled “Halfway 2 Jesus.” The latter’s fans were quick to react, with many criticizing the collaboration due to their conflicting views on politics.
Many called out Eminem for working with Kid Rock, an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, pointing to a line from his freestyle rap at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards, in which he said, “I draw a line in the sand, you’re for or against.”
In 2024, Eminem joined former President Barack Obama at a rally in Detroit to support Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, where Obama delighted the crowd by performing a few lines from the rapper’s hit song “Lose Yourself.”
On October 17, the day Kid Rock’s album was released, Eminem promoted their song on social media, responding to the backlash. “Not about choosing sides, just choosing to make music with my old friend. Praying for us all,” he told the post.
The two artists do not talk much about politics
Kid Rock proposed a collaboration with his longtime friend in 2025. Regarding their differing views, the MAGA supporter said, “I don’t really want to drag him into my political world,” adding that they talk about politics “a little bit, not a ton.”
“There’s a lot of stuff we agree on, and we can laugh about the things we don’t. That’s why I asked him to write me a verse,” Kid Rock said in an interview with Tableau.
Kid Rock and Eminem first crossed paths in 1990. The former was a rising star in Detroit and had an event at a record store to promote his album when the then unknown Eminem challenged him to a rap battle. Kid Rock declined the challenge, but did offer a few words of advice to the aspiring rapper.
Kid Rock approached the rapper for a different song
It was announced that Eminem would be featured on the track “7 Sins,” but after some last-minute decisions, the artists shelved it and decided it was better for “Heal My Faith.” “We agreed we didn’t need two songs together… people are going to think we’re dating,” Kid Rock joked.
On the track, Eminem raps about his longtime friendship with Kid Rock and also addresses their differing political views.
“From the shock rap to the rock rap / My homie and I / He’s my brother, not my political enemy / BO to the B., we wrote this for those who believe / In GO to the D, no matter what you vote or follow / Liberal and evangelical can agree,” he raps.
In an interview with Lara Trump, Kid Rock said that he and Eminem have long agreed not to let politics ruin their friendship, according to Fox News. He hopes the collaboration will set an example for others, showing that even “two fake white rappers from Detroit” can remain friends despite their political differences.
Eminem’s fans are expressing disappointment
The rapper’s explanation of putting friendship above politics didn’t sit well with some of his fans, with many arguing that making music with a Trump supporter is “picking sides.”
“I’ve been a fan since 2000, so let me just say this is a sh-t move, and I definitely feel like choosing sides,” wrote one. Another person praised Eminem’s “loud voice” against racism, saying he threw out those values by working with Kid Rock. “I’m so sad, man.”
A little more understanding, with one saying, “These guys are still friends despite the crazy political climate and there [sic] important political differences are pretty cool.”
Past collaborations of Eminem and Kid Rock
Eminem and Kid Rock have collaborated several times over the years. Eminem appeared on “F-ck Off,” a track from Kid Rock’s 1998 album “Devil Without a Cause. The following year, Kid Rock covered a turntable to “My Fault” from Eminem’s “The Slim Shady LP.”
Their professional association continued years later, with Kid Rock making a cameo in the music video for Eminem’s 2013 song “Berzerk.”
Although their friendship seems to have transcended their political differences, some Eminem fans were less willing to extend the same understanding to his latest collaboration with Kid Rock.
