Kid Rock speaks out on Eminem after fans slammed the rapper for collab with MAGA star
Kid Rock speaks out on Eminem after fans slammed the rapper for collab with MAGA star
Hannah FurnellSat, October 3, 2026 at 6:25 PM UTC
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Kid Rock has spoken out on his new collaboration with Eminem -Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Kid Rock has opened up about his relationship with Eminem after fans slammed the rapper for collaborating with the MAGA star.
On October 1, the 55-year-old country rapper (born Robert James Ritchie) announced he would release a new Christian album, Halfway 2 Jesus, on October 17. At the time, he shared the cover art and tracklist on Instagram, and many were shocked to see that Eminem (born Marshall Mathers), 53, is listed as a featured artist on the track 7 Sins.
Many slammed Eminem for agreeing to collaborate, given Kid Rock's affiliation with President Donald Trump and his MAGA support. However, others have previously praised the pair for putting politics aside and "agreeing to disagree" without "hatred."
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In an excerpt from the album's foreword, obtained by Complex, Kid Rock elaborated on his team-up with the Without Me hitmaker. "I'm proud of the guests who joined me, especially my old friend Eminem," he writes, according to Complex.
The foreword added, "His verse speaks to something we've talked about and that really needs to be heard: we differ politically and on other things, but we've stayed friends through it all. We hope that sets an example for people who've lost friends or stopped talking to family because they think differently."
Kid Rock has opened up about his relationship with Eminem after their recent collaboration -Credit:kidrock/Instagram
Still, fans weren't impressed with the collaboration. One person on Reddit wrote, "Woooooah, this is a massive disappointment." A second person said, "Once again proving there is no such thing as morals when dollars are involved."
While a third person chimed in, "That doesn't sound right given how anti-TRUMP/MAGA Em is... We sure that Kid Flop didn't just use his name w/ some kind of sample or something? If they did collaborate - in 2026 - that's extremely disappointing.."
A fourth person said, "Yup, just removed the last of the Eminem songs from my playlist. I'm disappointed but not particularly surprised." A fifth expressed, "these comments are confusing to me bc why are we shocked. gen X white man with a history of being violently misogynistic and homophobic decides to keep working with a bigoted piece of s--t? next you're gonna tell me the sky is blue."
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Kid Rock and Eminem have remained friends over the years despite their political affiliations -Credit:WireImage
However, this isn't the first time Kid Rock and Eminem have collaborated. In 1998, Eminem appeared on F--- Off, a track from Rock's breakthrough Devil Without a Cause album. The album was released in August 1998, six months before Eminem's major label debut, The Slim Shady LP.
Eminem and Rock later appeared together in the music video for Eminem's 2013 single Berzerk, the lead single from The Marshall Mathers LP 2. Both rappers are also featured on the remix of Detroit rapper Trick Trick's From tha D, a track that includes their separate verses on Trick Trick's 2getha 4 Eva!!! and Who Want It.
In October 2024, the pair were praised for putting their differing political views aside ahead of the presidential election. Eminem had endorsed Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, even appearing at a Detroit rally to introduce Barack Obama, while Kid Rock has been a longtime supporter of Trump.
Kid Rock and Eminem were previously praised for setting their political differences aside -Credit:Getty Images
However, the longtime friends put politics aside, "agreeing to disagree" without "hatred," with Kid Rock giving an insight into their dynamic in an X video at the time.
In the clip, a shirtless Kid Rock said, "I love Eminem. We've been friends for many years. I don't agree with his politics, but I do give credit to him and people like Taylor Swift for standing up and not being afraid to be vocal for that which they believe."
He continued, "Thinking differently and having the freedom to do so is what makes this country great. My stance is unequivocally MAGA as I know in my heart, mind, body and soul that President Trump will make America great again. God bless the U.S.A."
Eminem responded, "Here's one thing @KidRock and I do agree on... GO @Lions!!!! Appreciate you, Bob." Kid Rock replied, "Thanks @Eminem - Who would of thought it would be 2 white rappers from Detroit / Michigan to show our divided Country what class is and how it should be done! Appreciate ya too Marshall! Kid Rock / Bob Ritchie DETROIT LOVE #GOLIONS."
The pair have bonded over their shared love for the Detroit Lions
Fans quickly applauded the two artists for dealing with their political differences in a healthy, amicable way just days before the election. One wrote, "& Thats how we do it, We can be divided on politics and still love thy neighbor and care about our fellow Americans !!"
Another added, "Nicely done huggin it out boys, there are bigger things than politics, and football is one of them!" A third said, "This is what unity looks like folks! Great job on both sides!" as a fourth noted, "Would be nice if people used this example to stop being so nasty to each other. Nice work, fellas. People need to see more of this kinda thing."
Meanwhile, during a 2009 interview with Detroit Metro News, Eminem said he and Kid Rock "are pretty good friends" and have a "pretty good relationship."
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
