Eminem and Kid 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 seemingly opposing political beliefs putting the partnership under scrutiny. In response, Eminem is pushing back against the implications attached to the project, saying 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 out a line from his 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards freestyle rap, in which he said, “I’m drawing in the sand a line, you’re either for or against.”
In 2024, Eminem joined former President Barack Obama at a Detroit rally in support of 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 of Kid Rock’s album release, 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 all of us,” he captioned the post.
The Two Artists Don’t Talk A Lot About Politics
Kid Rock first proposed a collaboration with his long-time friend in 2025. As for their differing views, the MAGA supporter said, “I really don’t want to drag him into my political world,” adding that they discuss politics “a little bit, not a ton.”
“There’s a lot of stuff we agree on, and we can have a laugh about what we don’t. That’s why I asked him to write a verse for me,” Kid Rock noted in an interview with Billboard.
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 a then-unknown Eminem challenged him to a rap battle. Kid Rock declined the challenge, but offered a few words of advice to the aspiring rapper.
Kid Rock Approached The Rapper For A Different Song
Eminem was announced to appear on the track “7 Sins,” but after some last-minute decisions, the artists switched it up and decided he was better suited for “Heal My Faith.” “We agreed we didn’t need two songs together… people are going to think we’re dating,” Kid Rock jokingly said.
On the track, Eminem raps about his longtime friendship with Kid Rock and also addresses their different political opinions.
“From shock rap to the rock rap / My homie and me / He is my brother, not my political enemy / B.O. to the B., we wrote this for those who believe / In G.O. to the D, however you voted or lean / Liberal and evangelical can agree,” he raps.
In an interview with Lara Trump, Kid Rock said he and Eminem have long agreed that they wouldn’t let politics muddy their friendship, per Fox News. He hopes the collaboration will set an example for others, showing that even “two little foul-mouthed white rappers from Detroit” can remain friends despite their political differences.
Eminem’s Fans Express Disappointment
The rapper’s explanation of putting friendship above politics didn’t resonate with some of his fans, with many arguing that making music with a Trump supporter “is choosing sides.”
“Been a fan since 2000, so let me just say that this is a sh-t move, and definitely feels like choosing sides,” one wrote. Another person highlighted Eminem’s “loud voice” against racism, saying he threw out those values by working with Kid Rock. “I am so f-ckin disappointed, man.”
A few more understanding, with one commenting, “These guys remaining friends despite the crazy political climate and there [sic] significant political differences is pretty darn cool.”
Eminem And Kid Rock’s Past Collaborations
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 contributed turntable scratching to “My Fault” from Eminem’s “The Slim Shady LP.”
Their professional connection continued years later, with Kid Rock making a cameo in the music video for Eminem’s 2013 song “Berzerk.”
While their friendship appears to have weathered their political differences, some of Eminem’s fans have been less willing to extend the same understanding to his latest collaboration with Kid Rock.
