Kid Rock just announced an upcoming, apparently Christian-themed album, with Eminem featured on a track...and some fans aren't pleased...
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The 55-year-old rapper turned southern rocker, real name Robert James Ritchie, took to social media on Oct. 1 to unleash the news of the new record on the world.
"The album cover and track list for Kid Rocks soon to be released album "HALFWAY 2 JESUS" is here!" he wrote on X alongside the album artwork and track titles. The "Bawitdaba" wordsmith added that the second track on the album, "JAMES 1:17," was already available, with a video for the tune dropping that evening.
The album cover and track list for Kid Rocks soon to be released album "HALFWAY 2 JESUS" is here!
"JAMES 1:17" (Jesus Is King) is available everywhere NOW! The official video premieres TONIGHT!
The album art sports a silhouetted Kid Rock stepping up a steep hill toward an illuminated cross. Meanwhile, a monstrous horned figure, sporting horns, a prehensile tail, and carrying a pitchfork (he might be the Devil), follows.
Of course, an unforgiving internet soon weighed in on what may seem like an abrupt career pivot for Kid Rock, who famously touts controversial lyrics and thematic material in his songs.
"Nothing says 'born again' quite like spending 25 years rhyming about hookers in the back of a hearse only to realize your target demographic finally discovered Medicare and the church choir," one X user wrote.
In fairness to the "Cowboy" performer, the seemingly Christian-themed album does sport a "Parental Advisory" label.
Oh wait.
"Can it be a Christian album with a Parental Advisory warning? Are there other Christian albums by other artists rockin the Parental Advisory? Why does it feel like this is a set up?" another X user wondered.
Eminem Fans React to Beloved Rapper Joining Kid Rock on New Track
Meanwhile, onlookers soon spotted that Eminem, real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III, was credited as being featured on the third track of the album, "7 Sins." Many fans felt this seemed off-kilter, given Kid Rock's unwavering support for President Donald Trump, with Eminem decidedly more critical of the reality TV personality turned politician.
"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," one Reddit user bemoaned.
Kid Rock and Eminem pictured way back in 2000. (Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage)
"While disappointing, this really shouldn't be surprising. No matter what values they espouse, the top .1% in America are completely removed from the material realities of our country. To them, politics really is just politics,' another Reddit user weighed in.
"Class solidarity--the rich have it, unfortunately, the rest of us don't," a third Redditer agreed.
That said, Kid Rock himself took the time to explain his upcoming pairing with Eminem.
"I'm proud of the guests who joined me. Especially my old friend Eminem," Rock reportedly wrote in the album's foreword, per Complex. "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."
In the meantime, we have "James 1:17 (Jesus Is King)" to serve as a sample for the upcoming album.
