Eminem has publicly defended his musical partnership with fellow Detroit native Kid Rock following the release of a track addressing political polarization and shared faith.
Kid Rock released his 13th studio project, a faith-focused record titled “Halfway 2 Jesus,” on Friday. The album includes the song “Heal My Faith,” which features a guest appearance by Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers. The pairing sparked debate online among listeners aware of the two artists’ contrasting political viewpoints, Rolling Stone reported.
Addressing the reaction on social media shortly after the record dropped, Eminem wrote that the partnership was “not about choosing sides, just choosing to make music with my old friend. Praying for all of us.”
A bond spanning decades
The collaboration comes after years of public political engagement from both musicians that placed them on opposite ends of the spectrum. Eminem delivered a speech endorsing Kamala Harris at a 2024 campaign event in Detroit and has previously released tracks criticizing Donald Trump. In contrast, Kid Rock, born Bob Ritchie, remains one of the former president’s most visible celebrity backers.
On “Heal My Faith,” Eminem tackles the dynamic directly, rapping: “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 / It’s God first, home of the free.”
Their connection dates back nearly 40 years, with past collaborations including “F— Off” from Kid Rock’s 1998 release “Devil Without a Cause,” an appearance by Kid Rock in Eminem’s 2013 music video for “Berzerk,” and a shared guest spot on Trick Trick’s track “From the D.”
Last-minute track changes
In an interview with Billboard, Kid Rock shared that the song had initially been titled “Lord Above” and “Show Me Love” before becoming “Heal My Faith.” At one stage, Eminem contemplated appearing on another track called “7 Sins.”
According to Billboard, Eminem contacted Kid Rock earlier this month after track listings were unveiled, suggesting they return to their initial piece instead. Kid Rock subsequently recruited rapper Lil Wayne to contribute a verse to “7 Sins.”
Kid Rock told Billboard that hearing Eminem’s completed verse left him deeply moved, noting how the lyrics revisited their early struggles in Detroit, including living at the Oakwood Apartments and early shows before mainstream success.
“This album is about forgiveness and second chances, trying to heal some of the division in our country,” Kid Rock said to Billboard. “I’m just putting a positive message out there in the world… showing a little more grace, trying to kill some of the division.”
Future plans and live dates
In the foreword to the album, Kid Rock expressed hope that their joint effort would encourage listeners who have experienced family or social rifts over politics to reconcile, according to Consequence of Sound.
Kid Rock noted that he is exploring potential live performances structured around the album’s themes, though scheduling remains uncertain due to an upcoming wrist procedure that could pause touring in 2027.
