Detroit musician Kid Rock has confirmed an unexpected collaboration with fellow hometown artist Eminem for his upcoming Christian faith-focused album, Halfway 2 Jesus. The project, slated for release on October 17, features Eminem on a track titled “7 Sins.” This marks the first time the two musicians have recorded together in nearly three decades.
The announcement initially sparked skepticism across social media. Many fans questioned whether the tracklist was authentic because of the artists’ well-documented political differences. However, a representative for Eminem subsequently confirmed to media outlets that the feature is official.
A Longstanding Detroit Friendship Across the Political Divide
Speaking in an interview on My View with Lara Trump, Kid Rock-whose real name is Robert James Ritchie-explained that he invited Eminem to participate. He wanted to highlight how personal relationships can endure despite opposing viewpoints. The two musicians have maintained a friendship for nearly 40 years, dating back to the Detroit underground hip-hop and rock scene of the 1990s.
In a foreword accompanying the album, Kid Rock addressed the collaboration directly:
I’m proud of the guests who joined me, especially my old friend Eminem. 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.
The pairing brings together two prominent public figures who have taken starkly divergent political stances. Kid Rock is a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, frequently appearing at conservative rallies and political events. Conversely, Eminem has been an outspoken critic of Trump. He notably performed a freestyle rap against the former president at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards and spoke at a campaign rally for Kamala Harris in Detroit in October 2024.
Despite these differences, the pair have publicly expressed mutual respect. Following Eminem’s appearance at the 2024 rally, Kid Rock defended his peer’s right to express political beliefs. This prompted a friendly public response from Eminem acknowledging their shared hometown roots and support for the Detroit Lions.
Inside the New Album ‘Halfway 2 Jesus’
Halfway 2 Jesus serves as Kid Rock’s first full-length studio album since his 2022 release, Bad Reputation. It marks his official entry into Christian and faith-based music. The 17-track record blends rock, country, and hip-hop influences.
Kid Rock explained the motivation behind the project during an interview on Fox News’ Fox & Friends. He noted that his childhood experiences with traditional church music inspired him to write contemporary tracks celebrating his faith.
The project’s lead single, “James 1:17 (Jesus Is King),” dropped alongside a music video filmed at Kid Rock’s Nashville honky-tonk bar. The video includes personal dedications to his longtime keyboard player, Jimmie Bones, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2024, and Kalvin Lynch, a Make-A-Wish recipient and fan battling a brain tumor.
‘Halfway 2 Jesus’ Tracklist Highlights
- “Freedom”
- “James 1:17 (Jesus Is King)”
- “7 Sins” (featuring Eminem)
- “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus”
- “Water Into Wine”
- “Halfway 2 Jesus” (featuring Gary LeVox and Jimmie Allen)
- “I Don’t Drink The Whiskey Anymore”
- “Me And Jesus”
- “God Bless The USA”
Decades of Musical History
The upcoming track “7 Sins” continues a collaborative history that began before either artist achieved mainstream global fame. In 1998, Eminem provided a guest verse for “F*** Off” on Kid Rock’s breakthrough major-label album, Devil Without a Cause. Meanwhile, Kid Rock contributed turntable scratches to Eminem’s early work. Later, Kid Rock made a cameo appearance in the music video for Eminem’s 2013 single “Berzerk.”
As the release date approaches, fans await the unveiling of Eminem’s verses on “7 Sins” and the broader reception of Kid Rock’s faith-centered pivot.
