The rapper says his verse on Kid Rock's faith-based album is about friendship, not politics, after fans questioned the pairing.
Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, has defended his guest verse on Kid Rock's new album, Halfway 2 Jesus, after some fans criticised the pairing. The album came out on October 17, and hours later Eminem addressed the reaction on social media.
The criticism comes from the two artists' politics. Eminem endorsed Kamala Harris at a Detroit rally in 2024 and has criticised Donald Trump on tracks including Campaign Speech. Within the music industry, Kid Rock ranks among the most visible figures backing Trump.
Eminem's reply was short. His post read: "Not about choosing sides, just choosing to make music with my old friend," and ended: "Praying for all of us."
The verse takes the divide head on. "From shock rap to the rock rap, my homie and me / He is my brother, not my political enemy," he raps, then pushes for solidarity that cuts across partisan and faith-based boundaries.
Kid Rock, who told Billboard the two have been friends "for, like, 40 years," said he had kept politics out of the invitation:
"I really didn't want to drag him into my political world."
They do talk politics, he said, but only "a little bit, not a ton", and "there's a lot of stuff we agree on".
The song itself changed course. Eminem was first announced as a guest on 7 Sins, but he ended up on Heal My Faith, the song Kid Rock first wanted him for. The slot on 7 Sins went to Lil Wayne. "We agreed we didn't need two songs together…people are going to think we're dating," Kid Rock said.
Kid Rock described the album as "about forgiveness and second chances" and an attempt to "heal some of the division in our country".
The two have worked together before. Eminem was a guest on Kid Rock's 1998 track "F- Off" from Devil Without a Cause, while Kid Rock featured in the clip for Eminem's 2013 single "Berzerk."
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