Eminem is no stranger to controversy throughout his career, whether it's for his lyricism or his political views. In the latter category, his upcoming feature on "7 Sins" from the new Kid Rock album Halfway To Jesus (dropping October 17) has divided fans who remember his previous condemnations of Donald Trump. On the other hand, Kid Rock is an ardent MAGA supporter with other right-wing inclinations. But he's also a longtime friend of Slim Shady, and he reportedly addressed this collaboration.
Complex reportedly confirmed via a representative from Em's camp that the team-up is actually real and official, as many Internet users questioned its veracity upon its announcement. Also, the publication reportedly obtained an excerpt from Halfway To Jesus' foreword that goes into the mindset behind the link-up.
"I'm proud of the guests who joined me, especially my old friend Eminem," Kid Rock reportedly expressed. "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."
Eminem & Kid Rock's History
Previously, Eminem has criticized Donald Trump often, even showing up to a Kamala Harris rally in Detroit in 2024. He had told Trump supporters to stop being fans of him in the past, later empathizing with them being fooled by his promises. However, the Detroit MC shares that Motor City connection with Kid Rock. They have various collaborations and moments of camaraderie over the past four decades.
Most recently, Marshall Mathers had tweeted that "one thing" they can agree on is their love for the Detroit Lions. The rapper, rock, country, and now Christian rock artist had admitted they disagree politically. But he still showed Em love for expressing his beliefs.
It seems like fans who want more context for all of this will have to wait for Halfway To Jesus' release on October 17. Many fans expressed outrage or less indignant criticism over the move. Regardless of what they thematically explore on their collaboration "7 Sins," the damage is already done for lots of listeners.
