Kid Rock discusses AI integration and tone shift on new Christian album

Politically vocal rap-rock artist and country musician Kid Rock recently engaged in a discussion with Billboard regarding his forthcoming faith-based album, titled “Halfway 2 Jesus.” The album is scheduled for release on October 17th and has undergone a notable modification in its featured artists. Initially, rapper Eminem was announced as a special guest on the track “7 Sins,” but he has since withdrawn from that collaboration and is now set to appear on “Heal My Faith.” This change was prompted after the album’s track listing was publicly revealed earlier this month, leading Rock to replace Eminem with Lil Wayne on “7 Sins.” Chuck D of Public Enemy was also considered for the track but was reportedly unavailable for participation. Kid Rock has previously stated that his longstanding friendship with Eminem has been stronger than their publicly expressed political differences, with Rock being an ardent supporter and close associate of U.S. President Donald J. Trump, while Eminem has voiced opposition to the president.

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. – Kid Rock

Now Kid Rock has stated:

We’ve been friends for, like, 40 years. I really didn’t want to drag him into my political world…. We talk about (politics) a little bit, not a ton. There’s a lot of stuff we agree on, and we can have a laugh about what (we don’t). That’s why I asked him to write a verse for me.

Rock explained that Eminem was initially invited to collaborate on “Heal My Faith,” but he chose to work on “7 Sins” instead. Subsequently, Eminem changed his decision, prompting Rock to seek a replacement for his role on “7 Sins,” which was ultimately filled by Lil Wayne. Rock commented on Eminem’s last-minute reversal, indicating the unexpected nature of the change.

He sends me back a verse wrapping up our whole history from like, day one — living at the Oakwood Apartments together, how I came to his Slim Shady release (show) when he was nobody and told him to keep going and how much that meant to him back then. He nails the line, ‘He’s my brother, not my political enemy,’ and it just sent these chills. I’m like, ‘Man, this is so important.’ I heard the (finished) mix, and grandpa was crying.

He also spoke about his faith.

This (album) is about forgiveness and second chances, trying to heal some of the division in our country. I’m just putting a positive message out there in the world…showing a little more grace, trying to kill some of the division. I am not without sin, and I can’t say I ever will be. But I’m making a conscious effort to spread this better message — and I’m also still Kid motherf–king Rock.

At the end of the day, I’m both of those guys. I’m not fundamentally changed, you know? I’m still Kid Rock; I’m gonna drink a beer, smoke a cigar… I’m just on the journey. I feel halfway to Jesus; I hope to be all the way there, but I’m not sure. I don’t know where it all leads. It’s almost as new as me as it is to everyone else.

Lord knows, I’ve been one of the most polarizing figures in the country… I’m trying to make a conscious effort to be less polarizing. It’s hard. I watched [his October 10th Trump rally speech] back, ’cause everyone really loved it. But I’m like, ‘Man, I’m still angry and stuff, really passionate.’ I still have my beliefs. I’m gonna stand up for them. But I’m trying to give people more grace on their beliefs. The time feels right. I think people have had enough of the polarization, being so divided. We can think differently, but we have to talk to one another. Nothing gets solved if we just shut off and are like, ‘Oh, f—k those people.’

He also referenced his well-known protest against Bud Light, which was triggered by the brand’s partnership with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney in 2023.

I’ll talk to anybody. If Dylan Mulvaney wants to sit down and have a conversation, I’m like, ‘Come for lunch. Come for dinner. No problem.’ I’m always down to have a conversation about anything, with anyone — especially if it’s a constructive conversation. If someone wants to get in a pissing match, I’m really good at that, too. I can go pretty hard in the paint. My tongue is a dagger — which I have to be careful of, and not just musically and publicly.

Furthermore, Rock disclosed that in addition to session musicians and his backing band, he utilized the AI music generator Suno for this upcoming record. He relied on Suno primarily for the creation of full choir arrangements and orchestrations.

I really do view it as another tool…like how I would love to use different samples. It lets me get what I hear in my head to my audience…without (AI) writing the song. I agree it can be a huge problem down the line. I think it’s to be determined. Until then… you can build a house with pound of nails and a rock, or you can get a nail gun. So it’s another tool.