Kid Rock’s forthcoming gospel album has some people up in arms, and the “Cowboy” singer is not having it.
Though it might seem like an out-of-left-field move for Kid Rock, the rock/rap/country artist has already had a No. 1 hit song on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, in case you didn’t know. His cover of Cody Johnson’s 2022 hit, “Til’ You Can’t,” which featured a new verse about giving your life to Jesus, debuted at the very top of the chart, with over 3.7 million streams and 51,000 units sold.
That, along with the personal faith journey that Kid Rock is currently on, came together to create a new Christian and/or faith-based rock album that’s titled Halfway 2 Jesus. The album will feature a collab with fellow Michigan native, Eminem, as well as appearances from Rascal Flatts frontman, Gary LeVox, and Jimmie Allen.
“The album cover and track list for Kid Rocks soon to be released album ‘HALFWAY 2 JESUS’ is here!”
Internet trolls – and those simply against Kid Rock and his political beliefs – have met that announcement with criticism.
To be clear, people aren’t upset with Kid Rock for going Gospel. The backlash is more so directed at some of the features included on the album. Eminem fans have called out the legendary rapper for collaborating with Kid Rock, and Kid Rock himself has been in the crosshairs for featuring Jimmie Allen on a song, with many outlets pointing out the sexual assault allegations that Allen has faced.
Kid Rock clapped back at the criticism earlier today, and implied that there are some people trying to get him to remove some of the songs that are set to be included in the upcoming Christian album. It’s unclear who the “they” are in this situation… Kid Rock releases albums on his own label.
“Can you believe they are trying to get me to take several songs off my new album ‘Halfway 2 Jesus’ that comes out next Saturday (10-17) at 10:17 a.m.? Unreal.”
Love that he still made sure to plug when and where to find the new album when it drops.
If you consider the old saying of “Any publicity is good publicity,” the outrage surrounding Halfway 2 Jesus could very well benefit Kid Rock in the long run. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one rocket up to the top spot on the Hot Christian Songs charts, and once the full Halfway 2 Jesus is released, Kid Rock’s project will likely have enough steam to make a run on the Christian Albums charts too.
And the whole idea for this Christian venture was birthed by “James 1:17 (Jesus is King).” The new track named after a Bible verse has already been released, and if you’re wondering what James 1:17 says in the Bible, the verse reads “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Seems as though Kid Rock is going to do his best to avoid the shifting shadows of criticism and move forward with all of the songs that were originally intended to be on the album. Here are the singles he’s already released from the upcoming project, in case you wanted to check them out before you go:
“‘Til You Can’t”
“James 1:17 (Jesus is King)”
