Kid Rock brushed off criticism over his surprise collaboration with Eminem, even as a last-minute album shake-up brought Lil Wayne into the mix. The Detroit musicians’ reunion sparked political chatter, but Rock insisted their decades-long friendship mattered more than their differences.
The unexpected switch reshaped two tracks on Rock’s upcoming album, Halfway 2 Jesus, due Friday, Oct. 17. Eminem moved to “Heal My Faith,” while Lil Wayne stepped in for “7 Sins” after a frantic recording scramble.
Lil Wayne replaces Eminem on “7 Sins” as Kid Rock responds to criticism over their musical reunion
Speaking to the Detroit Free Press, Rock addressed the backlash over working with Eminem, who holds opposing political views. “If there are two people who understand the noise — who have created a lot of noise in their careers — it’s us,” he said. Rock dismissed the outrage, adding, “You’re upset that two old friends did something together?”
The collaboration had initially been announced for “7 Sins” on Oct. 1. However, Eminem later called Rock and suggested reviving “Heal My Faith,” their earlier collaboration featuring metal guitar flourishes and church bells. Rock agreed to the change, making it the album’s fifth track.
The pair had recorded verses for both songs over the past year. Eminem’s contribution to “Heal My Faith” began after Rock asked for writing help. Instead, the rapper sent back a complete set of rhymes reflecting on their shared Detroit history.
Rock said Eminem remembered his early encouragement during the rapper’s rise. “I’ve never forgotten that — how you came and supported me to keep going,” Eminem reportedly told him.
With Eminem’s verse removed from “7 Sins,” Rock scrambled for a replacement. After reaching out to Lil Wayne and Chuck D without success, he nearly abandoned the rap interlude. Then Lil Wayne messaged him Monday morning, offering to help just days before the album deadline.
Rock called Wayne “always been an ace of a friend.” The rapper recorded his contribution that day, helping the album reach completion after a tense final stretch. By Wednesday evening, Rock confirmed the record was finished. “PRAISE JESUS!!!” he texted the outlet, adding that he planned to pray before cracking a beer.
Despite the political uproar, Rock said the collaboration reflected friendship across ideological lines. The two rappers, he argued, understood the noise and refused to let critics dictate their relationship.
