Kid Rock, the platinum-selling country rap-rocker from Detroit, rose to fame in 1998 with his album Devil Without a Cause. Hits like “Cowboy,” “Picture,” “Bawitdaba,” and “All Summer Long” defined his success. Despite initial struggles and being dropped from major label Jive after his debut, Kid Rock persevered and developed a unique persona that blended rock, hip hop, country, and heavy metal. His subsequent albums like Cocky, Rock N Roll Jesus, and Sweet Southern Sugar continued to blur musical boundaries. In 2021, he released the bold single “Don’t Tell Me How to Live,” paving the way for his 12th studio album, Bad Reputation, in 2022.
Born Bob Ritchie, Kid Rock grew up in Romeo, Michigan, before finding his passion for rap music. Inspired by acts like the Beastie Boys, he recorded his first demos in the late ’80s and eventually signed with Jive Records. After releasing his debut album, Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast, in 1990, Kid Rock’s career had its ups and downs. Moving to Brooklyn, he further explored rap-rock fusion with albums like The Polyfuze Method and Fire It Up. Returning to Detroit, Kid Rock formed his band Twisted Brown Trucker, solidifying his signature sound. Devil Without a Cause marked his breakthrough, propelling him to stardom and setting the stage for a successful musical journey that continues to evolve with each album release.