MAGA Singer Defends Eminem, Jimmie Allen Features on His New 'Halfway 2 Jesus' Gospel Album

Kid Rock's forthcoming gospel album 'Halfway 2 Jesus' is set to feature Eminem, Jimmie Allen and Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox, with its release scheduled for 17 October, as the singer publicly pushes back at criticism of the guest line-up.

The 'Cowboy' singer's latest project follows his success on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart with his version of Cody Johnson's 2022 hit, 'Til You Can't.' When announcing the album, Kid Rock also confirmed LeVox among the guests, alongside Eminem and Allen.

Kid Rock Pushes Back Over 'Halfway 2 Jesus' Track List

Responding to the reaction online, Kid Rock claimed that unnamed people wanted several songs removed from the forthcoming release.

'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.'

He did not identify who was seeking the changes or name the songs they allegedly wanted removed. The singer releases albums through his own label, and his statement did not explain what influence those unnamed parties might have over the record.

His post came after the announcement of the album artwork and song list. That announcement read, 'The album cover and track list for Kid Rocks soon to be released album "HALFWAY 2 JESUS" is here!'

Eminem and Jimmie Allen Collaborations Under Fire

The objections described in the report concern the choice of collaborators rather than Kid Rock's decision to record gospel music. Some Eminem fans have criticised the rapper for working with Kid Rock, his fellow Michigan native.

Allen's inclusion has attracted a different set of objections. Several outlets have highlighted sexual assault allegations he has faced in their coverage of his appearance, according to the report. The account does not detail the status of those allegations or include a response from Allen.

Opposition to Kid Rock's political beliefs also features in the reported reaction. His statement addresses the pressure he claims to face over the track list, without identifying individual critics or offering separate explanations for the collaborations.

The extent of the backlash is unclear, and the report provides no engagement figures to establish how widely the criticism spread.

The announcement places Eminem alongside Allen and LeVox on a project described as both Christian and faith-based rock. Allen is due to appear on a song, while LeVox's involvement brings the Rascal Flatts frontman into the guest line-up.

Gospel Direction and Christian Roots

Kid Rock's music has spanned rock, rap and country, but his recent recording work had already introduced an explicit Christian message. His cover of Johnson's song included an additional verse about giving one's life to Jesus.

That version debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart, with more than 3.7 million streams and 51,000 units sold, according to the report. Those figures accompanied the cover's chart performance ahead of the album.

The collection also reflects Kid Rock's personal faith journey. Its starting point was 'James 1:17 (Jesus is King),' a track that has already been released and takes its name from a Bible verse.

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.'

Listeners can already hear that song and the Johnson cover before the complete project arrives. Kid Rock's statement sets the album's release for Saturday, 17 October at 10.17am.