Michigan’s rap heavyweights, Eminem and Kid Rock, are squaring off in a political face-off as the 2024 presidential election heats up. Born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, Eminem’s throwing his weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris, while Robert James Ritchie—aka Kid Rock—is all in for Donald Trump. With Michigan as a pivotal battleground state, their opposing stances are turning heads just weeks before the November vote.
Eminem: Detroit’s Voice for Harris
On Tuesday night, Eminem hit the stage in Detroit alongside former President Barack Obama, rallying for Harris. The 52-year-old rap legend kept it short but real: “Detroit and Michigan mean a lot to me. Going into this election, the spotlight’s on us more than ever. Use your voice—get out and vote.” He slammed the idea of an America where people fear speaking out, adding, “I think Vice President Harris supports a future where freedoms are protected.” Then he handed the mic to Obama, who dropped a few Lose Yourself bars to hype the crowd.
Eminem’s no stranger to blasting Trump. Back in October 2017, he unleashed “The Storm” at the BET Hip Hop Awards—a four-and-a-half-minute freestyle torching Trump as a “racist” and ripping his policies. “We f****** hate Trump,” he spat. In an undated viral clip from August 2023, he doubled down, accusing Trump of “brainwashing” his base. “How do you relate to a billionaire who’s never known struggle?” he asked, calling out the disconnect.
Kid Rock: Trump’s Michigan Hype Man
Meanwhile, Kid Rock’s riding hard for Trump. Republican VP candidate JD Vance revealed on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von that he’s trying to get the Michigan native to join him on the campaign trail soon. Trump’s slated for Michigan rallies this Friday and Saturday—Kid Rock’s attendance is still TBD, but his loyalty’s loud and clear. At July’s Republican National Convention, he revamped “American Bad Ass,” swapping “Hey! Hey! Hey!” for “Trump! Trump! Trump!” and shouting out battleground states like Pennsylvania and Arizona. “Get ready for the most patriotic badass on earth, President Donald J. Trump!” he roared before introing Dana White.
In a May Rolling Stone chat, Kid Rock called Trump one of his “besties,” cementing his allegiance. His right-wing roots run deep, and he’s not shy about it.
Michigan: The Battleground Prize
Michigan’s one of seven swing states that could tip the scales in this neck-and-neck race between Harris and Trump. Eminem’s Detroit rally and Kid Rock’s potential campaign cameo underscore the stakes. Both rappers, Michigan-born and bred, are leveraging their hometown cred to sway voters in a contest where every stop counts.
Two Legends, One Divide
Eminem and Kid Rock aren’t just rap icons—they’re symbols of a divided America. Eminem’s pushing for Harris with a call to protect freedoms; Kid Rock’s hyping Trump as the ultimate patriot. As Michigan’s spotlight grows, their clash is more than a rap beef—it’s a snapshot of 2024’s political firestorm.
