Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kid Rock

How Kid Rock built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, is an American musician known for his versatile blend of hip-hop, rap rock, and country rock. Rising from the Detroit hip-hop scene, he achieved mainstream success with a genre-bending sound. He is a singer, rapper, songwriter, and self-taught multi-instrumentalist who has overseen the production of the majority of his albums.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1988: Formation of Top Dog Records

In 1988, Alvin Williams and Earl Blunt of EB-Bran Productions formed the independent record label Top Dog Records.

1989: Shareholder of Top Dog Records

In 1989, Kid Rock became a shareholder of Top Dog Records with a 25% ownership stake through investment.

2001: Lawsuit for Control of Top Dog Records

In 2001, Kid Rock filed a lawsuit to gain full control over the Top Dog record label.

2001: Song used in "Osmosis Jones"

In 2001, Kid Rock wrote the song "Cool, Daddy Cool" which was later used in the film Osmosis Jones. The lyrics in the song were controversial and sung by Kid Rock and Joe C.

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2002: Tribute to Jam Master Jay

In 2002, Kid Rock performed alongside Chuck D and Grandmaster Flash in tribute to the slain DJ Jam Master Jay.

2003: Full Ownership of Top Dog Records

In 2003, Kid Rock gained full ownership of the Top Dog record label.

2004: Controversy at Super Bowl XXXVIII

In 2004, Kid Rock's performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII drew criticism for cutting a hole in an American flag and wearing it as a poncho, leading to accusations of desecrating the flag.

January 2005: Performance at George W. Bush's Inaugural Address

In January 2005, Kid Rock performed at the inaugural address of reelected president George W. Bush, drawing criticism from conservative groups for sexually explicit lyrics in his songs.

September 2005: Performance with Lynyrd Skynyrd

In September 2005, Kid Rock filled in for Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd, singing "Sweet Home Alabama" at the Hurricane Katrina benefit concert.

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2007: Tours for the United Service Organizations

In 2007, Kid Rock toured for the United Service Organizations.

2008: National Guard Advertising Campaign

In 2008, Kid Rock recorded and made a music video for the song "Warrior" for a National Guard advertising campaign.

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2012: Tribute to Beastie Boys

In 2012, Kid Rock performed alongside Travie McCoy and the Roots in honor of the Beastie Boys during the band's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

March 2018: Kid Rock Joins Lynyrd Skynyrd's Final Tour

In March 2018, Kid Rock announced he would be performing on Lynyrd Skynyrd's final tour, joining other acts such as Hank Williams Jr., Bad Company, the Marshall Tucker Band, and 38 Special.

September 21, 2018: Kid Rock Releases Greatest Hits Album

On September 21, 2018, Kid Rock released his first greatest hits album, "Greatest Hits: You Never Saw Coming".

March 29, 2020: Kid Rock Releases "Quarantine" as DJ Bobby Shazam

On March 29, 2020, Kid Rock, under the name "DJ Bobby Shazam", released his first single, "Quarantine", featuring an old-school hip-hop sound. Proceeds from the single were designated to fight COVID-19.

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November 18, 2021: Release of "Don't Tell Me How To Live"

On November 18, 2021, Kid Rock released "Don't Tell Me How To Live", the first single from his upcoming triple album, featuring the band Monster Truck. The song features a rap rock sound reminiscent of his Devil Without a Cause album.

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December 17, 2021: Release of "Ala-Fuckin-Bama"

On December 17, 2021, Kid Rock released a cover of Trace Adkins' "Ala-Freaking-Bama", titled "Ala-Fuckin-Bama".

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January 25, 2022: Release of "We the People", "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance"

On January 25, 2022, Kid Rock released the single "We the People", which criticizes the media, Anthony Fauci, face masks, COVID-19 restrictions, and Big Tech, featuring the chorus of "Let's Go Brandon". He also released "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance" on the same day.

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January 28, 2022: Kid Rock Announces Policy Against COVID-19 Restrictions at Venues

On January 28, 2022, Kid Rock announced that for his upcoming Bad Reputation Tour, he would not perform at venues requiring masks or proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and would cancel shows at such locations.

March 10, 2022: Kid Rock Announces Upcoming Album "Bad Reputation"

On March 10, 2022, Kid Rock announced his upcoming twelfth studio album, "Bad Reputation", which would include his five previously released singles. The album was digitally released on March 21, with a physical release on April 6.