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Robert James Ritchie (born January 17 1971), best known as Kid Rock, is an American rapper, singer and rock musician most notable for his albums Devil Without a Cause and Cocky and his hit singles "Bawitdaba" and "Picture." His backup band is known as Twisted Brown Trucker. Together, they fuse rap, hard rock, southern rock, country and blues. Kid Rock's career started at the age of 11, has a member of the b-boy group 'the furious funkers'. Later, after the success of Run DMC and The Beastie Boys, he bought himself a cheap belt driven turntable, locked himself in his room, and honed his craft. In High School he would DJ parties for beer. He eventually joined Bo Wisdom in Mt. Clemens, MI where he would also meet Uncle Kracker and become part of the rap group 'The Beastcrew', later referred to as The Kid Rock Group. This group had a fallout in 1987 when Kid got signed over fellow member Champtown because Jive Records was looking for a "white rapper".
Grits Sandwiches For Breakfast Era 1987-1991Ritchie was born in Reno, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.
Ritchie eventually left home and moved to the housing projects in Mount Clemens, Michigan, where he took his turntables to basement parties hoping for a chance to play. Bo Wisdom, of Groove Time Production, offered him an opportunity to spin for the crowd. Their enthusiasm for the young DJ led Wisdom to dub him with a moniker after watching "that white kid rock." After working with Groove Time Productions and the Beastcrew recording demos, Jive Records offered him a contract at the age of 17. Against his parents' wishes, he signed the deal. Later he became part of the Straight From The Underground Tour with several heavyweights of rap including Ice Cube, Too $hort, D-Nice, and Yo-Yo. After he returned from the tour, his occasional girlfriend Kelley Russell had a child by another man, who was incarcerated. Kid came back to help her raise the child. This was later chronicled in the song Black Chick, White Guy. In 1990, Kid Rock released the album Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast or dinner. The first single, Yo Da Lin In The Valley, was mostly ignored by radio as it dealt largely with cunnilingus. The FCC fined New York University US$23,700 for airing it, though it only contained one curse word. Wax The Booty, a much nastier cut, was not fined despite also receiving heavy rotation at NYU.[citation needed]. After the demise of Vanilla Ice's career, in 1991, Jive dropped Kid Rock from their label. The Independent Days Era 1992-1997
Once Kid Rock got back on his feet he was picked up by an indie record label, Continuum, recording The Polyfuze Method in 1993. The album saw some college radio success at Central Michigan University. Its first single, "Back From The Dead", became a Top 20 Hot Rap Track. The second single, "U Don't Know Me" which sampled the Door's 'Soul Kitchen', flopped. After 1994's Fire It Up EP, Continuum went bankrupt. By this time he and South were back together. His son Robert James Ritchie Jr. was born, although the relationship with South would end for good shortly after. Kid was given full custody of his son and with no money and working for his father car dealership,gave it one last shot. Kid Rock started his own label, 'Top Dog. He would meet what would later be referd to as the "Top Dog Interns" Curt Hauer, Dave Long, and the Cook twins in Sterling Heights,MI. They helped him promote his shows and designs his own clothes appearal line in the Detroit area. He paid them back with alcohol among other things. At a 1994 Roseville,MI concert,Kid spotted Joe C in the crowd and was shocked thinking someone brought their kid to a Kid Rock show. After the show Joe C meet with him backstage, after Bob found out Joey was actually 20, and asking if Rock had access to marijuana, Bob offered him a job as his hype man. In 1995, Kid Rock took a job as a janitor at Whiterooms Studios in order to pay studio fees. During the recording sessions he meet Jimmie Bones, who at the time was cutting a record with Robert Bradley's Blackwater Suprise. Kid asked Bones to jam on some recordings, but Bones declined, thinking Kid Rock was a rapper. One day he heard the Kid doing some Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath tunes to warm up. Bones joined in and eventually become part of Twisted Brown Trucker. Early Mornin Stoned Pimp would be the launching pad he needed to be signed by a major label. Kid Rock sold 100,000 copies out of the trunk of his car after concerts. On March 30 1997, he performed a special showcase concert, with Jason Krause joining on metal gutair, to attract major label attention. The only label that showed up was Atlantic Records. A re-release of The Polyfuze Method with three bonus tracks was first available at this show. Following the performance, record executives said they loved him but expressed doubts about the strength of his material. Kid Rock returned to the studio and cut a 6 song demo tape. Jason Flom (President of Atlantic Records at the time) only heard the first two songs: "I Got One For Ya," a mid tempo blues song that featured Robert Bradley, and "Somebody's Gotta Feel This," a thrash metal/southern rock hybrid. Flom signed Kid Rock to a record deal record deal for $100,000. Devil Without A Cause Era 1997-2000In 1997, Kid Rock added drummer/vocalist Stefanie Eulinberg to his band, joining Kenny Olson, Jason Krause, Jimmie Bones, Uncle Kracker, Mike Bradford, and Joe C. In August 1998, Atlantic released Devil Without a Cause behind the single "Welcome 2 The Party". Kid Rock went on the Vans Warped Tour to support the album. "Welcome 2 The Party" was ignored by audiences and Devil sat on the shelves collecting dust for eight months. A chance meeting at a New York nightclub with MTV VJ Carson Daly led to the video of "I Am The Bullgod" being aired on MTV. The song, originally on 1994's Fire It Up EP, became a minor rock hit at No 31. After two notable live performances at MTV's Fashionably Loud and Wanna B A VJ, Kid released the single, "Bawitdaba", to renewed interest and sales. The song used Sugar Hill Gangs "Rapper's Delight" on the catchy chorus,with Black Sabbath-esque gutair riffs appealing to both rap and rock fans. Kid Rock went on the Family Values Tour with Limp Bizkit and Staind soon after Bawitdaba was released. He performed "Walk This Way" with Aerosmith and Run DMC at MTV's 1999 Video Music Awards, as well as at Woodstock 1999 . He released three more singles from the album: Cowboy, which fused country and folk music with rap, "Only God Knows Why", a Lynyrd Skynyrd-type ballad, and "Wasting Time," a playful ode to getting stoned and drunk. Devil Without A Cause eventually sold 11 million copies, and currently ranks as the 59 th best selling album of all time (link for best selling albums at bottom of page). He was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards at years end ,but did not win any. He went on the first of two tours with Metallica from December 99-January 00. The History Of Rock Era 2000-2001In 2000, after reacquiring the rights to his early material, he released The History Of Rock, a collection of remixed or re-recorded songs. The only new track, "American Bad Ass", sampled the Metallica track "Sad But True". It was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 2001 Grammy Awards. It was later used as professional wrestler The Undertaker's entrance song in World Wrestling Entertainment. ECW's Kid Kash used Bawitdaba and WCW's Jeff Jarret used a remixed version of Cowboy as their theme songs as well. Kid Rock went on the Summer Sanitorium Tour with Metallica, Korn, Powerman 5000, and System of a Down. Kid Rock filled in for James Hetfield of Metallica for three shows after Hetfield was injured. Kid didn't know all of the lyrics, so he had to read them off a sheet of paper. Metallica members Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett joined him on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for an all-star performance of 'American Bad Ass'. Kid Rock appeared on SNL doing a smoking American Bad Ass complete with snippets of Sweet Home Alabama,Back In Black and La Grange. The second song was Only God Knows Why it was arranged by David Allan Coe and ft Phish's Trey Anatasio. Later that year, he joined Phish on stage for several songs at a concert in Las Vegas. At the end of 2000, Joe C died of Celiac disease. Kid Rock inducted Aerosmith into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame and performed Sweet Emotion with them at years end. He would have a role in the David Spade film Joe Dirt before going to work on 'Cocky'. The Cocky Era 2001-2003He began dating actress/model Pamela Anderson after the two met at a VH-1 tribute to Arethra Franklin in early 2001. In November of that year, Kid Rock released Cocky, which was marketed as the official follow up to Devil Without a Cause. The first single feature his staple sound of rap rock and funk in "Forever," followed by the country blues ballad "Lonely Road Of Faith" and the Southern rock styled "You Never Met A Motherfucker Quite Like Me". Despite the new tunes it was initially a disappointing album at just barely over 2 million. However, the release of "Picture," a country-influenced duet with Sheryl Crow, introduced Kid Rock to a new audience. "Picture" was ultimately the most successful single on the album; it would eventually be certified Gold.Behind "Picture," sales of Cocky eventually reached 5 million. Interestingly, neither his record company nor Sheryl Crow's wanted anything to do with "Picture" as a single. Allison Moorer covered the song; as it began climbing the country charts, the Kid Rock/Sheryl Crow version was released.Cocky rank as the 198 th best selling album of all time (best selling albums link at the bottom of the page). Kid Rock has since gained country music acclaim for such notable performances as his performance of "Luckenbach, Texas" on the Waylon Jennings tribute album I've Always Been Crazy with country mainstay Kenny Chesney; and his appearance on Country Music Television's Crossroads episode with Hank Williams, Jr., in which 2.1 millon people tuned in, a record on CMT.[citation needed].At Vh-1 Big In 02 Awards he along with Chuck D and Grandmaster Flash performed a tribute medley to Run DMC and murdered member Jason Mizell. At the end of 2002, Uncle Kracker left the band to start his own music career. Detroit underground rapper Paradime replaced him. In April of 2002 Kid Rock became engaged to Pamela Anderson; the engagement was later called off. Kid Rock also made his second movie, Biker Boyz, with Laurence Fishburne. A New Direction 2003-2006In 2003, Kid Rock returned with a self-titled album which delved even deeper into country music. The first single was a country/hard rock cover of Bad Company's "Feel Like Makin' Love". Other hits included the blues-influenced "Jackson,Mississippi" about heroin addiction; "Cold And Empty" about his first break up with Pamela Anderson; the patriotic ballad "I Am"; and the teary eyed ode to his son "Single Father", which would become his second country hit in 2004. VH1 aired A VH1 Kid Rock Christmas on December 14 2003. Rock performed classic tracks along with several new tunes from his self-titled release. Along with Hank Williams, Jr., Shooter Jennings and Jesse James, they prepared Christmas (was actually Thanksgiving) dinner for Drea De Matteo, Leann Rimes, and Kid's parents. Kid Rock performed at Super Bowl XXXVIII, receiving criticism for his choice to wear the American flag as a poncho. Kid Rock appeared later that year in Jesse James' documentary Motorcycle Mania 3. During a pit stop at a Mexican hotel, he performed a cover of Charlie Daniels "A Long Haired Country Boy." Kid Rock continued his move towards country music with a performance of "Rock N Roll Pain Train" and a country take on Queen's "Fat Bottom Girls" on CMT Outlaws in October of 2004. At Spike TVs Autorox awards in 2005, he took a shot at the people who had him and Twisted Brown Trucker removed from playing at the presidential inauguration concert. Rock altered a verse on "Cowboy" to I've been around the nation entertaining the troops then I got bumped off the inauguration, I don't give a fuck I'm the pimp of the nation. Kid Rock was arrested soon after for beating a dj at a Nashville,TN strip club. He inducted Bob Seger into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2005. Also in 2005, at a Hurricane Katrina relief concert, Kid Rock filled in for Johnny Van Zant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd on the band's epic "Sweet Home Alabama". Van Zant had to undergo surgery and was told not to sing for three months. He was a surprise guest at Dr Phil's 500th show, performing an acoustic version of "Cowboy." Dr. Phil revealed that Kid Rock was his favorite singer. In 2005, Kenny Olson left the band over a dispute about the band's music direction. He now has his own band, The Flask. Olson was permanently replaced by The Detroit Cobras' Kenny Tudrick on the 2006 "Live" Trucker Tour. Bob inducted Lynyrd Skynyrd into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Kid Rock made cameo appearances in the music videos for Gretchen Wilson's songs, "Redneck Woman" and "All Jacked Up". A sex tape made after a 1999 Miami concert featuring Kid Rock and Scott Stapp surfaced in January of 2006. The two had release of the video blocked in court. 'Live' TruckerOn February 28 2006, Kid Rock released his first live album, Live Trucker, comprising songs from his homestands of Clarkston (on September 1, 2000, and August 26 through August 28, 2004), and Detroit's Cobo Hall (March 26, 2004). The album contained the last two performances of Joe C on "Devil Without A Cause" and "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp", as well as duetting with Gretchen Wilson on "Picture". Other highlights included "Only God Knows Why", the medley of "Somebody's Gotta Feel This" and "Fist Of Rage", and a thrash metal take on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love". He brought back the 'King Of Detroit' Bob Seger from the dead during his Super Bowl concerts on February 2 and 3, 2006.The two performed an arousing 'Rock N Roll Will Never Forget" on both nights. Kid Rock would appear on Bob Seger much anticapated, 10 years in the waiting, 'Face The Promise' on a Vince Gill cover 'Real Mean Bottle" a tribute to Merle Haggard. Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson had a surprise wedding in July of 2006 after it was reported Anderson was pregnant. They divorced 5 months later after Anderson reportedly had a miscarriage. Kid Rock says the pregnancy was false and he was used as a baby sitter for her kids to go out and party without him. The movie Borat might have been the final straw as Kid was angered over her part and stormed out of a personal screening with a group of friends. In January of 2007, Kid Rock and Jerry Lee Lewis made a music video for their single 'Honky Tonk Women' and later performed together on the Tonight Show. Kid Rock was in the February 2007 issue of Blender Magazine, in which he recounted his Christmas trip to Iraq. "Part of why I wanted to spend Christmas in Baghdad: to see exactly what the soliders are going through." Jerry Lee Lewis would release a dvd of Last Man Standing in March of 07 with the two performing another live version of 'Honky Tonk Women'. Devil Without A Cause was named the 68th best album ever in the 'Definitive 200' by the NARM and the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007. Kid Rock todayKid Rock and Twisted Brown Trucker (see below) were to release a live DVD of their performance at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan on May 12/May 13 2006 by the end of 2006, which never materialized. A new studio album from Kid Rock is in the works and is set for release in 2007. The set April release looks like it will be pushed back. New rumors have speculated a July release with a limited fan pack. The fan pack is to include the new album and a dvd, and most believe that will be the Detroit concerts that were supposed to be releashed in December of 2006. In a interview with Real Detroit Weekly, Rock said he is attempting to create "a timeless rock-n-roll record" so there will be no rap or country on it. Rock also said the record will be produced by Rick Rubin, and will feature the J. Geils Band's Peter Wolf; the album has been rumored to have a tribute song to New Orleans from the outcome of Hurricane Katrina with Fats Domino on vocals. Kid Rock stated to billboard.com that the album will be full of "bangers" and he will do a full-out media blitz (which he has never done). Rappers Beanie Siegel [1], MURS [2], Trick Trick, and DMC have all expressed interest with working with Bob on their 2007 forthcoming albums. Kid Rock has been a guest star (acting as himself) in CSI - New York (episode 2x21) which was broadcasted on April 26, 2006 external link. Twisted Brown TruckerTwisted Brown Trucker is Bob Ritchie's band formed in 1994, with Bob Ebeling in Sterling Heights, Michigan.The bands first involvement was on the 1994 demo of Dark & Grey they became both his studio and live back up band in 1997.Dubbed by Kid Rock has "The Loudest Band In America Today", they are well known for the hodge podge of multiple genres,sometimes mixing them in a single song. The name originated as what Kid Rock was going to be known as "Twisted Brown Trucker", before people in clubs began calliing him "Kid Rock" in 1987.The line up went through a change for the 1st album with Atlantic on "Devil Without A Cause", its since seen 2 major changes with Uncle Kracker going solo full time in 2002 and Kenny Olson and Smith Curry leaving in 2005.The background singers for the live shows have worked with Bob Seger (Karen Newman) and The Faces (Lauren Creamer)respectively.Misty Love,Shirly Hayden and Thornetta Davis are the studio background vocals. Current members
Former members
DiscographyPlease see Kid Rock discography, for a complete discography AwardsKid Rock has won 15 awards out of 37 Nominations Grammys 1999 Nominee Best New Artist 1999 Nominee Best Hard Rock Performance for Bawitdaba 2000 Nominee Best Hard Rock Performance for American Bad Ass American Music Awards 2000 Nominee Best New Artist 2000 Nominee Favorite Pop/Rock Artist 2001 Male Artist Of The Year 2003 Male Artist Of The Year 2003 Nominee Pop/Rock Male Album Of The Year For Cocky Billboard Music Awards 1999 Best New Pop/Rock Artist 1999 Best New Hard Rock Artist 1999 Best New Male Artist Country Music Award's 2002 Nominee Vocal Event Of The Year For 'Picture' CMT Flameworthy Awards 2002 Nominee Male Video Of The Year VH1 Big In 03 Nominee For Song Of The Year for Picture BMI Awards' 2002 Songwriter of The Year for Picture Detroit Music Awards 1999 Outstanding National Album for Devil Without A Cause 1999 Outstanding National Single for I Am The Bullgod 1999 Outstanding National Single Nominee for Bawitdaba 1999 Outstanding Hip-Hop Writer/Producer (Ueban/Techno/Funk) 1999 Outstanding National Spokesperson for Detroit 2000 Outstanding National Compilation Album for History Of Rock 2000 Outstanding National Single for American Bad Ass 2000 Outstanding National Single Nominee for Cowboy 2000 Outstanding National Duet for Higher w Robert Bradley 2000 Outstanding Hip-Hop Writer/Producer (Urban/Techno/Funk) 2001 Outstanding National Album Nominee for Cocky 2001 Outstanding National Single Nominee for Forever 2002 Outstanding National Single Nominee for Picture 2003 Outstanding National Album Nominee for Self Titled 2003 Outstanding National Single Nominee for Feel Like Makin Love 2004 Outstanding National Single Nominee for Jackson,Mississippi 2004 Outstanding National Single Nominee for Cold And Empty Metro Times Detroit Awards 1991 Best New Rap/Techno Artist MTV Music Awards 2000 Nominee Best New Artist 2000 Nominee Best Music Video for Bawitdaba 2001 Nominee Favorite Hard Rock Performer 2001 Nominee Best Music Video for Cowboy Tours
Cantrell as rotating opening acts
Roots And InfluencesInfluences
Followers
Famous Performances
Trivia
See also
References
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