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Kid Rock Tells Country, 'Be More Yourself!'

Kid RockAddressing the age-old argument over whether a country artist is "too pop or too country," Kid Rock has only one thing to say: "Go where you're celebrated, not tolerated."

It seems Kid Rock's friend, Rev Run -- best known for being one-third of the trailblazing rap group Run-D.M.C., and recognized as a pioneer of the hip-hop genre -- once gave him that piece of advice, and he holds fast to it. Pointing out that country music and hip-hop music actually parallel and influence one another, Kid Rock notes the key to success in any genre is just being true to the music.

"I think what country can do to better its image is to be more themselves -- not try to be part of the pop world and not try to be part of the mainstream," he tells CMT. "If you really want to get down to country music, just be more of that -- exactly what it is ... You can have a much more enjoyable experience in life."

Though he's best known for fusing rock and rap music, Kid Rock has also dabbled in country to great success. His 'All Summer Long' single went to No. 4 on the American country charts and hit No. 1 in eight different countries.

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CG

I'm a huge fan of Kid Rock myself (and I'm looking at 50!) All Summer Long got my attention then I started listening to some of his other stuff and I was VERY impressed! His 'Self-Titled' album is his best in my opinion-he is quite the song writer! I think he unfortunately has that 'rap' image and that's all his critics see-but if they took the time to actually listen to his music-I think they'd find a very deep and caring man behind the songs! My personal all-time favorite song is 'Roll On' how true those lyrics are! And alot of his songs are meaningful like that one! And then of course there's all the 'rebel' songs-I love them too! (The 'Mother' song ranks highest with me in that catagory!) He's a very talented musician-I wish he got more respect for his talent than he does. And from all accounts I hear he's a damn nice guy too:) And I don't care what anyone says-he has got the HOTTEST TATTOO going! Saw it when he took off his shirt at the concert in Mass. this past summer-wow............................................!!!

December 22 2009 at 3:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
beadsbybonnieb

I love the Kid! and I'm an old Granny~My very favorite is the MTV video For the Troops "Lonely Road of Faith". Makes my day and makes me cry. Kid Rock "ROCKS"~ Here's to the Red, White and Blue, and Detroit Rock n Roll!

October 14 2009 at 8:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hdnkidrock

KID ROCK does it just like he learned from REV RUN and that's why he has so many different fans! "Ain't nothin' like a DEEETROIT PARRRTY!!!"

October 14 2009 at 10:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply