Kid Rock

He calls himself a “longhaired redneck rock ’n’ roll son of Detroit.” But Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie in 1971 in Romeo, MI, could just as easily be described as the heir apparent of Ted Nugent, Bob Seger, and any number of working-class Michigan troubadours with a penchant for nostalgia, odd politics, and partying hard.

Kid Rock grew up in rural Michigan and fell in love with hip-hop in the ’80s, teaching himself to rap and breakdance, performing around the Detroit area, and making friends with (and occasionally battling) a young Eminem.

Inspired by the Beastie Boys, he signed to Jive Records and released his debut album, Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast, in 1990.