Robert James Ritchie, known professionally as Kid Rock, is an American singer, songwriter and rapper. His style alternates between rock, hip hop, country, and heavy metal. A self-taught musician, he plays every instrument in his backing band and has overseen production on all but two of his albums.
Kid Rock started his music career as a rapper and DJ, releasing his debut album Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast on Jive Records. His subsequent independent releases The Polyfuze Method and Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp saw him developing a more distinctive style, which was fully realized on his breakthrough album Devil Without a Cause, which sold 14 million copies. This album and its follow-up, Cocky, were noted for blending elements of hip hop, country, rock and heavy metal. His most successful single from that period, "Cowboy", is considered a pioneering song in the country rap genre. His best-selling singles overall are "Picture" and "All Summer Long". Starting with his 2007 album Rock n Roll Jesus, his musical output has tended to be in the country and rock styles.