Uncle Kracker is the man behind the turntables for Kid Rock. Uncle Kracker does more than spin vinyl; he has also co-written many of Kid Rock’s hits, like “Cowboy”, “Bawitdaba”, and “Only God Knows Why”. It was at the age of thirteen that Matt Shafer (aka Uncle Kracker) first hooked up with Kid Rock. The two met at a Clawson, Michigan nightspot called Daytona’s and have been together ever since.
Uncle Kracker’s just released first solo album, Double Wide , is produced by Kid Rock and has the sound that Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker have perfected over the years. The sound is signature and tight. “Better Days” is as good as any anthem Kid Rock has dropped. I’ve got the feeling I’m listening to another Detroit rock star. “What ‘Chu Lookin’ At?” is fantastic. It mixes all the elements of rap and ’70’s rock that have eaten up radio for the last year.
“Follow Me” has the flow of a lullaby and is just as lush as can be. Then Uncle Kracker borrows from Hank William’s Jr.’s “If Heaven Ain’t A Lot Like Dixie ” on “Heaven”. It’s amazing to see country and hip-hop put together so well. “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” has big hit potential. It has a lot of rough edges, but the chorus is seductive as hell.
Double Wide has only one song that didn’t turn me on, and that’s saying a lot because I’m one picky bastard. Uncle Kracker has made me a fan and I’m sure I won’t be the only one.
+ rae gun
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