LOS ANGELES, February 7, 2024 – Kid Rock is facing renewed criticism over lyrics in his 2001 song “Cool, Daddy Cool” that express a preference for underage girls, sparking outrage online as the artist prepares for a performance at an choice Super Bowl halftime show.
Controversial lyrics Resurface Ahead of Halftime Appearance
The resurfaced lyrics have ignited a debate about the artist’s past and the values of the event he’s slated to headline.
- The song, released in 2001, includes lyrics stating a preference for “young ladies” and dismissing concerns about statutory age.
- Critics on social media are highlighting the lyrics in contrast to recent controversies surrounding other performers.
- Kid Rock is scheduled to perform at Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” on Sunday, February 8.
The song features lines such as, “Young ladies, young ladies, I like ’em underage, see / Some say that’s statutory (But I say it’s mandatory).” The latter part of that lyric was delivered by Joe-C, who died in November 2000 due to complications from celiac disease. The lyrics have been widely circulated on X, formerly known as Twitter, with many users expressing disgust.
What is the controversy surrounding Kid Rock’s song? The song’s lyrics explicitly state a preference for underage girls, leading to accusations of promoting harmful attitudes and sparking outrage online.
“Not a good look…” one user posted alongside a screenshot of the lyrics. Others drew comparisons to recent debates surrounding other artists, with one person writng, “MAGA has to be the greatest living contradiction of a political party.” Another user commented, “Fun Fact: Kid Rock once literally sang ‘I like ’em underage’ – including on a song tied to a kids’ movie soundtrack – but MAGA is upset about Bad Bunny because he speaks Spanish.”
“Cool, Daddy Cool” originally appeared on the soundtrack for the animated film Osmosis Jones, which starred Bill Murray and Chris Rock. the song’s resurgence comes ahead of Kid Rock’s performance at Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” on february 8. The event was organized as an alternative to the NFL’s halftime show, which features Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and faced boycott threats from some conservative viewers.
The “All-American Halftime Show” will air simultaneously with the NFL’s halftime performance. kid Rock will be joined by Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby barrett.The event has also drawn criticism from those who view the lineup as unappealing, with one social media user stating, “This is embarrassing, just like America right now,” and another adding, “Damn – I’d be hard pressed to come up with a worse list!” A third critic blasted, “Wow, that is must miss TV right there.”
The song’s inclusion on the soundtrack of a children’s movie has amplified the criticism, raising questions about the vetting process for such projects.
Pro tip – AP style guides recommend avoiding sensational language when reporting on controversial topics. Focus on factual reporting and direct quotes.
Representatives for Kid R
