Adored by the American public, unofficially endorsed by the army, engaged to Pamela Anderson - no wonder rapping superstar Kid Rock isn't lacking in self-esteem these days. Just check out these examples of his lyrical style from the aptly-titled Cocky: "Got money like Fort Knox .I got rich from keeping it real.15 million sold, motherfucker!" There's plenty more where that came from on this startlingly arrogant album. which makes most of Rock's hip-hop contemporaries look like blushing violets in comparison. Musically, meanwhile, it's a mixed bag, ranging from hard hip-hop rock to Southern boogie, unified only by the Kid's never-ending triumphalism. Comparisons with fellow Detroit rapper Eminem are inevitable and, to be honest, do Kid Rock no favours. Still, wearying though Cocky is, it's hard not to admire its messianic self-belief and instinctive grasp of what its audience wants.
