It's as inevitable as death or taxes, and usually as enjoyable: Every time a rapper hits it big, we have to suffer though solo albums from every member of his crew or posse or squad or whatever he calls his entourage. Colour us amazed, then, by this debut joint from Kid Rock deejay Uncle Kracker. Given his handle and day job, we figured Matt Shafer for another white-trash rap-metal mug like his boss. Instead, he comes off like a rock-rap version of Dr. Hook, treating us to 10 tracks of laid-back home-style hip-hop that feature him crooning breezy, nostalgic odes to better days in his Detroit hometown over soulful, country-tinged tracks capably played by Rock's backing band. The K-Man ain't much of a rapper and he can't sing too well, but these smooth grooves and catchy choruses will have you saying Uncle in no time.

Track Listing 1.Intro
  02.Better Days
  03.What 'Chu Lookin' At?
  04.Follow Me
  05.Heaven
  06.Steaks 'N Shrimp
  07.Who's Your Uncle?
  08.Whiskey & Water
  09.Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
  10.Aces & 8's
  11.You Can't Take Me