Uncle Kracker

About

Matthew Shafer (born June 6, 1974), also known by his stage name Uncle Kracker, is an American singer and musician. He came to prominence in the 1990s as a turntablist for Kid Rock’s backing group Twisted Brown Trucker and launched a solo career in 1999. He is best known for his singles “Follow Me”, “Drift Away”, and “Smile” – all of which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Shafer was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan, on June 6, 1974. With his brother Mike Shafer, he visited a nightclub in Clawson, Michigan, where a turntables competition was occurring. His older brother was competing against a then-unknown musician, Kid Rock, with whom Shafer soon became friends. In those times, he was mainly rapping. He went to L’Anse Creuse High School. In 1994, Kid Rock asked Shafer to play turntables for his band called Twisted Brown Trucker. Shafer knew nothing of using turntables, but since his brother was an experienced DJ, he agreed. He only performed at live shows at the time, until he began recording for Rock’s album, Early Mornin’ Stoned Pimp; Shafer was a featured vocalist on some of the tracks. He then began working on a solo album, but he continued being…