Matthew Shafer is a singer/songwriter and musician from Mount Clemens, Michigan who creates a mix of country and rap rock music under the moniker Uncle Kracker. After spending his early years in music as a rapper and DJ, most notably for his childhood friend friend Kid Rock's band Twisted Brown Trucker, he released his debut solo album Double Wave, in 2000. With the hit single "Follow Me," the record became a huge commercial hit and earned Shafer a widespread fan base within rap rock and mainstream audiences. Though his commercial appeal faded with each of his subsequent releases, Shafer continues to release albums such as 2012's Midnight Special.