“I really feel like I’ve kind of got this figured out,” the rapper and singer-songwriter tells Billboard. “I think I can make an equally good record, if not better than the last one — which is once again putting quite a weight on your shoulders. But I do like the pressure.”

Rock has been working at his Allen Roadhouse studio in the Detroit suburbs with his Twisted Brown Trucker Band — particularly guitarist Marlon Young, who co-wrote several songs on “Jesus” — as well as good friend Uncle Kracker and longtime engineer Al Sutton. Rock hopes to have the album finished before he hits the road this summer and put it out in the fourth quarter.

“Obviously I had a great year in 2008,” Rock says, “one of my best since (1999′s “Devil Without a Cause” album) — maybe even better considering the times we’re in. We’re at a point where you do something and then it’s forgotten, and I’ll have to prove myself again, and that’s just incredible. People need to be reminded sometimes, and sometimes being humble doesn’t do that so well.”

the band insanity…approved…lol