Country Rap

Emma Paff

Music Journalist Rap/Hip-hop

The first exposure I had to country rap music was in 2018 when Lil Nas dropped “Old Town Road.” The song sparked the debate about what qualifies as “country music.” Despite the song’s increasing popularity at the time, Billboard removed it from their Hot Country Songs chart for not having enough country elements. Even with all the resistance, country rap has been slowly making a space for itself in both the hip-hop and country communities.

While Johnny Cash isn’t a country rap artist, his spoken word songs, such as “A Boy Named Sue,” paved the way for the hybrid genre that gained traction in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Artists like Bubba Sparxxx, Cowboy Troy, and Big & Rich made a name for themselves combining elements from both genres in their music.

Listening to country rap almost feels like an act of rebellion. These vastly different genres have a complex history. There has always been a divide in the country and hip-hop communities; however, they may have more in common than you might think. With Country music evolving from Nashville, Tennessee, and hip-hop in Atlanta, Georgia, both take inspiration from their Southern roots. In addition, they have major themes of storytelling in their music, reflecting on hardship, identity, love, and being true to oneself.

Country rap draws inspiration from both genres. Experimenting with rap-style vocals and beats, supplemented with a country instrumental. Artists will feature Western concepts such as hunting, heartbreak, the Old West, and cowboys. Bubba Sparxxx, a hip-hop artist from Georgia, draws influence from his country upbringing. His lyricism is full of Southern slang and ideology. Sparxxx’s song “Country Folks,” featuring Cold Ford and Danny Boone, paints a scene of hard work, family, food, mudding, and community. It is upbeat and celebrates the simplicity of rural living.

Another major player in the country rap scene is Shaboozey. Originally from Virginia, Shaboozey’s style combines country, hip-hop, and storytelling to transport his listeners into the chaos of the wild west. He draws inspiration from his home state and his love for old Western films. My favorite album from Shaboozey is Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die. He has a good combination of trap-like bangers and soulful, more melodic songs. His energetic tracks include “GAS!,” “Snake,” and “Beverly Hills.” His softer tracks include “Dead Opps,” “My Love,” and “Hanging High.” If you’re looking to explore country rap, I would highly recommend starting with Shaboozey. He seamlessly combines the two genres, layering his soundscape with elements of country and rap.

Other artists have been dabbling in the country rap scene. Cain Culto, a pop and rap artist from Kentucky, released his song “KFC Santería” this year. Culto utilizes humor and Southern culture to create a liberating banger about self-love and queerness. BigXthaPlug is another artist who is experimenting in the country rap space. His song “All The Way” with Bailey Zimmerman has a country twang instrumental layered with a trap beat.

While country rap may not be for everybody, the experimental genre is bending the norms of the music industry. It brings together two very different worlds in an authentic way. So next time you are at a bonfire or tailgate party, consider setting the mood with this hybrid genre. One thing is for certain: country rap is here to stay.