Hick Hop

Hick-Hop is a relatively new music genre that emerged in the early 2000s. It’s a blend of traditional country music’s storytelling and unique southern drawl with hip-hop beats and rhythms. It’s a music choice for many people who grew up in the country but also love hip-hop music or those who want to combine the best of both worlds. The early pioneers of the genre date back to the mid-2000s when Daniel Lee was recording music in a makeshift studio in his bedroom just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. He wanted to blend his love of rap music with his country roots. He was joined by another musician named Cowboy Troy, who was performing music in Nashville. Troy became the first major artist to identify with the newly emerging hick-hop genre. In 2005, Cowboy Troy released his debut single “I Play Chicken with The Train” which was a commercial success. The song features a unique blend of country twang with a hip-hop beat and storytelling elements that resonated with people. The inclusion of a rapper in such a song was a revolutionary idea at the time, but it broke many barriers and opened doors for further experimentation in the genre. The following year, the genre gained more exposure when a duo of two rappers from Moccasin Creek joined the scene with the album “Hillbilly Rockstar.” From that album, it had plenty of outdoor elements and blended with rock, hip-hop, and country all into one. Another key figure in the development of the hick-hop genre is Big Smo. He came to prominence in 2012 by combining catchy hip-hop beats with traditional country elements in songs such as “Kickin’ It In Tennessee” and “Workin’.” These artists recognized the influence of both country and rap music on their lives and formed a unique music genre that celebrated and paid homage to both. They often rap about their rural upbringing, the struggles of farm life, and depict their deep love of nature and the outdoors. The stories and themes they explore speak to their audiences at a personal level. As the years passed, country musicians such as Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean have also started to incorporate rap elements into their music, broadening the genre's appeal and acceptance. It’s a testament to the impact the genre has had over the years and continues to have in the music industry.

Colt Ford: Known as one of the pioneers of Hick Hop, Colt Ford has been a major influence in the genre since its inception. His unique blend of country music and hip hop has earned him a large following, and he has released several albums and hit singles throughout his career. The Lacs: With a sound that mixes southern rock, country, and hip hop, The Lacs have become one of the most popular Hick Hop acts in recent years. Their energetic live shows and catchy songs have earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to release new music and tour across the United States. Moonshine Bandits: Another prominent Hick Hop act, Moonshine Bandits have released several albums and collaborated with other well-known artists in the genre. Their sound is characterized by heavy bass, fast-paced rapping, and plenty of references to rural life in America. Upchurch: Ryan Upchurch, known by his stage name Upchurch, is a rapper and country singer from Tennessee who has become a popular figure in the Hick Hop scene. He has released numerous albums and singles, and his music often reflects the struggles and triumphs of life in rural America. Big Smo: With a deep, gravelly voice and a love for all things country, Big Smo has made a name for himself as one of the most distinctive voices in Hick Hop. His music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the joys of life in the countryside. Demun Jones: A founding member of the group Rehab, Demun Jones has also released a number of solo albums in the Hick Hop style. His music is notable for its distinctive blend of country and hip hop influences, and for his powerful, soulful vocals. Jelly Roll: Born and raised in Nashville, Jelly Roll is another notable Hick Hop artist who has become popular for his unique blend of country, rap, and blues influences. His music often reflects his own personal struggles and the hardships he has faced in life. Bubba Sparxxx: Although he has been active in the music industry since the 1990s, Bubba Sparxxx became more closely associated with Hick Hop in the 2000s. His music often explores themes of rural life, and he has collaborated with a number of other well-known Hick Hop artists over the years. Hick Hop Mafia: As their name suggests, Hick Hop Mafia is a group of artists who have come together to promote and celebrate the genre of Hick Hop. They have released several albums together, and their music explores themes of country life, hard work, and the struggles of everyday people. Charlie Farley: Originally from Arkansas, Charlie Farley has gained a following in the Hick Hop scene for his energetic performances and catchy songs. His music often blends elements of country, rap, and rock, and he has collaborated with a number of other well-known artists in the genre.

1. "Country Fried Mixtape" - Colt Ford 2. "Dirt Road Diaries" - Upchurch 3. "Mud Digger" - Various Artists 4. "Radioactive" - Yelawolf 5. "Mud in the Club, Volume 1" - The Lacs 6. "Dirt Road Anthem" - Lenny Cooper 7. "Chicken Willie" - Jelly Roll 8. "RHEC" - Jelly Roll & Struggle Jennings 9. "Stix & Stones" - Cypress Spring 10. "American Rebelution" - The Lacs 11. “Dirt Rock" - Moonshine Bandits 12. "Trailer Trap" - Adam Calhoun 13. "Heart of America" - Jelly Roll 14. "Mud Digger 9" - Various Artists 15. "Hick Hop 101" - Bubba Sparxxx 16. "Slumerican Made" - Struggle Jennings 17. "Mud Digger, Vol. 8" - Various Artists 18. "Southern Summer" - Colt Ford 19. "Creekwater" - Yelawolf 20. "Bout It" - Redneck Souljers 21. "Stereotypes" - Blacklit3 22. "Sippen and Gas" - SMO 23. "American Made" - Demun Jones 24. "Supernatural" - Upchurch 25. "Life in the Sun" - Jawga Boyz

In her book "Hick-Hop in the Age of Hip-Hop," cultural studies professor Barbara Ching examines the emergence of the genre from a cultural and historical perspective. According to Ching: "Hick-hop's appeal lies not in its capacity to breach imagined boundaries, but in its ability to reconfigure cultural hierarchies and reinvigorate stereotypes." In other words, Hick Hop takes the stereotypes and cultural differences between hip hop and country music and juxtaposes them to create something entirely new that challenges traditional notions of genre. While some people view Hick Hop as a novelty genre, others see it as a subversive form of music that speaks to marginalized communities. As music journalist Tosten Burks points out in a 2016 Noisey article, "The best, most successful, and most truthful country rap tells stories of the American rural fringe so specific it could actually offend the listener." This statement is echoed by Hick Hop artist Savannah Dexter, who told NPR in 2021, "It's not just [about] talking about mud and beer. It's talking about actual struggles." However, there are also those who criticize Hick Hop for perpetuating damaging stereotypes about rural communities and promoting cultural appropriation. In the same Noisey piece, writer Kyle Kramer argues that "country-rap risks reducing rural spaces into caricatures of 'redneck' life." Similarly, author and scholar Regina N. Bradley argues in her book "Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South" that Hick Hop "serves as an artistic emblem of what happens when the South is mined as a commodity rather than respected as a culture." Despite the mixed reactions to the genre, Hick Hop has continued to gain traction in popular culture. In her book "Country Rap and its Roots: An Introduction," author Carlin Meyer notes that "the recent mainstream success of country rap – most notably, the Florida Georgia Line hit 'Cruise' – indicates that the genre may have a bright future."

The context of Hick Hop is multifaceted and complex, and it encompasses political, social, cultural, and technological factors. One of the primary external conditions that helped bring the genre into existence is the rise of the internet and digital media. The internet provided a platform for artists to distribute their music globally, independent of traditional record labels' constraints. Social media platforms like MySpace, YouTube, and SoundCloud allowed artists to connect with their fans, build their fan base, and promote their music in ways that were not possible before. The cultural context of Hick Hop is closely tied to the historical and social roots of Hip Hop and Country music. Both genres emerged in the United States, and they have been a reflection of the changing social and political landscape of the country. Country music, in particular, is deeply rooted in rural and working-class culture, and it has been a voice of the white, conservative, and rural populations since its inception. Hip Hop, on the other hand, originated in urban areas as a response to social and economic inequality and oppression. One of the notable figures who played a significant role in the emergence of Hick Hop is the rapper Bubba Sparxxx, who released his debut album, "Dark Days, Bright Nights" in 2001. Sparxxx, a white rapper from Georgia, blended a Southern Country sound with Hip Hop rhythms and lyrics to create a unique style that quickly gained popularity. The success of the album paved the way for other artists like Colt Ford, Jason Aldean, and Kid Rock, who adopted the country rap style and brought it to the mainstream. Record labels like Average Joes Entertainment, which was founded in 2008, specialized in promoting and producing Hick Hop artists. The label has been responsible for launching the careers of many notable country rap artists like Colt Ford, Lenny Cooper, and Moonshine Bandits. Another significant figure is the journalist and documentarian Nick Broomfield, who made a documentary film in 2011 called "The Leader, His Driver and the Driver's Wife," which followed the life of the infamous Hick Hop rapper, Big Boi.