Post Malone's Journey Into Country Music: A Unique Blend Of Genres

Post Malone has been making waves since he materialized in Nashville and began working on his first country album, F-1 Trillion, which arrived in August. The rapper was first spotted in studio with a handful of country artists last fall, before making his CMA Awards performance debut last November. But Austin "Post" Malone has had his eye on a country record for nearly a decade, marking a significant crossover in the music industry that is worth exploring.

In an interview on the Bobby Cast podcast, music producer Charlie Handsome revealed that the conversations surrounding a country project for Malone began years ago. "We had talked about doing a country album back in 2015," Handsome explains. "I go back and forth on the power of manifestation, but we did say album six — that was the conversation." This long-term vision showcases Malone's dedication not only to music but also to blending genres that resonate with his diverse audience.

At the time, the "I Had Some Help" singer didn't have a single album out. His debut project Stoney arrived in 2016. Malone didn't forget that conversation, and when it came time to compile his sixth album, he knew exactly who to call. This determination and focus on his artistic journey illustrate how he has been preparing for this moment for years, making the final product even more special for both him and his fans.

Post Malone's Country Music History

Malone was exposed to a wide variety of music early on, as his dad was a wedding deejay. During a visit to the Kelleigh Bannen Show, he reminisced on the music his parents loved. His dad was into '90s country, while his mom liked the older stuff. This eclectic background in music played a crucial role in shaping his musical identity, allowing him to draw from various influences.

"He just loved music," he remembers of his father, Rich Post. "He loves Brad [Paisley] and Tim [McGraw]. My mom was super into like the old Hank [Williams Jr.] and George [Jones] and Conway [Twitty] and all that stuff." Coincidentally — or probably not — Malone has longtime country staples Paisley, McGraw, and Williams Jr. as guests on his new album, showcasing the deep-rooted connections he has established within the country music genre.

The "Pour Me a Drink" singer was also pals with Toby Keith for a long time. Singer George Birge tells Taste of Country that he remembers being on a tour bus with Keith and Malone, picking a guitar and singing back in 2016. This camaraderie among artists emphasizes Malone's genuine love for music and his ability to connect with various artists across genres.

How Does Country Music Feel About Post Malone?

For the most part, country music has been very receptive of Malone and his foray into the genre. Several artists have shared their support of his music and have become fans along the way. "I’ve never seen anyone that knows — like he knows as much as you or I about the history of this stuff," Paisley says. "When Toby Keith passed away, he knows everything about Toby. He is so capable. He doesn’t read the words of karaoke for anything that was on the charts from '90s on. He knows it and he’s a student of it." This acknowledgment from established artists highlights Malone's commitment to understanding and respecting the roots of country music.

"I love Post Malone," Carly Pearce gushes. "I think he’s doing it in such a cool way and in a way that feels very much like the whole country community is rallying around him and I have to say his song with Morgan is stuck in my head most hours of most days." This enthusiastic support from fellow musicians further solidifies Malone's place in the country music scene, proving that his crossover is not just a trend but a welcomed addition.

Lainey Wilson says he belongs in the genre. "Once I met him and wrote with him and just worked with him, I realized this dude knows more about country music than a lot of folks," she explains. "It’s really incredible because the dude just loves music. He loves all kinds of music. I think he absolutely deserves to be in this genre, and I’m excited for him." This sentiment reflects the mutual respect and admiration that exists in the industry, showcasing how Malone has successfully carved out his niche in country music.

Jess hosts the syndicated radio show, Taste of Country Weekend, which can be heard on country stations nationwide. Tune in for all of the best new country music, spotlights on new tracks and emerging artists, plus Double-Downs on all of your favorites. The weekend is always better with a little Taste of Country in it.