In recent years, country artists have taken bold strides into the world of hip-hop, leading to unexpected collaborations that blend two seemingly disparate genres. The pairing of country and rap may seem unusual, but both genres share a rich tradition of storytelling and a commitment to authenticity. This unique intersection offers a fresh perspective on music, enabling artists to reach diverse audiences and explore new creative avenues.
Inspired by the groundbreaking performance of Jason Aldean alongside Ludacris during the CMT Awards, we've compiled an updated list of the most remarkable country-rap collaborations. These pairings not only showcase the versatility of artists but also highlight the growing acceptance of genre-blending in today's music landscape.
As we delve into the list of top collaborations, we'll explore how these artists challenge traditional boundaries, bringing their unique styles together to create something entirely new. From heartfelt ballads to catchy anthems, the fusion of country and rap has produced memorable hits that resonate with fans across both genres.
What You Will Learn
- Discover how country artists are embracing hip-hop collaborations to reach new audiences.
- Learn about the storytelling elements that both genres share, enriching their musical narratives.
- Explore the most notable collaborations and their impact on the music industry.
- Understand the evolving landscape of music as genres continue to blend and innovate.
In recent years, country artists have become more adventurous when it comes to finding duet partners. The most unlikely pairings are country-rap collaborations that match Nashville with hip-hop. Sonically speaking, country and rap couldn't be much further apart, but the genres do share some important traits. Both rely heavily on storytelling and demand a certain level of authenticity from their performers.
Inspired at first by Jason Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem" performance with Ludacris, we've assembled — then updated — this list of the best country-rap collaborations of all time. There are more and more every year, plus straight-up covers of country hits (Did you hear Nelly's version of "Die a Happy Man"?) Here are our Top 7 collabs. Let us know which you like best in the comments section below!
- 7
"Try Harder Than That"
Meghan Linsey Bubba SparxxxMeghan Linsey tapped rapper Bubba Sparxxx for this song from her Meghan Linsey album. The rapper adds a breakdown in the middle, but is a big influence throughout.
- 6
"Thug Story"
Taylor Swift and T-PainIn 2009, Taylor Swift brought hip-hop to the CMT Awards with a novelty video featuring Auto-Tune-loving rapper T-Pain. On “Thug Story,” the young singer hilariously tries to sound gangsta: “No, I never really been in a club / Still live with my parents / But I'm still a thug!” The Los Angeles Times called “Thug Story” “a certain iTunes hit if it gets released,” but no official single was ever issued. Fans can find the video on the DVD of the platinum edition of Swift's Fearless album.
- 5
"Justified and Ancient"
Tammy Wynette and the KLFSome people thought Tammy Wynette was crazy when she agreed to sing on a dance-rap track by British group the KLF in 1991, but it turns out the legendary vocalist was just way ahead of the country-rap curve. On this unusual tune, Wynette sings ridiculous lyrics about driving an ice cream van and promises to “stand by the jams.” The must-see music video features Wynette seated on a throne while a scrolling ticker lists her various music accomplishments and cape-wearing onlookers dance around in some sort of tribal ritual.
- 4
"Superman"
Willie Nelson and Snoop DoggWillie Nelson and Snoop Dogg share a well-known love of marijuana, so it makes sense that they'd hook up eventually and sing about the green stuff. “Too many pain pills, too much pot / Tryin' to be something that I'm not, Superman,” Nelson sings on this bluesy number featuring acoustic guitar and harmonica. Snoop even ditches the rapping for actual singing, as the guys commiserate about being less than invincible. Short but entertaining, 'Superman' appears on Snoop's Doggumentary album.
- 3
"Dirt Road Anthem (Remix)"
Jason Aldean and LudacrisLudacris' guest verse on Jason Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem" didn't feel a bit out of place. Both he and Aldean know what it's like growing up in Georgia, hanging out with friends and chasing girls on long summer days. The two men think back on the memories of their younger years, which for Ludacris include “Water balloons, super soakers / Wet T-shirts, women in bikinis / Kenny Rogers, penny loafers.” Aldean's solo recording of the song reached the Top 10, but his playful duet version with Ludacris deserves some love
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