When Rap Meets Rodeo: Hip-Hop Songs With Country Music Beats That Seriously Slap
There's a new subgenre on the rise — country rap music. Read for six hip-hop songs with country music beats you'll want to add to your playlist.
By S.Y.Oct. 31 2023, Published 5:52 p.m. ET
Although hip-hop and country are two totally different genres, the music styles have more in common than you'd think. If you are a fan of both, you are in luck because this article is for you.
Gone are the days when music fans and executives believed that genres needed to exist independently of one another. In fact, a fairly new style of music — country rap — is on the rise.
Below are some songs that have done an outstanding job of sonically fusing elements of both genres together to create an unforgettable listening experience for fans.
"Broadway Girls" - Lil Durk (featuring Morgan Wallen)
"Broadway Girls" is a great example of the fusion of hip-hop and country music. The track's production showcases trap elements with a memorable beat that provides an excellent backdrop for Lil Durk's storytelling.
Controversial country music artist Morgan Wallen brings an edge to the track that ties the entire song together.
"Old Town Road" - Lil Nas X (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus)
An obvious addition to this list is Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road." The anthem first dropped in 2019.
Later, country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus hopped on the track and sent country music fans into a frenzy.
Although both Billy and Lil Nas X are from the South, their collab was a surprise as they were an unlikely pair. It was that formula that made "Old Town Road" a crossover classic.
"I Play Chicken With the Train" - Cowboy Troy
Cowboy Troy was probably one of the earliest artists to discover the magic of mixing country and hip-hop. This recipe, coupled with his charisma, proved to be very successful.
His 2005 high-energy song "I Play Chicken With the Train" was part of his first solo album, Loco Motive. The track ultimately peaked at number 48 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs.
"Both of Us" - B.o.B (featuring Taylor Swift)
B.o.B and Taylor Swift's collaboration on "Both of Us" was also surprising to many fans. Although the song is over a decade old, the 2010s were a pretty timeless era of music.
"Both of Us" was the perfect blend of country and unfiltered, unapologetic hip-hop. And it still slaps to this day.
"Wild Wild West" - Will Smith (featuring Dru Hill and Kool Mo Dee)
Will Smith created history when he teamed up with Dru Hill and Kool Mo Dee for the 1999 smash hit "Wild Wild West."
This song obviously belongs on this list for a variety of reasons. It does a great job of showing why Will is one of entertainment's most well-rounded rappers. The versatility and stage presence he delivered on this track are unmatched.
"Over And Over"- Nelly (featuring Tim McGraw)
In the early 2000s, Nelly was known for two things: his energetic charm and versatility as an artist. "Over And Over" is by far one of Nelly's most memorable songs.
He teamed up with country music powerhouse Tim McGraw to create this country rap music masterpiece. The song is poignant yet understated and most of all, memorable.
The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
