The Best of Both Worlds: Hip-Hop Country Artists Who Should Be on Your Radar
Hip-hop and country sounds are coming together like never before. Here are some of the top artists to you need to add to your playlist now.
By D.M.Apr. 15 2024, Published 5:21 p.m. ET
Country music is experiencing a rebranding, and black artists are leading the charge. Artists like Mickey Guyton and Jimmie Allen have emerged as voices for diversity and inclusion in the genre, but the movement was exacerbated after the release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album.
The project perfectly blends country, pop, R&B, and hip-hop while remaining true to Beyoncé’s southern roots. The album dropped on March 19 and included features from some of country music’s rising stars.
Beyoncé is not the only artist fusing country music and hip-hop sounds. Here are some of our favorite new acts.
Reyna Roberts is the “it girl” of country music.
Reyna Roberts poses for the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
With her powerhouse vocals and authenticity, Reyna Roberts is emerging as a trailblazer in the country music scene. Reyna’s breakout moment came in 2020 with the release of her debut single, "Stompin' Grounds."
Since then, Roberts has continued captivating audiences with her unique sound and electrifying stage presence. Her follow-up singles, including "Reckless" and "Saturday Night," have further solidified her status as a rising star.
Shaboozey got Beyoncé’s stamp of approval.
Shaboozey attends EMPIRE Celebrates The Grammys.
It’s hard to stand out on a Beyoncé album, but Shaboozey was able to do so effortlessly. The country rapper is featured on two tracks on the singer’s Cowboy Carter album, but fans of country music may already be familiar with Shaboozey. The Virginia native has been making music since 2014 and is slowly becoming a star. He is set to release his third studio album in May, accompanied by his headlining tour.
Jelly Roll had a smooth transition from hip-hop to country rap.
Jelly Roll speaks during the 2024 CMT Music Awards.
Jelly Roll’s success in country music should be studied. The lyricist first made a name for himself as a rapper with songs like “Same A**hole” and “The Hate Goes On” before transitioning to country music. He released his 18th studio album, Whitsitt Chapel, in 2023, catapulting his career.
Jelly had a clean sweep at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking home trophies for Video of the Year for "Need a Favor," Male Video of the Year, and CMT Performance of the Year.
If you like hip-hop and country music, then you’ll love Rvshvd’s catalog.
Rvshvd attends the 2024 Country Music Television.
Rvshvd’s music combines country, R&B, and hip-hop. The Georgia-born entertainer has been building his fan base since 2018 and shows no signs of slowing down. He has yet to release a full-length studio album but has dropped more than a dozen singles for music lovers to enjoy. The singer describes his sound as “a little country and a little street,” heavily infused with hip-hop elements (per Billboard.)
Cowboy Troy has been rapping with a twang for decades.
Cowboy Troy performs with Big & Rich live.
Cowboy Troy is often regarded as one of the original hip-hop countrymen. The singer, whose real name is Troy Lee Coleman, burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with his debut album "Loco Motive." His follow-up singles, "I Play Chicken with the Train" and "Hick Chick," have become anthems for his devoted fanbase, which includes hip-hop heads and country music lovers.
