Country-rap is the fusion of
country music with
hip hop music. Perhaps to avoid the unfortunate
abbreviation "c-rap," the style is known by several other
names, such as "hick hop," "hill hop," "hip hopry,"
and "country hip hop".
Cowboy Troy is the best-known performer known primarily
as a country-rap artist.
Artists known primarily as rappers with noted country influences include Bubba Sparxxx (especially since his second album, Deliverance) and Buck 65, and the country-rap label can also include country-influenced rap rock artists such as Kid Rock and Everlast.
Other examples of country-rap include:
- "Country Rock & Rap", 1982 single by the Disco Four.
- "Country Rap", 1987 single and album by the Bellamy Brothers.
- '"Hillbilly Rap,'" 1996 album track by Neal McCoy. The lyrics to "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" (The Beverly Hillbillies theme song) performed in the style of Tone Loc.
- "Wayfarin Stranger", 1997 track by Spearhead
and more recently, artists that perform exclusively country rap, rather than just one song in their repertoire
- Battlestar America
- Kuntry Killaz
- Chance (like Cowboy Troy, a member of the MuzikMafia).
- Eminemmylou (a cross between Eminem and Emmylou Harris).
- Cadillac Zack
Music sample
-
I Play Chicken With The Train (sample)
- Short sample of I Play Chicken With The Train, by Cowboy Troy, ft. Big and Rich. This is one of the best-known singles to emerge from the country-rap style, and illustrates the combination of hip hop techniques with more country-associated instruments.