That's a Rap

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)



Nowadays a lot of people are saying country music is no longer country; that it's more pop, more generic.  I understand that; there are quite a few songs that do sound more pop than what's considered country.  However, even what's considered "traditional" country,  (Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, etc.), isn't what "true" country started out as.  If it comes right down to it, even country isn't the root of music; classical, and other music was being made long before it went country.

It seems logical then that, like other genres of music, country is going to evolve, and incorporate other sounds and styles into itself; yes, even rap.

The first time I ever heard "country rap", was when Neal McCoy did "Hillbilly Rap", the Beverly Hillbillies theme done rap style.  Though the song is on one of McCoy's CD's, it was never a single on radio.

 Then there's Cowboy Troy, a member of  Big & Rich's Muzik Mafia; he calls his style 'hick-hop'.  He's released some of his music to country radio, most notably, "I Play Chicken with the Train".

Last year Jason Aldean had a hit with "Dirt Road Anthem", a song co-written by Colt Ford.  The song is mostly country, with a few lines done as rap.

Though known mainly as a songwriter, Colt Ford has put out several CD's that incorporate his southern views and values with rap.  Currently he has a single on the radio called "Back", which features Jake Owen.

"Back" is one of my favorite new songs right now; it's almost a perfect mix of country with rap.  Though Jake Owen is the better known name, Ford definitely can hold his own; and the two of them together do a great job.  Here's hoping Ford has a hit for himself with this song.

Extreme Muzik Mafia Tour—9-17-11

September 16-17, 2011 the Xtreme Muzik Weekend hit the Molalla Buckeroo Grounds in Molalla, Oregon.

Gates opened at 5 pm Friday, with local bands, MuchMore Country, Lock, Stock, and Barrel and Crush playing for the crowd.

Saturday, the gates opened at 4 pm. The same three bands rotated playing the Crown Royal Stage, while in the arena the Bi-Mart Monster Truck was giving rides to concert goers, and Metal Mulisha motocross riders were performing tricks on their motorbikes for the crowd.

Several food and beverage vendors were also on hand, making sure no one would go hungry or thirsty.

The excitement of the weekend culminated with the Xtreme Muzik Mafia Tour featuring Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich.

From the moment the first performer hit the stage, the music was non-stop; with Gretchen, Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy rotating time at the mike to perform.

(Photo courtesy of KD Karin Carroll)

Sometimes when something is billed as “extreme”, or even “big”, it falls short of what’s expected; not in this case.

Not only did Gretchen, Big Kenny and John Rich hit the stage running, they kept the high energy going the entire 90 minutes to two hours that they played. Not only that, you could actually hear the music, and their voices, and understand what was being said. So often that’s not the case at a concert.

Over all, the entire weekend was awesome, and definitely finished on an “Xtreme” high note with the Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich concert.