Country Rap: The High-Octane Fusion of Country and Hip-Hop

Various Country RAP stars displayed such as Nelly, Jelly Roll, and More.

Images Courtesy of each artist applicable Instagram and/or Spotify.

Country Rap: The High-Octane Fusion of Country and Hip-Hop

Once, country and rap were worlds apart: cowboy boots and steel guitars versus lowriders and trap beats. Today, the divide is collapsing as modern music blends genres like never before. Here's how country rap carved its lane and why it's turning festivals and communities upside down. Country rap (also called country hip-hop or country trap) emerged in the late 1990s in the American South. Artists blended Southern rap with traditional country—giving us early hybrids like Bubba Sparxxx, Colt Ford, Cowboy Troy, and Kid Rock. The real mainstream breakthrough, however, came with "Old Town Road" in 2019, shifting fan expectations dramatically.

Genre Showcases: Country Festivals with a Twist

Stagecoach 2025 broke norms by hosting rap icons like Nelly and T-Pain, pulling huge crowds to fusion-forward sets. Morgan Wallen's Sand in My Boots Festival also featured performances from Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, and Three 6 Mafia. Artists like Jelly Roll and Shaboozey brought vibrant performances, hailed as groundbreaking moments in genre-blending.

BigXthaPlug: A Texas Rapper Goes Country-Trap

BigXthaPlug (Xavier Landum) recently released his breakout single "All the Way" featuring Bailey Zimmerman, blending trap beats with classic country elements. His upcoming country-leaning EP I Hope You're Happy includes collaborations with Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, and Post Malone.

At Governors Ball, BigXthaPlug praised Jelly Roll as a kindred spirit, recognizing their shared approach in crossing musical boundaries. This summer, BigXthaPlug made headlines filming a music video with Shaboozey on Dallas' Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge—an event that briefly halted traffic, symbolizing country rap's increasing influence.

Why It's Working: Storytelling, Community & Openness

Country rap resonates through authentic storytelling and cross-cultural bridges, merging rural and urban experiences. Festival organizers and audiences increasingly embrace rap acts alongside traditional country performers. BigXthaPlug's warm Nashville reception and collaborations point to an expanding genre. Artists like Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and Shaboozey represent a future where country rap's fusion continues to grow through heartfelt storytelling, festival stages, and social media.

Country Rap’s Momentum

Country rap isn't just a passing curiosity—it's a significant musical shift reshaping our understanding of genre. Artists like BigXthaPlug signal that country rap's momentum will continue strong. Stay locked in with Clap On Three to hear more about this rising community!

References

Texas rapper and country star shut down major bridge for music video

Shaboozey's 'A Bar Song' Is the Hit America Needed

Noah Kahan! Trace Adkins! Jelly Roll! See All the Surprise Guests at the 2025 CMA Fest Main Stage

Stagecoach 2025 Recap: The Lineup, Surprise Guests, and Best Looks of California Country Festival

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