Hick hop is a genre that blends the storytelling of country music with the beats and rhythms of hip-hop. Over the years, this unique fusion has gained a loyal following, offering a fresh and exciting take on both genres. Artists in this space have found success by combining traditional country themes – like trucks, beer, and small-town life – with hip-hop’s hard-hitting beats and rhythmic flow. This genre has helped redefine the lines between country and hip-hop, creating something new that speaks to fans of both styles. In this article, we will explore 15 recommended Hick Hop tracks that showcase the best of this genre. These songs are perfect examples of how artists mix country influences with hip-hop swagger to create an infectious sound that’s rapidly gaining popularity.
15 Must-Listen Hick Hop Tracks to Add to the List
1. “Country Boy’s World” – Upchurch
“Country Boy’s World” (2016) by Upchurch is a standout track in the Hick Hop genre. Known for his signature style of mixing southern rap with country influences, Upchurch delivers a powerful anthem about rural pride. The song’s beat is a perfect blend of country guitar riffs and hip-hop bass, creating a smooth, head-bobbing rhythm. Upchurch’s lyrics reflect his roots, talking about country living, freedom, and the values of a small-town upbringing. His delivery is laid-back yet confident, embodying the spirit of the South while making it accessible to hip-hop fans.
2. “Ridin’ High” – Big Smo
Big Smo’s “Ridin’ High” (2014) is a perfect blend of country and hip-hop, exemplifying the heart of Hick Hop. With its catchy, upbeat tempo, the song offers a celebration of living life to the fullest. Big Smo’s delivery is smooth and charismatic, balancing southern drawl with hip-hop’s rhythmic flow. The lyrics are filled with references to country living, from trucks to good times with friends. The production also combines heavy bass lines and twangy guitar melodies, making the track a true fusion of genres. “Ridin’ High” became an anthem for fans who love both country and hip-hop music.
3. “Outlaw” – Bubba Sparxxx ft. Colt Ford
“Outlaw” (2011) by Bubba Sparxxx and Colt Ford is a prime example of how Hick Hop can take a rebellious, outlaw mentality and blend it into both genres. The track combines Sparxxx’s rap flow with Ford’s country vocal delivery, creating a seamless mix that feels both gritty and authentic. The beat features heavy drums and country guitars, a perfect backdrop for the song’s themes of independence, defiance, and personal freedom. “Outlaw” brings together two of the genre’s biggest names to create a song that resonates with fans of both hip-hop and country.
4. “Mud Digger” – Colt Ford
Colt Ford’s “Mud Digger” (2010) is another definitive Hick Hop track that brings together country living and hip-hop culture. With lyrics about getting dirty in the mud, driving trucks, and enjoying the simple things in life, the song speaks directly to its target audience. The upbeat tempo and catchy hook help create an anthem for fans of the rural lifestyle. Ford’s delivery is a mix of rapping and singing, which is typical in Hick Hop, while the heavy bass and guitar riff make it a perfect crossover track. “Mud Digger” was such a hit that it spawned several sequels, solidifying Colt Ford’s place in the Hick Hop scene.
5. “This Ole Boy” – Craig Campbell
Craig Campbell’s “This Ole Boy” (2012) is a great example of how Hick Hop can blend traditional country themes with modern beats. The song tells a story about a small-town guy who is ready to take on the world, with themes of love, independence, and adventure. The production is a mix of country instrumentation and hip-hop-style beats, with Campbell’s smooth delivery carrying the track. The blend of storytelling and rhythm is what makes “This Ole Boy” a standout in the Hick Hop genre, appealing to both country and rap fans alike.
6. “Weed and Whiskey” – Whiskey Myers
“Weed and Whiskey” (2014) by Whiskey Myers is a gritty track that balances country storytelling with an edgy, hip-hop-inspired beat. While the song has more of a traditional country sound, the production elements incorporate bass-heavy beats that give it a subtle hip-hop feel. The song talks about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, including smoking weed and drinking whiskey, themes that resonate with both country and hip-hop audiences. The laid-back yet rebellious vibe of the song makes it an ideal example of how Hick Hop can mix rural themes with modern music influences.
7. “Rollin’ in the Hay” – Bubba Sparxxx
“Rollin’ in the Hay” (2004) by Bubba Sparxxx is an early and influential track in the Hick Hop scene. The song mixes Sparxxx’s rapid-fire delivery with a Southern drawl, bringing country themes like partying, small-town life, and love to life through rap. The instrumental production features deep bass lines and a Southern guitar riff, creating a sound that’s both rugged and smooth. The track’s catchy beat and fun lyrics make it a perfect example of how Hick Hop can blend country’s storytelling traditions with the rhythmic flow of hip-hop.
8. “Trailer Park Girls” – Big Smo
Big Smo’s “Trailer Park Girls” (2014) is a fun and catchy Hick Hop anthem that plays off the stereotypes of trailer park living while offering a humorous, upbeat perspective. The song is full of energy, with Big Smo’s rapping style providing the perfect contrast to the twangy guitar and bass-driven beats. The lyrics highlight small-town relationships and everyday life, adding a sense of humor and authenticity to the track. “Trailer Park Girls” is a celebration of a lifestyle that resonates with fans of both country music and hip-hop culture.
9. “My Kinda Party” – Jason Aldean
While Jason Aldean is primarily a country artist, his track “My Kinda Party” (2010) has a strong Hick Hop influence. The song features a solid rap-inspired rhythm section, with a mix of hip-hop beats and country instrumentation that gives it a distinctive sound. The lyrics talk about partying and living life to the fullest, with Aldean’s vocal delivery feeling effortless and confident. The fusion of country themes with the tempo and structure of hip-hop gives the song its cross-genre appeal, making it a favorite among Hick Hop fans.
10. “Hicktown” – Jason Aldean
“Hicktown” (2005) by Jason Aldean is another track that brings elements of Hick Hop into mainstream country. The song’s beat and production features hip-hop-inspired rhythms that are complemented by Aldean’s traditional country vocals. The lyrics talk about small-town pride and the lifestyle that comes with it, making it relatable to fans of rural life. The combination of the song’s catchy hook, upbeat tempo, and Southern charm makes “Hicktown” a standout in the country-rap hybrid genre. Its success shows how Hick Hop can seamlessly blend both worlds.
11. “Dirt Road Anthem” – Jason Aldean ft. Ludacris
“Dirt Road Anthem” (2011), featuring Ludacris, is one of the most successful examples of Hick Hop. The track blends traditional country with hip-hop influences by incorporating rap verses from Ludacris. Aldean’s laid-back country vocals tell a story about driving down dirt roads, living a carefree life, and enjoying the simple things. The combination of Ludacris’ rap verses and Aldean’s country chorus gives the song a unique, cross-genre appeal that has made it a hit. The song highlights how Hick Hop can use rap to complement country storytelling, making it an anthem for both country and hip-hop fans.
12. “Country Girls (Shake It for Me)” – Luke Bryan
While Luke Bryan’s “Country Girls (Shake It for Me)” (2011) is more country-pop than pure Hick Hop, it features elements of hip-hop that make it stand out in the genre. The track’s heavy bass line and rhythmic beat, combined with Bryan’s Southern charm, create a party anthem that bridges country and hip-hop influences. The song’s lyrics are playful and flirtatious, celebrating the fun side of small-town living. Its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus helped it become a hit, drawing attention from fans of both country and hip-hop music.
13. “Redneck Crazy” – Tyler Farr
Tyler Farr’s “Redneck Crazy” (2013) is a great example of how country and hip-hop elements can blend to tell a story with attitude. The song talks about a heartbroken guy who is acting out in typical redneck fashion. The beat has a hip-hop influence, with a driving rhythm and strong percussion that complements Farr’s gritty vocal delivery. The song’s rebellious spirit and upbeat tempo make it a perfect example of Hick Hop’s ability to mix country themes with the boldness of hip-hop production.
14. “Kickin’ Up Mud” – Carolina Boys
“Kickin’ Up Mud” (2014) by Carolina Boys is a fun, high-energy track that showcases the best of Hick Hop. The song features a catchy, bass-heavy beat, combined with lyrics that celebrate rural life, mudding, and the thrill of getting dirty in the outdoors. The rapping style blends effortlessly with country melodies, creating a sound that’s both fresh and familiar. “Kickin’ Up Mud” highlights the carefree, adventurous spirit of the Hick Hop movement, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
15. “Backroads” – Jake Owen
Jake Owen’s “Backroads” (2015) is another track that uses hip-hop influences to tell a story about rural living. The song’s tempo and rhythm incorporate elements of hip-hop, with a bouncy beat and upbeat energy that matches the song’s theme of enjoying life on the backroads. Owen’s smooth vocal delivery, combined with the upbeat production, makes “Backroads” a perfect example of how Hick Hop can bring together country lifestyle themes with modern, rhythmic beats.
See Also: Unraveling the Roots of the “High Lone Voice” in Country Music
Conclusion
Hick Hop is a genre that blends the storytelling of country with the rhythms and beats of hip-hop, creating a unique and exciting musical fusion. The 15 tracks listed here showcase the versatility of Hick Hop, from the laid-back anthems of Upchurch and Colt Ford to the genre-defying collaborations like “Dirt Road Anthem.” These tracks illustrate how country themes, such as small-town pride and rural living, can seamlessly merge with hip-hop’s energetic rhythms and swagger. Whether it’s a party anthem or a reflective track about life in the country, Hick Hop has proven that these two genres can coexist and create music that resonates with fans from both sides of the spectrum.
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