Nashville hitmaker Hardy still vividly remembers his introduction to the nü-metal scene, which left a lasting impression on his musical journey. “I got home from school, and ‘Nookie’ was on ‘TRL,’” Hardy recalls of Limp Bizkit’s 1999 hit from their seven-times-platinum album Significant Other. “Guitarist Wes Borland had the blackout eyes, and he was sort of dressed like a monkey? As a 9-year-old, I was like, I know I’m supposed to be afraid of this — but this is f— awesome.”
Now, twenty-five years later, Hardy has come full circle, featuring Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst on his new album Quit!!. This latest release is a bold dive into the post-grunge hard rock sound of the late ’90s and early 2000s, showcasing the versatility of a songwriter who has already cemented his place in country music. With five Academy of Country Music Awards under his belt, Hardy (born Michael Hardy) has penned hits for some of country music’s biggest names, including Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Simple,” and Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown” and “Sand in My Boots.”
Recently, Hardy contributed to Post Malone’s much-talked-about venture into country music with the track “F-1 Trillion,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Hardy’s ability to cross genres while maintaining his distinctive voice continues to make him one of the most influential figures in both country and rock music today.
