Is It Just Me Are Pop Rock And Hip Hop Music Stars Choosing To Go Country?

From Beats to Boots: Are Rock, Pop, and Hip-Hop Artists Going Country?

Not long ago, country music was considered to be in its own world, fenced off by twang, tradition, and tight-knit Nashville circles. But today, the boundaries are breaking down. 

In recent years, a wave of rockers, pop stars, and hip-hop artists have traded their city lights and studio beats for southern charm and steel guitars. What was once a surprising crossover is now a full-blown trend that's reshaping the country music genre, and the entire music industry itself. 

In the last few months, I've noticed this trend here in Las Vegas. What's the deal?

In recent years, many successful rock, pop, and hip-hop stars have gone country for at least a while.

Here’s a list of recent rock, pop, and hip-hop artists who’ve made the jump to country or incorporated country influences in a serious way.

Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)

• Released "We're All Somebody from Somewhere" (2016) — a country solo album.

• Performed at country festivals and embraced a Nashville sound.

Darius Rucker (Hootie & the Blowfish)

• Hugely successful country career since the late 2000s.

• Now a CMA-winning solo artist with multiple #1 country hits.

Post Malone

• Released "I Had Some Help" (2024) with Morgan Wallen.

• Recently performed at the ACM Awards and is reportedly working on a full country album.

Katy Perry

• Teamed up with Kacey Musgraves and other country acts, and flirts with country-pop crossover sounds.

Nelly

• Released "Heartland" (2021), a country-inspired album featuring Kane Brown, Florida Georgia Line, and more.

• Longtime collaborator with country acts since "Over and Over" with Tim McGraw (2004).

Jelly Roll

• Started in hip-hop, moved into rock, and is now a full-fledged country artist.

• Won at the 2023 CMA Awards and is a major force in country radio now.

Wow, if you ask me, this is a pretty famous list of Top-Shelf musicians that are looking at country music as the wave of the future!

{My Take}

As genre lines blur and audiences embrace more musical diversity, country music has become a surprising safe haven for reinvention. Whether it’s a rap icon trading bars for banjos or a pop star finding new life in storytelling and steel guitars, the move to country isn’t just a trend, it’s a transformation. With Nashville more open than ever and listeners tuning in with open minds, don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s biggest country hits come from the most unexpected voices from once stars in the rock, pop, and hip-hop music world!

Like I said earlier, I've seen this trend here in Las Vegas. 

Could Sin City LV be the next West Coast Nashville?

I was born in Dallas, Texas.

Country works good for me!

Y'all Take Care!

GE