The music world is experiencing a fascinating crossover trend, blending country music with hip-hop and R&B, and fans are embracing it wholeheartedly. This trend is exemplified by artists like Luke Combs and Beyoncé, who are breaking down genre barriers and creating a new musical landscape.
Beyoncé’s foray into country music with her single “Texas Hold ‘Em” has been met with enthusiasm. One fan commented on her YouTube post, “I love country, so happy for her that she’s doing whatever SHE wants to do musically. No matter what. Remove the labels and walls. Yessss!” This single is part of her country album “Cowboy Carter,” which debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard album and country charts in March.
On the flip side, country artists are also collaborating with hip-hop and R&B talents. Morgan Wallen’s hit “Broadway Girls” with Lil Durk and Luke Combs’ single “Nothing Like You” featuring Rod Wave are prime examples. Combs’ Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour is set to hit MetLife Stadium on July 19 and 20, promising a sea of cowboy hats, much like Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour last summer.
The crossover trend is not just limited to music but extends to fashion and branding. Megan Thee Stallion’s concert at Wells Fargo Center saw many fans sporting pink cowboy hats, despite her not performing any country songs. This blend of styles is becoming increasingly popular, especially in places like New Jersey, where country music has seen a significant rise in popularity. MetLife Stadium has hosted several country music events, including performances by Wallen, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, and Little Big Town.
The integration of different music genres is evident even in the pre-show music at Wallen’s MetLife concerts, which featured tracks by hip-hop artists Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna. Philadelphia DJ legend DJ Deejay, aka David Cassidy, noted, “There’s nothing wrong with being a Luke Bryan fan and knowing the words to his songs while also being a fan of Waka Flocka Flame.”
The crossover movement gained significant momentum when Cardi B brought Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus on stage at the 2019 Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium. Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” was a hit, but Billboard controversially removed it from the country music chart, stating it didn’t embrace enough elements of today’s country music.
Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, released in March, has further fueled the crossover trend. Known primarily for her R&B hits, Beyoncé had previously dabbled in country with “Daddy Lessons” on her 2016 “Lemonade” album, which she performed with the Dixie Chicks at the CMA Awards. Beyoncé shared on social media that the criticisms she faced when entering the country genre pushed her to challenge herself and blend genres to create “Cowboy Carter.”
Beyoncé’s success in the country genre has opened doors for other Black artists. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” followed Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, marking the first time two Black artists have consecutively held the position. The trend continues with Post Malone teaming up with Wallen for the country-rap hit “I Had Some Help.”
Rissi Palmer, whose 2007 single “Country Girl” broke a 20-year drought for Black women on the country charts, believes the streaming era has encouraged artists to experiment with different genres. “The crossover thing keeps things fresh and interesting, and it keeps the artists growing their brands,” Palmer said.
The digital age has played a significant role in this crossover trend. In the past, albums were created to capture a specific time and place, but the rise of digital singles has broadened audiences. Sean Salm, creator of the Philly-based Sad & Boujee party, noted that the crossover movement keeps artists from being pigeonholed into one genre, allowing them to reach a wider audience.
However, some question the authenticity of the crossover movement. Asbury Park music legend Leon Trent pointed out that country music has historically been exclusive, with few Black artists making significant inroads. Despite this, the current trend is bringing people together across different backgrounds and musical tastes.
In Asbury Park, the local music scene is seeing a blend of folk, Americana, and R&B influences. Joe Pomarico, founder of Telegraph Hill Records, highlighted the city’s annual What a Wonderful Year festival, which showcases a mix of genres, including hip-hop, R&B, folk, and rock.
Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” is another example of the crossover trend. The song, originally a hit on the pop and rock charts in 1988, became a 2023 hit on the country and pop charts with Combs’ rendition. Combs and Chapman performed the song together at this year’s Grammy Awards, symbolizing the breaking down of genre barriers.
Rissi Palmer believes the biggest challenge for artists is having a fan base or label that allows them to grow and evolve musically. “It’s very easy to get locked into what makes you popular but may not necessarily feed your creativity,” she said.
The crossover movement is about bringing people together through music. Salm’s crew is even working on a rodeo disco night to unite people of all backgrounds. “It’s bringing people of all colors, religions together so people can have an absolute blast together,” Salm said.
As the crossover trend continues to grow, artists like Luke Combs and Beyoncé are leading the charge, proving that music knows no boundaries.
Source: USA Today, Rolling Stone, Billboard
