Country trap music, a fusion of country and trap, is one of the most exciting and innovative subgenres of contemporary music. Over the last few years, it has gained a significant following among music lovers, particularly in the United States. This hybrid genre blends traditional country sounds, such as banjos and acoustic guitars, with the hard-hitting beats and hi-hats of modern trap music. But when did country trap music start, and how did it evolve into the genre we know today?
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of country trap music, its development over the years, and how it continues to shape the future of both country and hip-hop music.
What Is Country Trap Music?
Before diving into its origins, it’s essential to define what country trap music is. Country trap is a genre that combines the storytelling and instrumentation of country music with the production style and beats of trap music. The genre often features rap verses, heavy bass, and the fast-paced rhythms of trap, paired with country lyrics about life in rural America, relationships, and personal struggles.
The fusion of these two genres may seem surprising at first, but it has proven to be incredibly popular, especially among younger audiences who enjoy the rebellious spirit of trap music and the down-to-earth authenticity of country music.
Early Influences: Country And Hip-Hop
To understand when country trap music started, we need to look at the early influences of both country music and hip-hop, as these two genres laid the foundation for country trap.
Country Music’s Influence
Country music has been around for over a century and has deep roots in the American South. Its focus on storytelling, simple melodies, and relatable lyrics about life in rural America has made it a staple in the music world. In the 1990s, country music started incorporating elements of rock and pop, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that a more significant crossover between country and other genres began to take place.
Artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and Kid Rock started blending country with rock and hip-hop elements, paving the way for a more genre-fluid future. This influence would later contribute to the development of country trap music.
Hip-Hop’s Influence
Hip-hop, and more specifically trap music, began in the early 2000s and quickly became one of the dominant genres in the music industry.
Known for its use of 808 drum machines, hi-hats, and deep bass, trap music is built on beats that are designed to make you feel the rhythm in your chest. It emerged from Atlanta and spread quickly, becoming a defining sound in the broader hip-hop scene.
Trap music’s rise in popularity was partly due to artists like Gucci Mane, Future, and Migos, who shaped the sound and made it mainstream. Its infectious beats and catchy hooks caught the attention of fans, and soon, it began influencing other genres, including country music.
The Spark of Country Trap: Lil Nas X and “Old Town Road”
While the groundwork for country trap was laid in the years leading up to its mainstream success, it was one song that truly catapulted the genre into the spotlight. That song was “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X.
“Old Town Road” – A Game-Changer
Released in December 2018, “Old Town Road” quickly went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and became a global phenomenon.
The song featured a combination of country instruments, such as a banjo, and trap beats, with Lil Nas X rapping about his cowboy lifestyle. The fusion of these elements struck a chord with listeners, and the song became a chart-topping hit.
However, the song’s success was not without controversy. The country music community was initially resistant to the idea of “Old Town Road” being labeled as a country song. In fact, the song was removed from the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, sparking a debate about what constitutes “real” country music. Despite the pushback, “Old Town Road” went on to break records, staying at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks.
The song’s success proved that there was a massive audience for the fusion of country and trap. It also opened the door for other artists to experiment with similar sounds and explore the genre more freely.
Billy Ray Cyrus’ Collaboration
One of the key moments in the success of “Old Town Road” was the collaboration between Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, a well-known country artist. Cyrus’ involvement brought legitimacy to the song in the eyes of many country music fans, and it further solidified the blending of country and trap as something to be taken seriously.
The remix of “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus became even more popular than the original, helping bridge the gap between the two genres. The collaboration demonstrated that country artists could embrace trap music without compromising their authentic sound, and vice versa.
Country Trap’s Growth: Other Artists Embrace the Sound
After the success of “Old Town Road,” many artists began experimenting with the country trap sound. This was not just limited to mainstream artists, but also smaller, independent musicians who saw the potential of the genre.
Artists Pushing the Country Trap Sound
Several artists began to experiment with the country trap fusion in the years following the success of “Old Town Road.” Some of these artists include:
Lil Nas X: After “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X continued to embrace his country trap sound, releasing songs like “Panini” and “Holiday.” He remains one of the most prominent figures in the genre, continuously pushing the boundaries of what country trap music can be.
Megan Moroney: Known for blending country, pop, and trap, Megan Moroney’s music embraces elements of country storytelling while using trap beats and catchy hooks to appeal to a wider audience.
Yelawolf: This rapper from Alabama has been a major influence on the country trap genre, blending hip-hop with country and rock influences. His album Trunk Muzik features collaborations with country artists, and he continues to experiment with the genre.
Upchurch: A country rapper who has gained a significant following through his fusion of southern rap and country, Upchurch has become a key figure in the country trap movement.
The Country Trap Subculture
As country trap continued to grow, it gave rise to a new subculture of music fans. Country trap fans often identify with the rebellious and independent spirit of the genre, embracing the blend of country music’s authenticity with the bold, cutting-edge sound of trap. This subculture is largely based on social media, where fans share their favorite tracks, discover new artists, and connect over their shared love of the genre.
Integration with Mainstream Country
As the genre continues to gain traction, it’s likely that we will see even more country artists embracing trap influences. This crossover may help reshape the traditional country music landscape, allowing it to evolve and stay relevant to younger audiences.
Hybrid Genres And New Sounds
With the continued success of country trap, it’s possible that new hybrid genres will emerge. Just as country trap combined two distinct sounds, future genres could blend even more musical influences, from rock to pop to EDM, further shaping the music industry.
Conclusion
Country trap music started with the vision of artists like Lil Nas X and the support of the country community, including Billy Ray Cyrus. What began as an experiment has now blossomed into a vibrant subgenre that continues to grow. Whether you’re a fan of country, trap, or both, country trap music offers something for everyone, bridging the gap between two musical worlds and paving the way for new musical experiments in the future.
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