One of the first musical experiences I can remember from my youth was listening to the Avett Brothers’ genre-blending “Ain’t No Man” off their 2016 album True Sadness.
True Sadness combines the country twang seen in “Ain’t No Man” with elements of rock and synth in songs like “Satan Pulls The Strings.” The cheerful maracas and ukulele of “Victims Of Life” contrast immensely to the song’s title.
Another genre I frequent is hip hop, which I began listening to in late middle school with artists like Post Malone.
Earlier this year, when I heard Malone was releasing a country album, I was in disbelief.
Malone’s most recent album F-1 Trillion was released Aug. 15 to mixed reception from fans and critics, mainly due to a staggering 15 features, leaving Malone with 3 solo songs on his country debut.
Carl Wilson said in his Slate review “He [Malone] hasn’t found an identity of his own,” while writer Cam Howe from Still Listening magazine calls F-1 Trillion a “love-letter to country.”
Malone came to be relevant by rapping on music–sharing website SoundCloud until he found a hit with the song “White Iverson.”
With F-1 Trillion, Post has bridged the gap between two genres that are generally seen as opposites, rap and country.
One country artist that has featured on multiple rap albums is Morgan Wallen, who has features on two of Chicago rapper Lil Durk’s songs, “Broadway Girls” and “Stand By Me,” as well as Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo’s song “WHISKEY WHISKEY.”
While this genre-hopping may turn some listeners off, I feel as if talented musicians such as Wallen and Malone should make music in more than just their main genre.
Another popular and talented artist who made the jump from rap and pop to country is Beyonce with her album COWBOY CARTER.
Beyonce’s country debut was an instant hit, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, where the song “Texas Hold’em” has over one million posts with the official sound attached.
While Beyonce has had many successes such as “Single Ladies” and “Crazy In Love,” COWBOY CARTER has had influence over many listeners and became one of her most iconic songs.
When artists experiment with their music by trying out new genres or combining them into one, it gives the listener an experience that is one of a kind. Nobody else I know listened to F-1 Trillion and thought the same things I did about it.
The beauty of all art, but especially music, is that it’s subjective. While many fans who discovered Malone’s music around the same time as I did may think F-1 Trillion is “18 songs of country garbage,” others may appreciate Malone for taking a step outside his lyrical comfort.