The convergence of rap and country didn't start with Post Malone or BRELAND, but their prominence illustrates how mainstream the trend has become. With streaming platforms, social media, and evolving cultural tastes, we are now at the beginning of a new era of hybrid soundscapes. Today's artists are no longer bound by conventional radio formats or award categories.
One of the most widely recognized examples of genre-mashing occurred in 2019, when Lil Nas X released his "Old Town Road" remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. In what was essentially a mashup of trap beats and country twang, "Old Town Road" exceeded every conceivable expectation. The song sat at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks and subsequently sold over 18 million copies internationally. More importantly, it made it clear to the industry that experimental blending of genres can lead to direct commercial opportunities.