Journal #6: What's Wrong with Country Music?

Country vs. Hip-Hop: Today's Music Debate

Artist Jason Aldean, and his hit 2012 songs "Fly Over States" and "Dirt Road Anthem"

Photo courtesy: Carrie Allen Tipton

            I read the article Country Music Hollers Back at Hip Hop by Carrie Allen Tipton. It discussed how country music puts a special value on love and kindness against materialism, social status, hierarchy issues and false value systems. This is different than you would find in the city setting. I agree with the agreement in this article in how it describes the country music genre.  It says that country music is defined by three main things: who it fans are, who performs it, where it enjoys the most cultural resonance.  This is truly represented in all of the top country songs of 2012. These are Jason Aldean’s “Fly-Over States,” Kip Moore’s “Something ‘Bout a Truck,” Montgomery Gentry’s “Where Come From,” and lastly, my personal favorite, Aldean’s “Tattoos on This Town.”

           

 I find the author, Carrie Allen Tipton to be correct saying that all these songs, and country music in general to be dissociating from the rest of today’s music. I don’t think this is particular bad thing though, it simply means there is change in our music interests. I do like how she says that country music shows the listener everything from where the music is popular to what cultural values of country folks. I find this very true and proud to read this as a country music listener. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being proud of your heritage. Which a big keystone for country music and for this reason, I believe many people can relate to it. I find today’s hip hop and rap a little defensive and unrealistic myself, because I am a country music fan for example.

           

I thought this article was really quite good until Tipton made the assumption that country music is implying that rural folkways are under assault form the evils of the urban existence. I found this shocking when I first read it. It is hilarious that some people say this about country music because it farthest from the truth. I think there will always be country music as long as there are country music fans which there will be. I find it really cool how music is changing though. Jason Aldean paired up with rapper Ludacris in a very popular song, “Dirt Road Anthem.” This allows two completely different genres to intermingle to make a very unique audience. I think it is awesome how this is happening; it just goes to show that our own interest ultimately decides what we listen to on the radio. 

Source: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/165500-country-music-hollers-back-at-hip-hop/