The hick hop renaissance (BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman)
Digest
This podcast dissects the unexpected success of "All The Way," a collaboration between Dallas rapper Big X the Plug and country singer Bailey Zimmerman. It examines the song's unique blend of trap and country, analyzing its structure, the artists' contrasting vocal styles, and the strategic use of hip-hop elements to create a catchy hook. The episode explores the history of country-rap collaborations, comparing "All The Way" to previous examples like Nelly & Tim McGraw's "Over and Over," highlighting similarities and differences in style and success. The artists' backgrounds – Big X the Plug's Southern rap style and Bailey Zimmerman's TikTok discovery – are discussed as contributing factors to the song's appeal. Further examples, such as Ernest & Snoop Dogg's "Getting Gone," are analyzed, and the podcast concludes by reflecting on the evolving landscape of country music and the increasing acceptance of genre-bending collaborations.
Outlines
The Rise of Country Trap: "All The Way"
Introduction to the surprising success of "All The Way" by Big X the Plug and Bailey Zimmerman, highlighting its unique country-trap fusion and chart performance. The artists' backgrounds and individual styles are briefly introduced.
Analyzing "All The Way": Sound and Structure
Detailed analysis of "All The Way's" structure, vocal styles, and strategic use of hip-hop elements within a country framework. Discussion of the song's 30-second hook and its impact on streaming success.
Country-Rap's Evolution and "All The Way's" Place
Exploration of the history of country-rap collaborations, comparing "All The Way" to previous successful and unsuccessful examples. Analysis of the similarities and differences in style and overall impact.
Future of Genre-bending in Country Music
Discussion of additional country-rap collaborations (Ernest & Snoop Dogg, Lil Durk & Morgan Wallen), analyzing their successes and failures. Concluding thoughts on the blurring of genre lines and the future of country music.
Keywords
Country Trap
A subgenre blending country and trap music, exemplified by "All The Way."
Genre-bending
The fusion of musical genres, challenging traditional classifications.
Billboard Hot 100
A chart reflecting the popularity and commercial success of songs in the US.
TikTok Discovery
Artists gaining popularity through the TikTok platform, as seen with Bailey Zimmerman.
Southern Rap
A style of hip-hop originating from the Southern US, exemplified by Big X the Plug.
Big X the Plug
Dallas rapper known for his Southern-influenced rap style.
Bailey Zimmerman
Country singer discovered on TikTok, known for his collaborations.
"All The Way"
The country-trap hit by Big X the Plug and Bailey Zimmerman.
Q&A
What makes "All The Way" by Big X the Plug and Bailey Zimmerman so successful?
Its unique blend of country and trap, contrasting vocal styles, strategic use of hip-hop elements, and effective use of the 30-second streaming threshold.
How does "All The Way" compare to other country-rap collaborations?
It differs in tone from some predecessors, showcasing a more serious approach while still successfully blending genres.
What is the significance of the artists' backgrounds in the success of "All The Way"?
Big X the Plug's Southern rap background and Bailey Zimmerman's TikTok discovery contribute to the song's unique appeal and broad audience reach.
What does the success of "All The Way" suggest about the future of country music?
It indicates a blurring of genre lines and a growing acceptance of diverse sounds within country music, suggesting a more inclusive and evolving future.
Show Notes
One of the biggest country hits of the year has been "All The Way," by Texas rapper BigXthaPlug and country rocker Bailey Zimmerman, which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is a perfectly mixed cocktail of trap sonics with country melodies, held together by a shared southern drawl between the two artists.
As the genre of "country" expands and morphs to include different sounds, artists, and styles, "All The Way" serves as an exemplary example of the country-rap hybrid done right. But the song isn't the first to feature an unlikely collaboration across the genre aisle. This episode of Switched On Pop, we go deep on this collab and others, to see what works and what doesn't when the gates that keep the country music industry separate are swung wide open.
Songs Discussed:
- BigXthaPlug, Bailey Zimmerman – All The Way
- BigXthaPlug – Texas
- War – Slipping Into Darkness
- BigXthaPlug – The Largest
- Bailey Zimmerman – Where It Ends
- Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus – Old Town Road
- Eminem, Rihanna – Love The Way You Lie
- Nelly – Country Grammar (Hot Shit)
- Nelly, Tim McGraw – Over And Over
- Florida Georgia Line, Nelly – Cruise - Remix
- Ernest, Snoop Dogg – Gettin' Gone
- Lil Durk, Morgan Wallen – Broadway Girls
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