“RebelCore” Wants to Become New Term for Country Rap & Hick-Hop
You can call it country rap, or you call it hick hop (and some call it other things that are not so flattering), but a new company wants to coin the definitive term of what to call music that mixes country, rap, EDM, rock, and the rebellious culture of monster trucks and muddin’ that surrounds the movement. RebelCore is what they want it to be known as, and they are going to great lengths to make that the accepted term for the genre bending music, signing artists to a management company, promoting themselves through an upcoming clothing line, and potentially partnering with labels to make RebelCore the accepted term of the masses for country rap and all that comes with it.
Though the movement appears to be still in the early stages, plans for an association similar to the CMA or the Americana Music Association are part of their goals in an attempt to make RebelCore a “‘genre of music’ that represents artists, fans, and individuals in rap, rock, and EDM mixed with country.” According to iamrebelcore.com, the movement was started by two men, Chris James and Daniel “Gray” Creach “in partnership with MMG, Sound Kontrol, and Blu Ink Entertainment.”
According to Daniel “Gray” Creach, “As a country boy, born and raised in the south, the word ‘hick, redneck or hillbilly’ was always somewhat of a put down or when joking on each other. As a huge fan of this music and an artist myself, I’ve always felt ‘hick-hop’ was a very childish term and did not describe the true nature of this music. This music is rebellious to it’s core, revolutionary, and out of the box and I think the term RebelCore encompasses that. Ask most of your true country hip hop artists and they will tell you they personally hate that name ‘hick-hop’ for their genre but have had to just go with it because that is what the media decided they would refer to it as. I feel that the genre RebelCore will give the country hip-hop artist a new home, a new space to reside in. A place where the music they put they’re heart and soul into can be taken seriously and not feel embarrassed by a term that doesn’t describe the true rebellious, against the grain nature of country hip-hop!”
RebelCore at the moment has a management company that has signed multiple artists including one act called Psycho Billy Cadillac, and they plan to make their presence known as part of the CMA Fan Fest coming up the first week of June by launching their Rebel Core clothing line at the event. Their overall plan appears to be to unite the disparate terms and scenes that exist in country rap under a common cause and term.
Beyond the country rap songs of some of mainstream country’s biggest stars, the cross-genre movement has a massive grassroots network and many loyal fans, especially in rural locales across the country. Sometimes even without label representation or promotional budgets, country rap videos from artists like Big Smo, The Jawga Boyz, and The Moonshine Bandits regularly get hits in the millions from the sheer number of loyal fans of the music.
The music also fits seamlessly with much of the rural muddin’ and truck racing culture, illustrated recently when the largest label for country rap, Colt Ford’s Average Joe’s Entertainment whose roster includes the LoCash Cowboys, Bubba Sparxxx, and many more, partnered with the “Mega Truck” racing series. “We have always shared a common lifestyle fan base,” Average Joes CEO Shannon Houchins told The Tennessean. “This deal allows us to maximize the overall fan experience with a combination of big truck races and music as well as create bigger and better on-site marketing opportunities for our sponsors.”
The Average Joe’s truck partnership, just like RebelCore, once again emphasize that in 2014, entities in and around country music are betting big on the future of the genre, and are looking for dance partners and cross-platform collaborators to create empires and shore up their stake in the music.
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May 20, 2014 @ 8:27 am
Hey folks, just so it’s been said, the free flow of opinions and spirited dissent against Saving Country Music or any topic discussed is always encouraged, but let’s try to keep the racial epithets and insinuations of racial epithets to yourself.
And while I have your attention, if you’ve ever wondered where people get those cool icons beside their comment posts, you can go to https://en.gravatar.com/ and in a few easy steps, get one that not only works here, but with most sites.
As you were.
May 20, 2014 @ 8:30 am
And we have just hit a new alltime low!
I would love to freely speak my opinion by even my thick skull knows that 99.97% of my comments will not be posted!
May 20, 2014 @ 8:31 am
I hate the term ‘RebelCore’ and it sounds like a word a douche would use, so that makes it the perfect term for this music. I can actually applaud this group for coming up with something “good” for once.
By the way Trigger, this is the same group that comes out with those Mud Diggers albums isn’t it? For those who don’t know what these are, these albums contain the music I’m convinced plays in the 7th circle of hell. I came across one of these for the first time last night and nearly lost my dinner.
May 20, 2014 @ 8:39 am
All I can think of as I read this is the “Seinfeld” episode in which George decided he wanted to be called “T-Bone.” You can’t pick your own nickname. You can, however, apparently spend a fortune trying to buy cool.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:00 am
i’m gonna call you gene
May 20, 2014 @ 9:48 am
This is the most difficult hurdle for any of these organizations that want to coin a new phrase and have it accepted into the musical Zetigeist. Shooter Jennings had the same problem with “XXX” (which ultimately failed), Dale Watson’s “Ameripolitan” is a good way to start a bar fight, and even “Americana” still stimulates debate, even if there’s consensus around the music being presented.
Funny that the one sub genre term that has really taken off lately and people have adopted is “Bro-Country” and it was coined to be condescending, and has since been picked up by the same people it means to criticize as a term of endearment. Not saying this will happen with Rebel Core. Maybe they’re smart for sewing this into clothing and that may be the key, but coining terms is always a difficult business.
May 20, 2014 @ 11:04 pm
Shoegazing, Punk, even Impressionism – all these are terms that were once meant as derogatory but were later adopted by the genres they are representing today without negative connotations. Ergo, Bro-Country.
“Rebel Core” is an idiotic label, because it’s way too vague. “Core” as in “Hardcore” or “Slo-Core” implies guitar music of a rough edged, angular und uncompromising kind. “Rebel”? Well, there are rebels all over the world, against all kinds of things. That’s not an expression tied to a musical genre or a location. “Outlaw” would at least have had a Country’n’Western implication.
Still, that soundcloud song was not nearly as horrid as I imagined it to be. From the distance (on the other side of the Atlantic) it seems that Bro-Country means lame, cliché-ridden country-ish songs beefed up with either cheesy EDM or out-of-date HipHop beats.
This though, is coming from the other direction. It’s base is a rather primitive HopHop Track. Here, the C’n’Western guitar sample is the augmentation, not the other way round. Kinda like Beck’s “Loser”, in a way. Only over 20 years later and without any wit or subtlety, of course. But not nearly as stomach-churning as listening to Florida Georgia Line.
By the way what is your stand on Daughn Gibson? I think this is strong Songwriting that has an Americana-style American Gothic edge, and it’s running on what are actually modern electronic beats and bass – Sounds that are Nicolas Jaar, not David Guetta
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyfeNOkM5t0 –
This guy, in my opinion, is showing that the genres Electronica and Americana can be spliced together to great effect if it comes from an an innovative mind and angle. If is not watering down any of its components but pushing them forward.
May 20, 2014 @ 8:42 am
after hearing those Mud Diggers albums I’m ready to go to church with Chris Wall to hear Ray Wylie Hubbard lead the choir.
May 21, 2014 @ 8:05 am
Amen ! i will be joining you. I hate this with a passion whatever you call it.
May 20, 2014 @ 8:59 am
“this music is rebellious to it’s core”
i don’t believe i’ve ever read anything so ridiculous
May 21, 2014 @ 5:24 am
Yeah, I laughed hard when he said, “the true rebellious, against the grain nature of country hip-hop!”
May 21, 2014 @ 3:08 pm
Rebellious?
Sophomoric comes to mind.
But not rebellious.
Rebelling against exactly what?
May 20, 2014 @ 9:12 am
Is this one of the satire articles you write every once in a while? Please tell me it is.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:14 am
you can call it “puppies and kittens-core” …shit is still garbage.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:15 am
And talk about completely missing the point of how ‘core’ has been used throughout the rougher music scene. Genres like hardcore punk, grindcore, metalcore, or hell, even the dreaded electronicore were usually characterized by abrasive vocals, breakdowns, and violent subject matter – and you can’t tell me any of the country rap that’s going to be shoveled under this brand will match that particular style of music.
Hell, even when we’re talking about hardcore hip-hop, you’re thinking of acts like Death Grips or Clipping, acts who experiment with industrial edges and noise and material that has a more viciously harsh edge – and unless I’ve been misinformed, I don’t think there’s a single country rap artist pushing for that sound.
So once again, it’s an attempted rebranding of country rap into something that sounds ‘badass’ and is not representative. I’m not surprised, but as a music critic, I’ll just dump it in one of the many subcategories I reserve for ignorant hip-hop – because right now, I haven’t seen any evidence that modern country rap doesn’t belong there.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:57 am
Not to discount what you’re saying Mark because you’re totally right, but as I’ve been studying “country rap” or “RebelCore”, I’ve noticed there are two completely separate worlds to the sub-genre. The first exists in the mainstream with people like Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line releasing country rap songs that are watered-down milktoast meant to appeal to the white suburban masses. Then you have this huge underground hick-hop underbelly that exists mostly out in rural areas and around muddin’ events that includes artists like Bubba Sparxxx and Big Smo that would NEVER receive radio play, partly because of the “hardocre” lyrics and subject matter and such. I’m not saying “RebelCore”‘s particular brand of country rap is worthy of the “core” distinction because I really don’t know enough about it, but I think that it is there to distinguish this is the grassroots, more pure version of the genre than what is happening in the mainstream. In that respect, I guess that is something we can all agree on, that people like Luke Bryan rapping is lame.
May 20, 2014 @ 12:50 pm
So in other words, these guys just want additional distinction for being underground and having a certain brand of aggressive rural style. And yet when it comes to subject matter, I’ve yet to see a single one of these acts step to the plate with anything but a more bellicose brand of what gets played in bro-country. In other words, as much as they might want rebranding from their off-shoot of ignorant country hip-hop, I don’t see it happening.
Damn shame about Bubba Sparxxx though – I can understand why he has an axe to grind against the industry, but he’s better than this subgenre.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:16 am
I didn’t know “revolutionary” meant 1998 rap music rip off.
May 20, 2014 @ 1:12 pm
I definitely chuckled when I read that they considered it “revolutionary”. More like talentless, lazy, and without music ability.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:22 am
While the name is quite ridiculous & the music is atrocious, this could create a separation in the ever expanding umbrella of what is “country music”. To refer to it as “RebelCore”, while (fingers crossed) removing the “country” label would be a victory in my books.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:58 am
Good point.
May 20, 2014 @ 2:26 pm
Amen, my thoughts exactly. At least they are leaving the word “country” out of this new subgenre.
It’s really weird seeing country music seemingly fracture into peices before our very eyes. though.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:27 am
Initial Disclaimer – I LOATHE all that is hick-hop/country-rap/”rebelcore”…let’s get that out there first….so this reply has little to do with whether or not I like the style…..
I did some research and read the initial reviews of albums like The Byrds “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” and some later Flying Burrito Brothers.
The Country Music “Establishment” of that day loathed it as much as I’ve heard and read people today criticizing this latest trend. The Byrd’s were all but booed off the stage when they performed at The Grand Ole Opry on March 15th, 1968….essentially because they were long haired hippies…(which was funny as Charlie Daniels Band released “Long Haired Country Boy” just 6 years later)…
Now, Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons are revered by no less than Dwight Yoakam and Emmylou Harris is basically a living Goddess in Country music….
I can HATE HATE HATE Country-Rap (and trust me, I do), but I have to wonder if I’m acting no different than the 1968 Grand Ole Opry/Ralph Emery did when confronted with a different interpretation of “Country” music….
It might not be “MY” kind of Country (and trust me I’m having a REALLY HARD TIME referring to it as “Country”) but it appears as if it’s no fad and like it or not, we who consider ourselves “Traditionalist’s” will have to accept it….
May 20, 2014 @ 10:15 am
I understand what you’re saying Dirk.
Look, as much as we’d all love to ball our fists up, dig our staffs into the ground and say “None shall pass!” to country rap, that ship has sailed. “Dirt Road Anthem” was the best-selling song in country in 2011. That was three years ago. Rap elements being infused in country is a stark reality, and so the next question needs to be, what do we do about it? Is it worth drawing distinctions between it? Ironically, a lot of the artists that are being targeted for the RebelCore idea are grassroots, fiercly independent artists that hate Music Row and want to put the power back into the hands of the artists no differently than many independent country artists. Of course there’s some HUGE differences in the sound, but country rap or “RebelCore” is a new reality that we’re going to have to figure out how to face head on.
May 21, 2014 @ 7:06 am
But Trigger, to those of us who refuse to call that crap, “Country”, that ship hasn’t sailed.
May 20, 2014 @ 11:01 am
Speaking of Ralph Emery, I remember reading an article in the old No Depression magazine on Chris Hillman where he recalls a much later interview he and McGuinn had with Emery. Went something like this:
Emery: So hows Ol’ Gram doing these days?
McGuinn: He’s still dead.
May 20, 2014 @ 11:03 am
Because Ralph Emery is still no less a douche in his own right
May 20, 2014 @ 1:09 pm
We have met our grandfather… and he is us
May 20, 2014 @ 2:49 pm
The important thing is that Parsons and Hillman made really good music. The albums you mentioned (like Sweetheart of the Rodeo) are really good records regardless of genre.
Also, it isn’t hard to see why country and rock blended blended so well together. Rock and roll was partially born out of country music in the first place. The two genres are basically intertwined, sharing common musical roots.
Traditional country and hip hop are pretty aesthetically disaparate. and came out from different musical roots and different circumstances. (The same thing is true for a genre like EDM, which might have even less in common with country music.)
I would never say it’s impossible for great country rap music to exist, but if there’s a great country rap song out there, I honestly don’t think I’ve heard it. Honestly, most of it tends to pretty bad. Which is not to say that I would go so far as to root for these ‘Rebelcore’ artists to fail.
May 21, 2014 @ 5:38 am
Ralph Emery sure is a smart guy. I wish there were more like him. I wish I could have been at the Opry that night, helping to boo those posers off that stage.
May 21, 2014 @ 6:28 am
I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree regarding that….I’ll always be a fan of Hillman/Parsons, etc….and Ralph Emery has always struck me as just another industry toolbag parroting whatever his corporate masters told him to say….Nashville equivalent of Dick Clark
May 21, 2014 @ 7:03 am
It’s cool Dirk. Everybody’s free to like who they want to.
It just hurts my ass though when people act like those guys were either, “Country”, or “Legendary”. I don’t hate their music, I just wish it were defined correctly. To me, those guys were just another step in moving the window of what is allowed to be called, “Country”.
Ralph Emery just represents a better place and time to me, where professionalism and maturity carried more weight than abs and asses.
May 20, 2014 @ 9:34 am
Isn’t “Rebelcore Punk” the name Hank 3 used to describe his Fiendish Threat. He should sue these people.
May 20, 2014 @ 10:12 am
ugh shoot me..take away my wine…anything to put this rebel core out its misery
May 20, 2014 @ 10:17 am
Daniel “Gray” Creach: “Damn right I’m rebellious! I drive a four-wheel drive, own a shotgun, drink from a mason jar, fish, drop my tailgate at parties, work with my own two hands, wear boots with scuffs on them, have a Copenhagen ring in my cut-off jeans, wear wallet chains, like my peaches home-grown, blast both Cash and T-Pain on the radio, eat the food my mama makes, sit around bonfires, pray and like hotties in daisy dukes!”
Interviewer: “So, what about giving a good woman a ring? Or fighting for something you believe in?”
Daniel “Gray” Creach: (overwhelmed with shock and horror and tremors) “****, man, you’re crazy rebellious! I’m outta here!”
*
😉
May 20, 2014 @ 10:34 am
So, what about giving a good woman a ring?
I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE, Mr. Eaton. Well-played, sir. 😀
And rebelcore? The hell is so rebel about this crap? It’s pretty much the most conformist thing out there anymore!
May 20, 2014 @ 1:59 pm
Exactly my first thought when I saw the headline — there’s absolutely nothing rebellious about it. (Kinda reminds me of that Cake song. “Excess ain’t rebellion / You’re drinkin’ what they’re sellin’…”) 😀
May 21, 2014 @ 12:25 pm
He’d have to get a good woman’s phone number first.
May 21, 2014 @ 6:53 am
I’ll be honest Noah, I usually dismiss your comments as the ramblings of a know-it-all, but this was effing hilarious.
May 20, 2014 @ 10:18 am
I just call it horse shit
May 20, 2014 @ 10:54 am
theres no way the labels or the more intelligent artists would help a trademarked name become the official genre name so I don’t see this happening. it would be pretty funny if it took off in a major way and then billboard would have to buy a licence to use the name on its charts.
May 20, 2014 @ 11:21 am
How about Racistcore for the absolute misrepresentation of a style of music tied in with African American culture?
May 20, 2014 @ 12:40 pm
too much white crossover in rap already…plus, Elvis Presley essentially did the same thing back in 54
May 20, 2014 @ 1:14 pm
Rap long ago lost its exclusive association with African-Americans and has enjoyed widespread appeal among whites for over a decade. It has followed the same trajectory as jazz and rock.
May 20, 2014 @ 6:17 pm
Do most white people count? I mean, I think I’m the only white dude in my area who has any clue who Nas is, let alone dudes like Immortal Technique.
Most white people (where I’m from) like the shitty Hip Pop stuff.
May 20, 2014 @ 11:27 am
Well after watching this complete B*llsh*t of a video and with all the Dbag Bro Country, Pretty Boy Country, Wanna Be Country, Homeboy Country, Dude Country, Soccer Mom Country, Teeny Bopper Country, Old Male Stipper Grampa Country, Pshyco Chick Country, Tractor Country, Stalker Country, Hick Hop, Redneck Rapper Twerk to the beat Country, Jacked Up Pickup Truck that I don’t know how to drive Country and on.. and on.. and on…I give up!!! This complete idiotic “Rebelcore” dumb**s shi*t I will not be associated with I have decided to start listening to Metal!!!! Good luck guys and if any one actually saves True Country Music I shall return but right now all I can say is F**k this!!!! Keep up the good work on here!
May 20, 2014 @ 1:17 pm
Transitioning from classic country to metal is quite difficult. The two genres are pretty much polar opposites musically.
May 20, 2014 @ 2:09 pm
Not necessarily. Depending on your tastes, you might just dive right in. Personally I don’t bother with any of the many “-core” sub genres, but I do love a lot of prog, thrash & power metal. I started with Metallica’s black album, then checked out their earlier stuff and went from there.
May 20, 2014 @ 1:53 pm
Man, if -core genres drove you out of country, I can’t imagine what’ll happen when you get to metal.
May 21, 2014 @ 8:19 am
I completely share your sentiments, but you don’t need to turn to Metal. Why don’t you just just listen to all the good Country Music that already exists. Along with all the well known legends of Country Music, there’s tons of more obscure singers that many people have never heard of. I’ll give you a few names: Vernon Oxford, Joe Carson, Darrel McCall.
Or you can devote your money to building your personal collection, or searching for songs you’ve never heard by your favorite singers.
May 20, 2014 @ 11:50 am
This is another reason why I now listen to Metal…..goodluck guys hopefully you can put an end to this one day and save True Country Music I’m behind the cause of this site 100% I just can’t stomach what Country has turned into!
May 20, 2014 @ 12:16 pm
As if this genre of “music” wasn’t funny enough, they go and call it “rebelcore”. Are we certain this isn’t some huge trolling mission?
May 20, 2014 @ 12:33 pm
A rose by any other name, et cetera, et cetera.
I’m going to keep calling it what I’ve called it for years.
CRap. Short for Country Rap.
Not to say I don’t enjoy a little bit of rap (from all skin colors), this is just the posers hoping to break out in country because they don’t stand a chance in their own genre.
Plenty of artists do this. Can’t make it in Pop? Be Pop Country. Can’t be Rock? Be Rock Country. Can’t make it in Rap? Be Rap Country.
And I’m just really tired of Country being “Plan B”.
May 20, 2014 @ 1:51 pm
No style of music with the suffix -core created after 1996 is worth anyone’s time.
May 20, 2014 @ 2:07 pm
I’m going to write something positive here, as most people that have commented so far are too blinkered to even think of putting one foot in front of the next, or turning left or even right. Meaning moving forward. This is 2014. Not 1914. Not 2004.
I think it’s great that these guys actually have a defined goal and a vision. So I wish them only the very best.
We saw the band Psycho Billy Cadillac play at the Gulfport Music Festival the other weekend and saw only energy and heard only excitement. We didn’t know what to expect as we’ve hadn’t heard of them before. We all had an enjoyable time. They were excellent live.
If you don’t like rap that’s fine, but it looks like these guys actually know what they’re doing and it all looks extremely professional to me.
May 20, 2014 @ 2:27 pm
Every time I read an article about a company like this all I can think of is this quote by a writer at the New York Times.
“corporations get excited about monetizing fan enthusiasm”
~Alyssa Rosenberg
May 20, 2014 @ 3:29 pm
Let’s just see where these guys end up in a year. A least they’re trying to do some good. You just quoting quotes sounds corporate.
May 20, 2014 @ 7:13 pm
I’m not seeing anything good, or positive here. Big Machine will certainly approve, and support this. Here’s another quote for you. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” The fact that there is a “scene” that takes its musical queue from Corporate EDM / Country is a truly sad sign. I’d rather give cash to the guy playing guitar in the subway.
May 20, 2014 @ 2:35 pm
It will be insensitive to include the word “rebel” in any label describing a music genre with its roots in hip-hop. They will never be able to use it.
May 20, 2014 @ 3:26 pm
You’re like way off base with your comment. It’s totally the opposite. This seem to be all about being a rebel and independent.
May 20, 2014 @ 3:04 pm
Not that I ever want to listen to listen “RebelCore”, but if they’re doing something besides bowing to Scott Borchetta and and the other Music Row executives’ whims, more power to them, I guess.
May 20, 2014 @ 4:57 pm
“Rebellious”? You keep using that word; I don’t think it means what you think it means.
May 20, 2014 @ 7:08 pm
RxC
May 20, 2014 @ 10:21 pm
I picture Brantley Gilbert leading this movement, DoucheCore for the win!
May 21, 2014 @ 1:56 am
Yes, these pestiferous balatrons are so rebellious and revolutionary that the afflatus for their musical faex is dictated by a guerdon of Youtube views and the whims of the conformist market, and of course their fundamental misunderstanding of the “core” suffix has been outlined here already. I can’t imagine any genre less worthy of the terms “rebel” or “core” than this. At least they’ve got the decency to distance themselves from and cease collying the country label, though I have little doubt that if this term catches on, another bunch of clowns will be taking their place in a few years. Also glad you are taking steps to discourage racism here, whenever this subject arises I always seem to encounter some bilious comments denegrating rap music that, while not explicitly racist (you wouldn’t have allowed them if they were), gets, as the saying goes, a little too close for comfort.
May 21, 2014 @ 6:35 am
Uhhh… Rebelcore? Really rebelcore I could understand countrycore or truckcore but rebelcore this sounds like something a self hating hipster would use.
May 21, 2014 @ 2:08 pm
As someone stated above in the comments, we should be happy that the purveyors of this genre are not labeling it with the “country” name.
May 21, 2014 @ 6:42 am
Being a pop fan, I have no problem with rap mixing with country. But unless these people can tell stories the way Jay-Z, Eminem, Propaganda, Nas, BLitz the Ambassador, and to some extent Kanye West does or have the decency to write stories the way Brad Paisley, Paul Overstreet, Porter Wagoner (those 60s Wagoner are pretty scary), I hope they just stop releasing albums altogether. I listened to Colt Ford and Big Smo and The Lacs and their albums totally lack substance and you can’t get nothing from listening to these albums. It’s like the mainstream hiphop between 1998-2003 when Ja Rule, Fat Joe and the likes ruled the airwaves.
May 21, 2014 @ 3:11 pm
“I”™ve always felt ”˜hick-hop”™ was a very childish term and did not describe the true nature of this music.”
Trust me, amigo, “hick-hop” is an unduly elevated term for this kind of music.
It’s not exactly the lyrical qualities of Townes, Billie Joe Shaver, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Russell, Tom Waits, etc.
It’s more of the “slap yo’ bitch” type of lyrics.
May 21, 2014 @ 3:35 pm
Why don’t we just call it what is truly is…..
SHIT! Pure, unadulterated SHIT!!!
May 21, 2014 @ 5:35 pm
Rebelcore… that will surely confuse the thousand of crunkcore, hardcore, metalcore, teens out there who may think this is yet another sub-genre of emo or whatever genre they like but don’t want to be seen as liking. UGH… music labels are a double-edged sword for me they can be useful in a critical dialogue in a class but more often than not they just get used to separate groups more the unify them. This is clearly a marketing gimmick aimed the youth who really LOVE to define themselves with an alt label so as not be seen as part of some mainstream group ethos. When I was a kid it was the goths shopping at Hot Topic all looking the same while “defying” the status quo, looking like the status quo. LOL!
On a side note: I still haven’t had anyone satisfy me with a definition of Americana, not even wiki. Most “Americana” I hear sounds like bluegrass or country or folk or all three. And frankly a lot of country artists straddle the lines all the time. It makes me think of Vince Gil’s album “These Days” with the four distinct records and even there I felt like I could mix and match a few songs
I remember somebody once argued the point that the term Americana came about because people in the bluegrass community complained so much that Mumford & Sons were being labeled bluegrass simply by dressing up like general store owners and toting around a banjo. And the the M&S fans adopted the term and got all pissy when people called M&S bluegrass and corrected you. LOL!
Well I sure wouldn’t call this country music, garbage is a word that comes to mind. But heck rock music has all kinds of branches so why not country with one branch being the dead and rotting diseased branch that needs to be pruned.
May 21, 2014 @ 9:48 pm
To everyone that has given a negative comment I feel sorry for the people in your lives.
Music is for everyone, no matter what style. It’s simple – let’s just see where RebelCore is in a year’s time. If you like traditional country music then that ‘s fine. If you like pop country (meaning popular – records that sell tens of thousands of copies) then that’s fine as well.
As far as I can see RebelCore is about new music and new acts, so no one has even heard or seen these new acts yet.
Commenting on the past is one thing, but the reality is, no one can comment on something that hasn’t happened yet. The new country rap artists, oh I mean the new RebelCore artists may take it up a notch and have great tracks.
If you don’t like rap then that’s fine. But you can’t just say everything is bad. I’m sure these guys could talk negative also and say far worse things than the most of you guys are writing. Saving Country is totally right by saying this music has a place and it is a growing scene. That’s just the truth.
If you don’t go to mud parks and you listen to mainstream or traditional country stations – then you won’t hear any of this new RebelCore music anyway. So why wine like little annoying kids?
Maybe because 1) you’ve got nothing else better to do, or 2) worried that this movement is going to affect your children and one of your kids is going to fall it love it (haha), or 3) you’re just set in your ways (nothing wrong with that either)
Said it earlier – this RebelCore brand looks like a huge upgrade to anything else I’ve seen, so big up to your guys! and best of luck.
From a positive dreamer, not a negative sleeper.
Jay B
May 22, 2014 @ 12:03 pm
How old are you? Six??
May 23, 2014 @ 2:02 am
Why do you think what I wrote was written by someone that was six? I must be a clever six year old then:). I’m just saying let’s see where RebelCore is in a year’s time. That’s it.
August 16, 2014 @ 9:36 am
Why? I say that because you sound like a freaking idiot. That is why!!
Yeah we get it, give it a year. You have said this a hundred times on your board. Now shut up and let the adults comment.
August 16, 2014 @ 9:59 am
Again we’ll see where these guys are in a year’s time. I already know that 3 record labels want to sign PBC and the RebelCore clothing brand is already partnering with some very cool artists. So you don’t like country rap. Good on ay! Other people do want to hear more country rap. There are even cool artists out there like Chase Rice. Leigh Garrett and Sam Hunt – who all sing and rap.
May 22, 2014 @ 12:31 pm
I showed this to my kids, they said it sucked.
May 23, 2014 @ 2:14 am
And that proves what? Nothing at all. Everyone one has different tastes. It’s all cool. We have millions of songs and styles of music to chose from. We’re all lucky. Freedom of choice. America rules. BTW: what artists do you guys like?
May 26, 2014 @ 5:42 am
Mister B:
What you have just posted is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever read. At no point in your rambling incoherent diatribe did you say anything that was even CLOSE to that can be considered a rational thought. And everyone on this board is now dumber for having read it.
I award you no points…and my God have mercy on your soul.
May 26, 2014 @ 10:38 am
You’ve got your opinion(s) and that’s fine. Let’s just see where these guys end up in a year’s time.
May 22, 2014 @ 6:22 am
Some of the grassroots stuff in this style is actually pretty decent, although I’m probably not going to get much agreement on that.
Trying to name themselves is going to be interesting though. It hasn’t really worked for any other group who has tried it, so I don’t know why they are. the -core on the end puts it in line with something like horrorcore or EDM Hardcore, but genres like that aren’t well known outside of rap or EDM, so many will be confused thinking the -core comes from hardcore punk. Interesting thought.
I’d still rather see country get closer to rock than rap, but It seems like the old folks and the folks my age both disagree, so I’ll shut up and listen to my 90’s alt country and cry.
May 23, 2014 @ 2:05 am
Looks like the clothing brand will be first, then new music, then bigger events.
May 22, 2014 @ 11:56 am
So what exactly are they trying to be? Country Rock or Rap?? To each it’s own but I am confused, the term “core” is used with many Rock/Metal genres so if you are going to try to come up with your own label or style of music try not using it from a totally different genre then include Rap under the “core” name that is already taken by Rock which I remember the last time Rock & Rap tried to mix it became something that thankfully didn’t last long and a lot of true Rock/Metal fans were upset with the mix of the two just as now with Country fans because now Country is being thrown in the mix with Rap. I don’t think people are being close minded to everything new out there & if you like this great that’s you I don’t think anyone really cares what kind of music you like but what makes most Country fans mad is that when its labeled as Country even if they are tying to do this Rebelcore we all know that it will be associated to Country because they claim to be especially using the word “Rebel” which can sadly confuse people who aren’t too familiar with Country’s true artists nor where it came from which can lead to disaster for the future of Country Music because if this sells then everybody going to want to do it. If you enjoy many styles of music then enjoy them no “hate” is given even though saying you feel sorry for people in our lives just because we don’t like this Rebelcore or what ever it is, understand that the dedicated fans of Country Music including the artists aren’t wrong for standing up for the Music they love and voicing their opinions. Most Country fans would be more accepting to newer Country if it was only true to the genre and true to Music itself really this just seems to be an attempt to make it rich quick.
May 23, 2014 @ 2:07 am
No one can just get rich quick. It takes hard work to make it in the entertainment industry.
August 16, 2014 @ 9:51 am
There’s nothing to be confused about, they’re just saying a new wave of country rap is coming, and they’ve chosen to call what it RebelCore. That’s it.
May 22, 2014 @ 11:58 am
I grow tired of asking this, so it will be the last time….
…Where is the Rebel Core!!??!!
May 23, 2014 @ 2:10 am
The story says it all. The terms country rap and hick-hock have not and will not take this genre to the next or another level. It seems like it will be a new set of artists and music over the next 5-10 years that will work to define RebelCore.
May 26, 2014 @ 5:44 am
Jason….
You do realize my post was a humorous jab, right?
August 16, 2014 @ 9:49 am
It’s just a name.
May 22, 2014 @ 12:02 pm
I think that Cannibal Corpse should release a death metal/country album with tracks such as “Pickup Truck Drawing and Quartering” and “Tailgate Smashed Face”, or possibly “Buried Behind The Barn”
May 22, 2014 @ 12:29 pm
Ha! That’s funny!!
May 26, 2014 @ 5:45 am
Or have Glen Benton of Deicide release a song called “Lunatic of Hank’s Creation”
May 24, 2014 @ 1:42 pm
I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news. I’ve heard rumors that FGL and Jason Derulo might do a remix of either “This Is How We Roll” or Derulo’s song “Wiggle”. Either song they remix, It’s not gonna be good people.
May 26, 2014 @ 10:35 am
I’m loving this act and the whole RebelCore act on things. Can’t wait to hear more.
May 31, 2014 @ 8:05 am
I’m not too keen on the tern “rebelcore”, and I agree with most of the comments concerning this. As far as Hick Hop itself, well, I get the impression that a lot of people who ridicule it have not actually listened to much. For example, someone said that the lyrics are all “slap yo bitch”, Huh? I haven’t heard a single Hick Hop song sounding anything like this. As for the racist charge, there are Black people in Hick Hop groups who don’t seem to have a problem with it. My girlfriend’s kids are bi-racial, and they absolutely love Hick Hop. They are the ones who turned me on to it. I’d much rather they listen to songs about field parties, ‘shine, skoal, hunting, and muddin’ than the usual Rap fare that glorifies shooting your rivals, abusing women, and selling drugs.
Hick Hop talks about things that people actually do in Rural culture, I did a lot of it when I was young, and I still do some of them. I am not a Redneck, but I grew up with them. I think a lot of the theme behind Hick Hop is a backlash against people who look with disdain and contempt on anything rural or Southern. I see a lot of this in my area of NC, and it’s nothing but class prejudice. Cultural elitists use terms like Redneck and Hick as an insult, and Hick Hop has embraced them. (Lee Johnson/Rebel Son does the same thing.) Good for them!
I respect people like Redneck Souljers who have done it all themselves, regardless of what one may think of their music. They are young guys who grew up listening to both Country and Rap. It makes sense that they will synthesize it into something of their own. That’s what a lot of other people did in other eras.
In the end, it all just comes down to what people like. All music is subjective, and no one’s opinion is any more valid than anyone else’s My own philosophy is that if I don’t like something, I just don’t listen to it..
July 12, 2015 @ 12:36 pm
I FUKING LOVE IT!!!! REBELCORE!!!!! LISTEN TO IT AND ENJOY!!!
February 4, 2017 @ 3:26 pm
The GREAT thing about this country is you do not have to listen to this type of music. The problem is opinions are like assholes, we all have one. I promise you this. If your kids are born and raise in the SMALL town S.E or Dixie as we call it, THIS MUSIC WILL NOT GO AWAY. It is only getting bigger and better.
December 3, 2020 @ 6:38 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the term “core” normally exclusive to metal and rock genres?
Rebalcore doesn’t work for this. That sounds like some form of country metal.
For me “Country rap” could work because the last word in that title (rap) determines what type of music it is and country refers to the type of things the artist is rapping about. But I understand the confusion in thinking it refers to some type of country music.
So then just call it “southern rap” or “rural rap” and leave it at that.
As far as the genre itself..it can work as long as the maintream doesn’t let people like Colt Ford and Lil Nas X define it with their stupid shit. Imo, Upchurch and Adam Calhoun does a better job.
And if it’s at all possible to truly mix rap and country music it would be more of how Gangstagrass does it. Their music by itself without the rap vocals is bluegrass….These Bro Country artist trying mix the two genres are failing miserably.