Props to Tyler for his enlightening, yet controversial assessment of Asher Roth (see below). While its clear that bro might not have a future in the rap game, he absolutely could have a promising career in country if he plays his cards right.
At first I was on the fence on the assertion that "I Love College" is indeed a country song in disguise. While the lyrical content is quite identical to say Chesney's CLASSIC ode to college bangers "Keg In The Closet", "I Love College" deviates from the familiar country formula simply with the narrative being in the present-tense instead in the past-tense. Wasn't sure how to feel about that for a minute but fuck it, modern country is all about pushing the conceptual envelope and doing away with formulas. I'm in. 'As is', I can't take Roth seriously as a respectable country artist yet but that doesn't mean that he couldn't be on the right path if he takes some advice and studies the masters.
He doesn't even have change his sound much to make that crossover, if he can just change his attitude and outfit. One problem I can see down the road for him is that while he writes about white trash subject matter, he's not at all willing to embrace his white trash roots, like he's not proud of it at all. If he doesn't embrace the hick inside, he'll a have trouble connecting to a country audience. Some people can pull this off well though even if their music sounds more hip-hop than country. Here are two sonically un-country hits which topped the country charts from a couple proud redneck badasses Asher should start considering imitating if he wants to make music a career.
Trace Adkins - Honky Tonk Badonkadonk
Ok, this guy fucking pwns. I don't know how "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" manages to come across as authentic country but it does. Considering all the electronica breakbeats and the really trancey synthline in the chorus, its a really impressive thing to pull off. I'll credit Trace's gruff, no-BS attitude as what makes this country, because really..parts of this sound like C&C Music Factory.
Kid Rock - All Summer Long
Rapper turned rock star turned mega-country star. Follow his career path. He knows what he's doing and he's doing it right. (This video is sweet, two words comes to mind : PONTOON FUCK)
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