I was not being creative. Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay are the two main charts that rank the top-performing country music songs in the United States, published by Billboard magazine. Embry said he started getting into trouble, so he decided to move away and pursue his passion for music. He was using a two-car garage as a recording studio for about five years while he created mixtapes, but he eventually decided to start a solo career to make his own music. Embry said he’s been a whiskey drinker for 20 years, and it’s played a big role in his life — even if it hasn’t always been a good one. But I wanted to make a style of music that was true to Kentucky, true to how we all grew up — high school bonfire parties, drinking, mudding, all the stuff we did as kids,” he said. I was figuring out along the way that they didn’t have the drive that I had to go where I wanted to go,” he said. For the last decade, Owensboro native and country rap artist Franklin Embry has dedicated himself to creating his own sound and making meaningful music to represent his life. “Bourbon Blues: The Final Chapter” will be the end to the “bourbon trilogy” of albums. Other country rap artists include Ryan Upchurch, Jawga Boyz, Bottleneck, Moonshine Bandits and Big Smo. Country fans, listen to Mickey. Share This Story. 20 Canadian Artists to Watch Out For in 2020. TOP COUNTRY ARTISTS 2019. July 6, 2020 | 12:08 am. Embry said he doesn’t expect to become a top-selling artist, but he’s hoping he can do well enough to make it a full-time career. For the last decade, Owensboro native and country rap artist Franklin Embry has dedicated himself to creating his own sound and making meaningful music to represent his life. Updated July 6, 2020 | 12:11 am. Creating music helped him cope with everything, and he’s spent the last few years finding a way to convey that to his audience. After they added a few more members to begin rounding out the band, the act became known as Franklin Embry and Dem Bourbon Boyz. In 2017 Embry began to expand his act, adding a hype man who goes by the stage name Drunky. “This album I’m really trying to focus more on tugging on people’s heartstrings and digging deep on a lot of the battles I had like depression and anxiety and drinking and breakups.”. After touring with Bowling Green artist Twang and Round — first as a DJ then as an opener — Embry’s second album “Bourbon for Breakfast” came out in 2016. “Growing up in West Louisville, Kentucky, I was always behind the scenes. Though the coronavirus pandemic put a big damper on their 2020 plans, Embry said they are staying positive and are excited for the upcoming release of a new album. I always liked to rap, but I was being more behind the scenes because I didn’t fit the mold.”. “Basically, I was helping other artists. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Embry’s sister died when he was 6 years old, and he said he’s fought depression ever since. Embry released his first album solo mixtape in 2010. By Alex Nino Gheciu, Del Cowie, Akeena Legall, JJ Bottineau. After graduating from Full Sail University in 2005, Embry moved to Nashville and got an internship with OmniSound Studios as an assistant engineer. Share Tweet Print Shares 715. Hot Country Songs ranks songs based on digital downloads, streaming, and airplay not only from country stations but from stations of all formats, a methodology introduced in 2012. Cowboy Troy, Lenny Cooper and The Lacs were three of the top country rap artists of 2013 each with an album on Billboard's Country Chart. They also produce almost all the music videos Embry puts out. Embry returned to Owensboro in 2006 and created Basshead Entertainment. “I was in and out of jail from probably 18 to 21,” he said. You put your art out there and they can rip it to shreds.”. Later this year he’s planning to release his third album, saying it could be his best project yet. “I was only making like $300 a week, and I was working like 90 hours a week,” he said. “To be an artist you have to have a lot of confidence,” Embry said. In 8th grade, a friend got Embry — whose real name is John Franklin Hayden, Jr. — into performing rap music. Owensboro country rap artist says upcoming album ‘tugs on heartstrings’, Annual Right to Life banquet set for Tuesday, Halloween-themed Cork & Cuisine returns for 4th year, OPD: Juvenile killed in Saturday night shooting; investigation ongoing, Mattingly speaks out against anti-mask signs in Daviess County, City Commission OKs amended sanitation ordinance, Owensboro duo creates personalized charcuterie business. The two worked on their on-stage performances, and they started creating more social media content in addition to working on music and touring. “You have to believe in yourself. While he’s got sights set on making a name for himself across the country, he also is paying homage to Owensboro. “Even though I grew up on a farm out in West Louisville, I don’t look at myself as redneck country. “I decided right around there I needed to do something different.”. His first album title “Bourbon Broads and Beats” dropped in 2014. “I want to make a style of music that embodies that.”. It includes his most popular song “Fifty,” which has nearly two million plays on Spotify. Copyright © 2020 The Owensboro Times. Illustration via Kagan McLeod. All Rights Reserved. It’s been a long journey for Embry, who grew up on a farm in West Louisville. So, it’s always been incorporated into his music, which also focuses on paying tribute to the other battles he’s faced in life. Let’s just get … Rappers to Watch in 2020 From 2KBABY to Pop Smoke to Rod Wave, these are the rising rappers you need to look out for in 2020. Once country rap started taking off around 2010 with the likes of Colt Ford, Embry started to find his footing. 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; 2012; 2011; 2010; 2009; 2008; 2007; 2006; See More Year-End Charts . There was nothing that sparked my interest or the whole reason I got into music.”. Later this year he’s planning to release his third album, saying it could be his best project yet. Click the Country Rap artist or band name to check out a music video featuring a Country Rap song by each artist/group: Brantley Gilbert is a Country Music artist from Jefferson, Georgia that has produced several songs and collaborations in the Country Rap genre and considers himself mostly in the Southern Country/Rock genre. “I had no social life. That’s when the brand started to gain more traction. The world is cruel, man. Jan 26, 2020. “This is the music that I create that actually touches people,” Embry said. It’s 2020, and a country song like this shouldn’t feel out of ordinary, but the fact of the matter is this song is radical.