Unless you’re unfamiliar with the Texas scene, Aaron Watson is undisputedly one of the most underrated artists in the genre. With a dozen albums and hits such as “Outta Style,” “That Look,” and “Bluebonnets (Julia’s Song),” there’s absolutely no questioning Watson’s talent and authenticity.
However, it looks like the 47 year-old is questioning the authenticity of some artists who have been crossing into the genre as of late. Two days ago, Watson took to TikTok to post a video seemingly calling out pop stars who may have exploited the genre. The full text on the video reads as follows:
“When a pop artist suddenly becomes Country cuz it’s trendy & cool and they start playing dress up like they are on the set of ‘Yellowstone,’ which I don’t mind, but I can’t help but wonder, ‘Do they really love it or are they just using Country Music & its fans to make a quick buck?’ Nonetheless, Country Music isn’t back cuz it never left in the first place. It’s just been hanging out at honky tonks, dancehalls & rodeos. Thanks y’all for always supporting me, my music & my family.”
Though he doesn’t name any names, he does not hold back here. There’s no denying that plenty of pop stars have ventured into country over the decades, but it seems like there has been an astronomical increase over the past few years as country music has became more popular.
Whether it’s MGK’s recent attempt to introduce himself into the genre through his cover of Zach Bryan’s “Sun to Me” and his misguided reimagining of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” on “Lonely Road” with Jelly Roll or Lil Nas X’s infamous country (if you can even call it that) crossover, “Old Town Road,” there’s plenty of instances of pop artists trying to make, as Watson puts it, a quick buck off of the genre.
Given Watson’s timing, there are only two artists that come to mind at the moment: Post Malone and Beyoncé. Let me make it clear that I am not trying to say that these two are who Watson is calling out here, but there’s no denying that they are the most notable artists who have crossed over into country recently.
As for Post, it’s pretty clear that he’s had an affinity for country music for years. Between his early covers of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash before he became a superstar, his clear knowledge of the genre through his appearances with the likes of Brad Paisley, Sara Evans and John Michael Montgomery and choosing the likes of Sierra Ferrell and Muscadine Bloodline as openers on tour, Post is clearly in touch with the pulse of the genre. Can you call his change in style a bit of a gimmick? Absolutely. However, I believe that Post Malone has shown a clear respect for country music throughout his limited time here.
As for Beyoncé, she’s an interesting one. From the start, it was clear that she had no intention to stay in country music or frankly even engage with the genre. She made next to no appearances in Nashville, did not appear at any country festivals or award shows and has shown no signs of making another country record. As she describes it, Cowboy Carter was never a strictly country album; it was a Beyoncé album. I’d personally say that Watson’s criticism of pop stars in general applies more to Beyoncé than Post.
Regardless, the “Freight Train” singer has every right to call out inauthenticity when he sees it. When the Top 40 on country radio continuously gets worse and closer to pop with every passing day, it’s great to see veteran artists like Watson take a stand for what they believe in.