In 1978, country legend super stars Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson made a duet album together. “Waylon & Willie” is highly regarded by country fans and critics alike. The most popular song from the album “Mammas don’t let your baby grow up to be cowboys” was a Grammy award winner and debuted at 42 on the Billboard Top 100, according to Wikipedia.
Thirty-nine years later, Waylon Jennings’ grandson Struggle Jennings is following the country music path his grandfather carved until his death in 2002. Partnering with long time friend and fellow rapper Jelly Roll, their album shares the name of the 1978 release.
This album does a great job of mixing dark hip hop beats with somber country sounds. Violins and plucking guitars ride over deep bass and drum lines. “Cowboys” shares the hook of the 1978 hit, “Mammas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboy’s.”
This album is about the traps of drug addiction, street life, betrayal and falling victim to personal tragedy. Jelly Roll and Struggle lay out their souls, both wear their hearts on their sleeve through out the album.
Threaded through dark stories of tragedy is a “we don’t give a fuck” attitude about chasing your dreams without remorse. Check out the album below and support a growing resurgence of Outlaw Country music.
