Post Malone is carving out quite the niche for himself within the country music scene, thanks to a string of high-profile collaborations and his imminent release of the album, F-1 Trillion. The singer, known for his genre-bending style, is changing perceptions of country music, embracing its roots and enhancing it with his unique flair.
His recent collaboration with Blake Shelton on the track "Pour Me A Drink" has garnered attention for its swift production timeline, with Shelton expressing surprise over how quickly the track went from recording to release. “We cut [the song] back in the maybe early summer,” Shelton told ABC Audio. “They released it weeks after we recorded it. It was like a quick turnaround.”
Post Malone's approach to country music is not just casual experimentation. Blake Shelton praises him, saying, “The guy is so popular. People love him so much. I love him. He’s so much fun to be around. He really is a cool guy. He’s as country as it gets, too, by the way.” This sentiment reflects the acceptance and admiration Malone has gained within the country music community.
But Post Malone's ventures don't stop with Shelton. According to The New York Times, he is also collaborating with pop superstars Taylor Swift and Beyoncé for their upcoming 2024 albums, entitled The Tortured Poets Department and Cowboy Carter, respectively. These collaborations, as Malone recounted, come with their own set of pressures. While filming the music video for "Fortnight," Swift required strict measures to maintain her privacy, needing to hide under “an umbrella and drapes” to avoid unwanted media coverage.
Beyoncé, on the other hand, adopted even more extreme security measures before announcing her country album last February. Malone revealed, “I can’t even image being at their level — it must suck. That’s so much pressure.” Yet, he expressed his honor at being associated with such influential artists, admitting, “I’m just honored to be in these people’s vicinity.”
Not only have these collaborations amplified his profile, but they also reflect Malone’s rising star since his breakout debut back in 2015. His musical evolution is apparent as he prepares for the release of his own country album, featuring collaborations with several iconic country artists, including Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and Jelly Roll.
Malone’s guitarist, Derek Wells, reassured fans of the singer’s true commitment to country music, stating, “He’s not playing dress-up here. I’ve watched [Malone] very much ask permission to be in this genre. He’s doing everything right.” With this new album scheduled for release on August 16, Malone's dedication to the craft is evident.
The F-1 Trillion album signifies more than just another collection of songs; it embodies Post Malone’s commitment to pushing boundaries and bridging genres. His transition from hip-hop and pop to country raises compelling questions about the genre and its future direction.
Are listeners ready to embrace Post Malone as he blends the steel strings of country with his own musical influences? Only time will tell how each new release from him could reshape the genres he touches. For now, fans are eagerly awaiting the rich collaborations promised on F-1 Trillion and the anticipation surrounding its impact on both pop and country music landscapes.