The 2024 CMA Awards were a momentous occasion for Cody Johnson as he was honored with the Album of the Year award for his 2023 record, “Leather.” After nearly two decades of hard work on the road, Johnson, affectionately known as CoJo, is finally receiving the accolades that many feel he deserves, marking a significant achievement in his career.
However, the celebration was somewhat overshadowed by remarks made by Trent Willmon, the producer of “Leather,” during his acceptance speech. While expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts behind Johnson’s successful album, Willmon made a comment that was perceived by some as a slight directed at Shaboozey, the artist known for his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” His phrase, “this cowboy who’s been kicking Shaboozey for a lot of years,” raised eyebrows, leading to speculation that it was an unintended jab at Shaboozey and his unique genre-blending style, which has attracted both praise and criticism from traditional country fans.
Shaboozey’s performance, which recently set a record for the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 of the 2020s, was celebrated by many, yet it also faced backlash from country music purists who questioned the inclusion of hip hop elements in his work. In response to Willmon’s remark, Shaboozey posted a light-hearted photo on social media, captioning it with, “Ain’t nobody kicking me!” suggesting that he is unfazed by the comments.
Thoughts have emerged regarding whether Willmon’s comment reflects a broader disdain for the modern influences creeping into country music, particularly from those with a more traditional background. Amidst this, support for Shaboozey continues to grow, hinting at a dynamic shift in the country music landscape, where innovation is welcomed.
While the situation adds a sour note to Johnson’s triumph, it also highlights the evolving nature of country music, where new genres are emerging and gaining traction. The conversation surrounding these changes, even when contentious, suggests that the genre is expanding its reach and influence, continually attracting new audiences.
As fans rally behind both Johnson and Shaboozey, the future of country music appears promising, with room for both traditional and contemporary sounds to coexist. It remains to be seen whether Johnson or Willmon will address the comments further, but the enthusiastic reception of Shaboozey’s performance indicates a bright path ahead for innovation in country music.