Ever since I first heard Colt Ford two years ago, I have been fascinated by the "country rap" (also known as "hick-hop") genre he has pioneered. The genre involved country lyrics, most of which about embracing family, the hard working lifestyle, and partying with those around you, sung in the style of rap music. The style is incredibly powerful, and was unlike anything I had ever heard the first time I listened to it. For the last four years, Colt Ford has went from local stardom to nationwide fame, with fans all across the country, to the point where he has founded his own record label and is cranking out what he calls "Colt Ford music" on a regular basis.
Crank it Up!: Colt Ford Live at Wild Adventures is his debut live show, released on DVD towards the end of 2014, which shows us a show he did in Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia. Boasting a setlist of over twenty fan-favorites, Ford goes nonstop for eighty-nine minutes in a wonderfully spirited and breakneck way. After a short introduction, to which Ford talks about the risk involved with his music, where at the time he began his style of music, everyone was embracing something else, Ford opens with tune "Answer to No One," which would serve as a fitting introduction to his style. He persists on with favorites like "Dirty Side," talking about that one country girl who isn't scared to get a little mud on her, "Ride Through the Country," another stupendous song that really shows what Ford is about and where he comes from, "Back," arguably his biggest single, with Jake Owen, talking about the way things used to be when Ford was growing up, and "No Trash in My Trailer," a song where Ford addresses his naysayers by disproving their simple-minded critiques.
Admittedly, Ford's style isn't for everyone; I've found myself playing his music to people who had no idea who he was who listened with initial skepticism and came out impressed. On the contrary, I've played him to people who initially had their doubts and still had their doubts after the song was over. For me, I love music that breaks new ground, and the merging of two ostensibly different genres into something truly extraordinary and unlike anything that had been done before deserves some considerable praise. Colt Ford Live at Wild Adventures is a necessary release because it shows how energetic and wild Ford is at his shows, but still conscious of the kind of music he delivers and the kind of vibes he gives his fans. The special is a winning combination of terrific music and a man with a clear, kind heart and spirit.
Directed by: Potsy Ponciroli.
