Yelawolf releases ‘Ghetto Cowboy’, Peter Keys talks input and Lynyrd Skynyrd

A New Chapter:

On
the dawn of Halloween, Yelawolf premiered his new album “Ghetto Cowboy” on his YouTube
channel. The entire album streamed live as 3.5 thousand fans joined. The
Alabama rapper stated back in early 2018 that “Trunk Muzik 3” would be the last
record he’d release on “Shady Records.” Throughout his time on Shady, he’s
shown deep gratitude but has felt that the time has come to begin releasing
records on his own label “Slumerican.” More than just a label though, Slumerican
is a clothing line, a way of life and the name of Yelawolf’s store in
Nashville. The “Slumerican Flagship” is a clothing retail shop, a tattoo
parlour and a barber’s all in one, and is seen as the headquarters for
everything Slumerican.

This
new chapter in Yelawolf’s career kicked off with the first single on the album,
titled “Unnatural Born Killer “followed by the second, titled “Opie Taylor.”
The latter skyrocketed through the Spotify Hip-Hop charts to number three in
its first week. Both singles had a unique and fresh sound which was no surprise
to fans. Each of Wolf’s records have had their own individuality and style to
them, almost a life of their own independent from their successor.

He
has an ability to make something that’s so different from everything else out;
including his own previous titles and “Ghetto Cowboy” is no exception. It’s
raw, full of attitude and pays homage to each genre that became a building
block for its own creation. The tribute to previous influences goes deeper than
the lyrics, almost as though the music itself was bursting to say something
about what came before it. From heavy 808’s to county riffs reminiscent of old-school
St Louis sounds, it punches and grabs at the listener relentlessly.

Insight from the studio
sessions:

A long time friend and inspiration to Yelawolf put his hand to the record and Gigsoup had the opportunity to talk with him about it. Peter Keys of the legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd helped to work on “Ghetto Cowboy” and had a lot to say, giving fans an insight on what it was like to be there throughout the creative process. Peter Keys also gave Gigsoup some exciting news.

Yelawolf brought you in
to do what you do best on his upcoming record, he keeps his sessions very
private, what was it like to be there and be a part of it?

Working with Wolf in
the studio is always a super creative experience, He has an ear for incredibly
unique blends of tones and musical parts, which I absolutely love. There is a
sense of freedom and experimentation that I’ve seldom encountered in my years
of studio experience. All ideas are fair game, and that’s how he comes up with
such a broad sonic palate.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is
considered Rock N Roll royalty, it’s awesome that you do other projects outside
of that, especially in such different genres, has your music taste always been
so diverse?

I have always had
diverse taste in music, seeking unexpected and inspirational riffs, sounds,
vibes and parts. I toured with P-Funk for several years, living the Funk. But
playing with Skynyrd has definitely had an effect on how I listen, which
impacts how I play. I come from a background of classical, funk, blues, rock
and progressive rock. So there is a rhythmic element that lends itself to
Hip-Hop in a different way, which may be why Wolf and I work so well together.

Can we expect Yelawolf
on a Skynyrd record sometime?

I would love to get
Yelawolf on a Skynyrd record, and he and I have been talking to Rickey Medlock
about cutting a track already. I can’t tell you what yet, but stay tuned!
Thanks for the opportunity to share my experience, I’d love to do an interview
or answer some questions about what I’m up to.

To
have Yelawolf and Lynyrd Skynyrd merge on a record would be monumental to Hip-Hop
and rock fans alike, the statement may also indicate that a new Skynyrd album
may be in the works.

Ghetto Cowboy:

After
the release of “Radioactive” Wolf’s debut record with Shady, he took some
significant time to create “Love story” it was the album that really captured
his signature sound for the first time. It took so long due to finding the
right people to help with its creation and really grasp the sound that he was
after. “Trial by Fire” followed up on that sound and “Trunk Muzik 3” threw back
to some of Wolf’s earlier work, but between “Love Story” and “Trial by Fire”
there was “Hotel.” (The House Of The Endless Living) was so unusual, moody and
revealing, if “Ghetto Cowboy” took from anything then it was “Hotel”, on the EP
there was a song titled “Renegades” the song also features on the new record
but only Yelawolf’s verses, the rest of the song has been rehashed. That isn’t
all it borrowed though, the darkness and mood of the EP is very similar to the
latest release but sonically it’s its own character.

“Ghetto Cowboy” does a lot different, it has haunting synths and emphasises more on the ambience, but it also seems to sit at a place of authority. The sounds That Yelawolf explored through his career were at his disposal and well refined. This album looks retrospectively at each body of work but has a level of confidence to it that trumps the others; it’s the full ownership of Wolf’s craft and is the house that stands after each brick was laid with conviction. It’s clever rap, heavy Hip-hop, Country, Rock N Roll but mostly, it’s Ghetto and it’s Cowboy. Yelawolf publicly stated that album releases will be more frequent as they are coming out on his own label “Slumerican.” Fans can expect a lot more experimentation and freedom to explore with indie releases.