Absolutely didn’t see that collaboration coming…but I’m not upset about it.
Rock the Country recently concluded their last stop of the year with a weekend event in Anderson, South Carolina. The event, held in nine various small towns nationwide, showcased headliners Kid Rock and Nickelback, alongside a stellar roster of musicians from rising stars such as Gavin Adcock and Hudson Westbrook to icons like Hank Williams Jr., Shenandoah, Mark Chesnutt, and Tracy Lawrence – along with some unexpected performers, including the Ying Yang Twins and Afroman.
In recent weekends, we’ve witnessed some surprising collaborations at Rock the Country, such as when Gavin Adcock teamed up with Afroman to perform “Crazy Rap” recently.
However, they might have reserved the most surprising collaboration for the last weekend.
Yesterday in South Carolina, during his iconic hit “Family Tradition,” Hank Williams Jr. was accompanied on stage by Afroman. And to be truthful, it somewhat succeeded…
Afroman wearing a cowboy hat performs “Family Tradition” alongside Bocephus. This is the America in which I desire to reside.
“Crazy Rap” is one of those tracks that appeal to enthusiasts across all music styles. During college, I primarily listened to country music, yet Afroman’s popular song (often called “Colt 45”) was frequently played at parties, the bar, in my car, and just about everywhere. Even now, I can recall every single word. (It’s also one of my favorite karaoke tracks…I’m sure there’s a recording of that somewhere).
Honestly, everyone is aware of Afroman’s most popular song, “Because I Got High,” no matter what genre of music they enjoy.
Although it might seem odd to have Afroman at a country music festival, he appears to have songs that resonate with nearly everyone. On a festival honoring America and showcasing major outlaws from various musical genres, it truly makes sense to include Afroman as well – adorned in his red, white, and blue.
The Rock the Country tour has been nothing short of eclectic, and its ability to merge music from different genres into one celebration of American spirit has drawn wide attention. In a year dominated by divisiveness, there’s something incredibly unifying about seeing artists from completely different worlds come together on one stage. Nowhere was that more evident than in Anderson, South Carolina, as Afroman and Hank Williams Jr. delivered a duet that might have been born out of curiosity but ended in resounding applause.
While Hank Williams Jr. is no stranger to collaborations, especially within the country genre, teaming up with Afroman was a clear signal that the festival embraces experimentation and cross-genre partnerships. “Family Tradition,” a song deeply rooted in southern culture and rebellious pride, took on a different texture when Afroman joined in — and yet, it worked. His laid-back delivery and surprising vocal blend complemented Bocephus’ gravelly tone in a way that caught many off guard but undeniably entertained.
Afroman’s performance wasn’t just a novelty moment. He came dressed for the occasion, donning a cowboy hat and a red, white, and blue outfit that fit right in with the festival’s unapologetically patriotic vibe. His presence sparked smiles, laughs, and a lot of cell phone footage as fans tried to capture the historic and humorous mashup.
Many in attendance noted that this kind of collaboration is exactly why Rock the Country stands out from other music festivals. It’s not about fitting into one mold or pleasing just one crowd — it’s about bringing people together over a shared love for music and freedom. The inclusion of unexpected acts like the Ying Yang Twins and Afroman alongside country legends has given the festival a unique edge.
For fans of both artists, the moment was surreal. For first-timers, it was unforgettable. And for the organizers, it was proof that musical boundaries are meant to be pushed. It might not have been a Grammy-winning duet, but it certainly won over the crowd.
As the Rock the Country tour wraps for the year, moments like this one will likely linger in fans’ memories. The pairing of Hank Williams Jr. and Afroman may not have been predicted, but it captured the spirit of the festival perfectly: unpredictable, unapologetic, and undeniably American.