The groundbreaking genre-bending group Gangstagrass has once again blazed a trail, as their latest album, The Blackest Thing on the Menu, debuts at #1 on the Billboard “Bluegrass Albums” chart. This marks the group’s second time topping the chart, solidifying their role as pioneers who have redefined the boundaries of bluegrass and hip-hop. Widely recognized as a “hip-hop group,” this new achievement reinforces their ability to transcend musical genres, with The New York Times declaring, “This is the music America needs.”
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Producer and vocalist Rench reflects on the significance of this achievement, stating, “We deal with plenty of skepticism about our bluegrass cred, our authenticity, and whether we even count as bluegrass. Topping the bluegrass charts is a statement. Collaborating with legends like Jerry Douglas, performing with Dan Tyminski at IBMA, and now, with another #1 charting album, the skeptics don’t have a leg to stand on. We belong here, and our incredible fans and collaborators continue to prove that.”
MC and vocalist Dolio the Sleuth shares his gratitude for the fans: “This is incredible! A huge thanks to everyone who contributed—whether you bought, streamed, or came to a show. We appreciate every bit of support. Come holler at us when we’re in your town!”
Co-producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, who worked on “Good at Being Bad,” added, “Wow! My first number-one bluegrass record! I never imagined this happening in this genre. It’s a surreal, full-circle moment for Royal Studios, where we aim to have an impact across all genres.”
Released on June 14, 2024, The Blackest Thing on the Menu serves up 10 tracks of fiery fusion, blending the soulful roots of bluegrass with the powerful beats of hip-hop. As No Depression noted, “While 2024 may be the year of ‘Cowboy Carter,’ Gangstagrass has been pioneering the junction of country and rap since 2007.”
This latest album marks the band’s seventh full-length release, continuing their decade-long journey of breaking barriers and earning global acclaim. Their seamless fusion of banjos, fiddles, and hip-hop beats has garnered praise from The New York Times, Forbes, Rolling Stone, NPR, and Vice, among others, with national features on PBS.
Critical Acclaim for The Blackest Thing on the Menu:
“Gangstagrass is certainly among the most engaging and provocative acts in and around bluegrass music. It may be jarring at first, but their skillful mashup of bluegrass and hip-hop works on both levels.” — John Lawless, Bluegrass Today
“Melding bluegrass and hip-hop, urban and rural, fiddles and rhymes, Gangstagrass creates something that sounds like a completely new genre.” — Chris Griffy, No Depression
“This isn’t just about combining genres. Gangstagrass does it with such sharp musical chops and fire-spitting flows that their appeal crosses all boundaries.” — Glide Magazine
“The world’s foremost outfit combining bluegrass with rap, hip-hop, and more… Gangstagrass continues to prove their brilliance.” — Bluegrass Situation
Album Inspiration:
The title, The Blackest Thing on the Menu, originated from a joke made over dinner in MC Dolio the Sleuth’s hometown. While the joke initially referred to blackened shrimp and grits, the title evolved into a statement on race and country music’s history. “We’re often the only Black representation at bluegrass and folk festivals,” says Rench. “We realized we’re the spiciest thing on the menu, and this album brings the heat.”
Track Listing:
The Only Way Out Is Through (feat. Jerry Douglas)
Good at Being Bad
Up High Do or Die (feat. LowDown Brass Band)
Gone Gone
Mother (feat. Reef the Lost Cauze)
Obligatory Braggadocio
Avenue Boy
Palette
It’s Alive (feat. Saul Paul)
Sankofa
Catch Gangstagrass Live:
- September 27 – St. Louis, MO – Cultural Week of Action
- September 30 – Asheville, NC – Bluegrass Hip-Hop Fundraiser
- October 2 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
- October 5 – Lynchburg, VA – Academy Center of the Arts
- October 11 – Houston, TX – Miller Outdoor Theatre
- November 7 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre
For more information, visit Gangstagrass.com.
