The Hicks: Country Rap’s Husband And Wife Power Duo
For husband-and-wife country rap duo The Hicks, music has never just been about making songs, it’s been about telling their story. Hailing from a small town in Southwest Missouri, the duo has spent the last four years building a loyal fanbase through raw honesty, emotional storytelling, and a sound that blends country roots with hip-hop influence. Their journey together started long before the stages, tours, and recording sessions. In fact, it began at a mutual friend’s house while hanging out, drinking, and listening to music. According to the couple, they knew almost instantly that what they had was different. “About a week in, we didn’t want to be separated from each other,” they shared. “We moved in together after a month.”
That connection eventually turned into both a family and a music career. Raised in the country, The Hicks naturally leaned into country culture, but hip-hop was equally important in shaping their sound. Inspired by legends like 2Pac, Biggie, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Nappy Roots, music introduced to them through older siblings. They found a lane where country storytelling and rap energy could coexist. Add influences like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn, and their style became something deeply personal. They also credit Austin’s Grandpa Hicks and ShelbieDawn’s Grandma Karen, both longtime country musicians, for helping inspire the musical passion that runs through their family bloodline.
Built From Real Life Experiences
Being married for over a decade has become the foundation of their songwriting process. Their music reflects real conversations, real struggles, and real emotions. Whether they’re writing about heartbreak, life stress, or staying strong through hard times, the duo says their openness with each other makes the creative process feel natural. “We’re completely open books with each other,” they explained. “A lot of our choruses come from parts ShelbieDawn has wrote, and parts Austin has wrote, and we just blend the lyrics together.”
Songs like “Beautiful View” and “Stay” capture their relationship best, detailing how they met, the family they built, and the struggles they’ve fought through together. Their chemistry doesn’t just show up at home, it pours directly into the music. Every lyric feels lived in because it comes from real situations they’ve experienced as a couple, parents, and independent artists trying to create something meaningful together.
Turning Doubt Into Motivation
Their road to success hasn’t been easy. As independent artists from a small town, they faced criticism from people who didn’t understand country rap or doubted they could make something real out of it. “We got judged and looked down on for trying to pursue a music career,” they admitted. But instead of quitting, they kept pushing forward, booking shows, creating content, and staying consistent with their grind.
Four years later, many of those same doubters have become supporters. The duo now tours nationally while balancing day jobs and raising four children. Family remains at the center of everything they do. Austin coaches youth sports, they enjoy camping and riding dirt bikes together, and whenever possible, they bring the kids along to events and performances. Even with packed schedules, they continue finding ways to make both family life and music work side by side.
Life On The Road Comes With Stories
One unforgettable memory from their journey came during a Colorado trip early in their career. While headed to perform with Keyboy and Knuckles in Grand Junction, their van’s brake line caught fire near Boulder Falls. The situation quickly turned dangerous, forcing them to stop repeatedly and throw water on the brakes just to keep moving long enough to reach a repair shop. During the chaos, they even stopped to speak with a police officer, whose only response was simply, “Good luck.”
Looking back now, the couple laughs about it, but moments like that represent the reality of independent touring artists. There are no luxury buses or giant crews solving problems behind the scenes. It’s long drives, unexpected breakdowns, and figuring things out together no matter what happens. For The Hicks, those struggles only strengthened both their relationship and their determination to keep chasing the dream.
Music That Connects With Everyday People
Among all the music they’ve released, one track stands above the rest emotionally: “Just A Bad Day.” The song delivers a message that resonates deeply with listeners dealing with stress, anxiety, and the pressure of everyday life. “No matter how bad of a day you have, it doesn’t mean you have a bad life,” they explained. The track serves as a reminder to slow down, appreciate life, and remember that difficult moments don’t define who you are.
That honesty is a huge reason fans continue connecting with their music, even people who may not normally listen to country rap. Some supporters openly admit the genre isn’t usually their style, but they still support the duo because of the authenticity and heart behind the songs. As The Hicks put it, “We don’t make music for all people, we make music for our people.”
Looking Toward The Future
Looking ahead, the duo dreams of collaborating with Jelly Roll, an artist they’ve admired for more than a decade. His music, they say, helped both of them through some of life’s toughest moments, making him the perfect artist to work with someday. Whether it would be a deep emotional record or a high-energy anthem, The Hicks believe the chemistry would be undeniable.
For now, though, their focus remains on continuing to grow together, as artists, parents, and partners. Their advice to other couples pursuing music is simple: communicate, stay open-minded, and trust each other’s strengths. “Together we’re a lot stronger than separate,” they shared. And with the momentum they’ve built through hard work, authenticity, and resilience, The Hicks are proving that real-life stories still connect with people louder than anything else.
