Cody Hammerle: Swamp Music, Family Roots, and the Rise of 386
At 31 years old, Cody Hammerle is more than just an artist — he’s the driving force behind a movement. Hailing from Fort White, Florida, Hammerle blends rap, rock, and raw emotion into a style he and his crew call swamp music. It’s a sound soaked in southern grit, Florida roots, and the kind of authenticity you can’t fake.
For Cody, music wasn’t just a dream he stumbled into; it was practically written into his DNA. “We decided to start doing music mainly because of our dad… he was rapping while everyone was still swimming around,” Hammerle explained. What began as a hobby in 2012 with his brother Shalu quickly became a family mission. By 2017, the two locked in, started investing time, money, and energy — and the 386 Music brand was born.
Influences That Run Wide
Cody’s musical foundation is as diverse as it gets. On one hand, he’s inspired by rap icons like Tech N9ne, Twiztid, and Yelawolf, while on the other, he’s fueled by the heavy riffs of Metallica, System of a Down, and Korn. But there’s a twist — growing up, he even found early motivation from pro-wrestler and rapper John Cena, whose TV persona gave him the push to dream of performing.
That melting pot of influences birthed a sound that’s hard to pin down. Hammerle puts it simply: “We name it swamp music. Florida runs deep in influence.” It’s rap, it’s country, it’s rock, and it’s family.
The Struggle and the Grind
Like any artist carving out a name, Cody has faced his share of challenges. “The main one is other artists,” he admitted. The competitive nature of the rap game meant roadblocks from those who didn’t want to share the spotlight. But Cody leaned on the wisdom of peers like Lil Nyne Swag G, O.G. Blacksheep, NoneRealA, Dylan Bass, TCB Domino, and Joe Stixxx — artists who helped him navigate royalties, distribution, and promotion.
“Every artist needs at least a BMI, a CD Baby or DistroKid, and they need to understand how to promote their drops,” Cody advised. That hard-earned knowledge helped turn obstacles into stepping stones.
Music With Purpose
For Hammerle, the message is everything. “I really write what I’m feeling. If you can relate, it means the world. I want people to feel happy, I want them to sing along. Or when I’m doing my sad music, I hope just one person hears it and knows they’re not alone.”
Music, for him, isn’t just entertainment — it’s therapy, healing, and connection. Whether he’s lifting spirits or speaking on darker struggles, Cody aims to leave listeners with something real.
A Family Affair
Hammerle’s proudest moment so far is one that speaks to his core values: “Hitting 3 million views on our single ‘Mudholes and Maryjane’… it means a lot because it’s me, my dad, and my two blood brothers. We set out to do this as a family thing.”
That unity shines through in every 386 release. It’s not just about Cody — it’s about building a legacy together, one track at a time.
Standing Out in the Noise
When asked how he plans to stand out in today’s overcrowded rap scene, Cody’s answer is simple: “By being ourselves. We’ve never tried to be anyone else. While we may fit into the country rap genre, our music is more than that. When you turn on 386 Music, I guarantee nobody else has our sound.”
That self-defined lane has helped 386 carve its identity, separate from trends and gimmicks.
The Reality of the Grind
Cody wishes people could see the sacrifices behind the success. “The time and money this all takes… this isn’t some easy thing. I’ve done construction most my life, and this shit is by far the hardest.”
For every stream, video, and album, there are countless late nights, financial risks, and hours of dedication. “Shoutout the team,” Cody added, crediting the people around him who’ve helped push the vision forward.
What’s Next for Cody Hammerle and 386 Music?
The next few months are stacked for Cody and his crew. He just dropped All Dawgs Don’t Bark with Twisted Wrench and Lyrikul — a nine-track album making waves in the underground scene. Twisted Wrench, an artist Cody manages, is set to release his second solo project, while Cody himself has a solo album dropping this Halloween.
It doesn’t stop there:
386 x Adrian Raps album (November)
Shalu’s first solo album (Christmas)
A joint album with Obsouleet, Twisted Wrench, and Lyrikul titled The 4 Horsemen (January)
And beyond those, multiple other projects are already in the works.
Conclusion
From the small town of Fort White to millions of views online, Cody Hammerle has proven that family, persistence, and originality can create something powerful. His blend of swamp music, deep emotion, and relentless work ethic sets him apart in a crowded field.
As 386 Music continues to grow, one thing’s for sure: Cody isn’t just chasing a dream — he’s building a legacy.
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