Blake Shelton is a big fan of Post Malone, and not just because they are nominated for a CMA Award together. The two are nominated for Musical Event of the Year, for their “Pour Me A Drink” collaboration. Post Malone is also nominated for Album of the Year, for F-1 Trillion.
While Shelton is careful not to mention any names, the Grand Ole Opry member says Post Malone’s acceptance in country music is because he became part of the country music community.
“We see artists from other genres make country records,” Shelton says on Country Countdown USA. “But it’s no wonder to me that Post has been embraced by the community. He came in first and embraced the community. He poured the love on Nashville before he made a country album, and that’s key to his acceptance.”
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How Post Malone Inspired Blake Shelton to Release ‘For Recreational Use Only’ Album
Shelton owes more to Post Malone than just a CMA Awards nomination. He admits that it was Post Malone asking him to sing on “Pour Me A Drink,” which inspired him to make a new album. The result is his latest For Recreational Use Only, released earlier this year. The record includes “Texas,” Shelton’s 30th No. 1 single, and “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” a song that is already in the Top 15.
“I really credit Post Malone for this new energy that I have because I was kind of just complacent and not in any hurry,” Shelton tells People. “Then that kid came along and asked me to sing on his song with him. It took off and was a big hit this summer, and it reminded me like, ‘Hey, get off your a–! This may be your last chance to really take a big swing at this thing.’ So here I am.”
The Story Behind “Stay Country or Die Tryin'” by Blake Shelton
“Stay Country or Die Tryin’” is written by Beau Bailey, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, and Drew Parker, although Shelton says it could have been written by him, since it feels so authentic to his own life.
“When I heard ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin,’’ it took me back to the first time I heard ‘Ol’ Red’ or ‘God’s Country,’” says Shelton. “It’s got so much energy and is full of those little catchphrases and things we say out in the country. I absolutely fell in love with it. I’m proud of this recording—and I love singing it live even more.”
For a man who has recorded hundreds of songs, and released dozens of singles, the 49-year-old says “Stay Country or Die Tryin'” is something truly special.
“This is one of my favorite songs,” Shelton boasts. “I love songs that are filled with attitude. That’s what ‘God’s Country’ had, too. You’re so proud of who you are that you’re mad about it. It’s just the lifestyle I live when I can turn off the singer and become the fake rancher I am. I become that guy when I sing this song.”