Batesville, Mississippi's Fly Rich Double has become a breakout new artist of 2019 with his Country Hip Hop sound. The indie and music industry top prospect June debut The Hick Hop revived an extinct genre and birthed a new age resurgence thanks to his massive hit, "Yup (On My Tractor)". While Lil Nas X dipped his toe into the genre and then ventured out with a diverse EP, Double has delivered a string of country-driven hits and slowly accumulated a continuously growing 30,000 Instagram followers.
Averaging over 217,284 monthly listeners on Spotify, Double's impressive stats includes over 13 million YouTube views. With a catalog of well-known hits from his debut album in "Big Boom," "Beer, Banjos, & Boobies" and "Big Diesel Truck".
While growing an undeniable fanbase of his own, Double still finds it difficult to fully prosper as an artist many label him a parody following the massive success of Lil Nas X hogging the genre's lane. "I was labeled as a parody for “Yup (On My tractor),' he says. "And now I’m just trying to earn respect as a legit, well rounded, and passionate artist. I consider my new single.”
We speak with the next big thing in both Country and Hip Hop about his past, present, and future following his newfound success. With his new music like his latest single, "Fire Fly" slowly erasing comparisons, Double hopes that fans will continue to give the new artist a chance and realize there's more than enough room to like more than one of the same.
Read the complete interview and discover who Fly Rich Double really is below.
Where does the name Fly Rich Double originate from?
When I was a kid, my nickname was Mike Mike. As I grew, I felt like it was to kiddy to call myself mike mike so I changed it to Double referring to “2” Mikes. Fly Rich is just icing on the cake
In your opinion, what makes Fly Rich Double so hot in Today's Hip Hop?
He’s just original. He basically started his own wave, no matter what people think.
With a unique style of music, tell us about your musical inspirations growing up?
I never wanted to be a rapper. It just happened one day and I got lucky.
Also known as the Trap Cowboy, how did you discover and design your own sound?
Growing up in Mississippi, everybody is country. All you see are acres and acres of farmland. You grow accustomed to the country lifestyle if that’s all you grew up around.
If you could define Mississippi Hip Hop, how would you explain the southern style to the world?
Mississippi is one of the most underrated states when I comes to Hip Hop. Southern style music gives life to the soul.
Stream Fly Rich Double's Debut LP, The Hick Hop now.
"Big Boom" is both comical and catchy, how did the concept come together?
With the help of my little brother. We created a master piece.
Did you know "Big Boom" was going to be a hit?
Honestly i did ! I told my managers as soon as i finished writing it
While there are some similarities, have you gotten a response, comment, or reaction from Lil Nas X on "Big Boom"?
Nope… When he signed his record deal, the label made him unfollow me I’m pretty sure of it.
How'd you feel knowing some of today's biggest recording artists like JuiceWrld are fans of your Country Hip Hop style sound?
It feels great for someone to finally just give me a chance. Just try something new for a change.
While many may feel you are copying a wave due to the success of Lil Nas X, you've been making music a bit longer than the "Old Town Road" creator. Tell us about your musical background?
I honestly created "Yup (On My Tractor)" on accident. Lil Nas X made an incredible song and promoted right, that is all.
Stream Fly Rich Double's newest single, "Fire Fly"
Do you feel Lil Nas X's success to bring Country Trap to the mainstream benefits or hinders your success?
Success. Because people respects it more. Like these kids can make you a superstar, who cares if adults don’t support you.
You just dropped a new album, The Hick Hop last month. Tell us about the recording process for the project?
A very fun project to work on. Loved every second of it, wish I coulda dropped more of my music but they’ll come on a later date.
How do you plan to maintain relevance with your musical style and not be considered just another 2019 facade?
I’m thinking about doing another album. I have an idea to do a nursery song for kids. Stay tuned.
Curious, give us your take on today's Hip Hop and Country music scene in Mississippi?
It’s thriving and once I get in the door, I will help more artist from Mississippi.
Fly Rich Double… What is the ultimate goal?
In August of 2018, I dropped the single, “Yup (On My Tractor).” What started off as a joke, ended up completely changing my life. I have gotten so many things accomplished in a year that I never would have ever imagined. My son is my daily motivation. With hard work and dedication, I plan to reach platforms that will inspire people to live out their dreams.
With the help of my fans, I plan to accomplish many more milestones in my life. August 2019, I am dropping a breath of fresh air with my new song “Fire Fly.” I look forward to my fans vibe with me on this track as well. My team and I have put a lot of work into it and I look forward to connecting and expanding my fan base on a new level.
I was labeled as a parody for “Yup on my tractor,” and now I’m just trying to earn respect as a legit, well rounded, and passionate artist. I consider my new single as a “REBIRTH.”
My goal as an artist is to show people that I’m actually versatile and that I can make good music.
Watch Fly Rich Double's New Video, "Fire Fly" now.