Jason Aldean’s Controversial Song Edited to Remove Racially Incendiary Imagery
Popular country singer Jason Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town” has recently undergone edits to remove racially incendiary imagery in its music video. The changes, although made quietly, have sparked widespread discussion and controversy surrounding the song and its message.
The edited music video now runs six seconds shorter than the original version after a news clip about the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020 was removed. It remains uncertain as to when exactly these edits took place, as Aldean and his team have not provided a clear timeline.
Critics of Aldean argue that the original music video promoted gun violence and made coded references to the Black Lives Matter movement. The video featured Aldean and his band performing in front of the Maury County Courthouse, a location with a dark historical significance as the site of a race riot and lynching.
In response to the controversy, Country Music Television (CMT) has decided to pull the song from its rotation. This move comes as a result of the growing backlash and concerns over the underlying messages conveyed in the song and its accompanying visuals.
Despite the negative backlash, Aldean maintains that there are no racial elements in the song and video. He claims that the lyrics do not reference race, and the video clips used are actual news footage. However, many still argue that the imagery and the decision to film at a historically significant location speak for themselves.
Interestingly, the controversy surrounding the song has not hindered its success. In fact, “Try That in a Small Town” has seen a significant increase in both sales and streams. On-demand audio and video streams have skyrocketed by a staggering 999 percent, with sales of the track surging from 1,000 units to an impressive 228,000 units.
The paradoxical nature of the song’s popularity amidst the scrutiny it faces highlights the complexities and nuances of the ongoing conversations surrounding race, music, and culture. As the music industry continues to grapple with addressing sensitive topics, it remains to be seen how artists and audiences will navigate these discussions in the future.
Overall, the edits to “Try That in a Small Town” have stirred controversy, revealing the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding racial imagery and messaging in the entertainment industry. As the discussions continue, it is crucial for artists, listeners, and industry professionals to reflect on the impact and responsibility they have in shaping popular culture.
