Ryan Charles Rides the Beat into Uncharted Territory with Western Rap
Blending Cowboy Roots with Hip-Hop Swagger, Charles Redefines Genre Boundaries with Every Track
Western rapper Ryan Charles hails from the valley of Buffalo, WY. Similar to his hometown, once referred to as the most lawless town in America, Charles brings a style all his own — meshing the cowboy lifestyle with the flow of 2000s rap. A natural-born entertainer, Charles quickly became one of the most skilled freestyle rappers on the school bus, eventually making the move to Seattle, WA to pursue his music career more seriously. As an artist, Charles has released singles, including the jiggy buckaroo bop “Gettin’ Western” in 2020, “Old Dirt Fancy” in 2021, “New Boot Goofin’” in 2022, and was featured on Ian Munsick’s single “Cowboy Killer.” Late last year, Charles released his singles “Turquoise Stones” and “Cold Beer Diet,” bringing his global career streams to 64+ million. Known for his signature fashion sense, light-hearted twang, and high-energy live shows, Charles continues to work on new music in Nashville, TN, kicking off 2024 with his take on a heartfelt love song, "Heartbreak Rodeo" followed by the twanging “What in Tarnation” released in August. As 2025 approaches, Charles positions himself as one to watch, as he leads the charge for Western rap and a new hip hop landscape without genre lines.
Ryan Charles’ What In Tarnation, released in August 2024, stands as a testament to the evolving boundaries of country and rap music. The album boldly fuses the gritty authenticity of Western culture with the smooth, rhythmic flow of hip-hop, creating what Charles dubs "Western rap." Drawing from his Wyoming roots and Nashville influences, Charles brings a dynamic blend of cowboy charm, modern twang, and playful swag. Tracks like “Turquoise Stones” and “Old Dirt Fancy” highlight his ability to weave storytelling with humor, delivered in a style that feels as comfortable on a horse trail as it does in a city club.
Known for his “jiggy buckaroo” persona, Charles infuses his music with a distinctive lightheartedness while staying authentic to his cowboy roots. His lyrical content and beats showcase a modern approach to country themes, reflecting his experiences growing up in Buffalo, Wyoming, once known as one of the most lawless towns in America. This setting informs his artistic identity, blending rugged independence with an entertainer's flair honed in freestyle rap battles. What In Tarnation explores themes of identity, place, and humor, creating a genre-bending sound that’s gaining traction with fans of both country and rap.
Charles’ commitment to pushing genre boundaries is matched by his energetic live performances, signature fashion sense, and fresh approach to production. The album is a celebration of his journey from Wyoming to Nashville, an ode to blending tradition with innovation. Whether it’s the jangling melodies, bass-driven beats, or his unmistakable twang, What In Tarnation positions Ryan Charles as a pioneer in a space that challenges stereotypes and redefines country music for a new generation.