Amidst the controversy surrounding Jason Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town,” it has come to light that the music video for the track has been edited to remove racially incendiary imagery. According to a report by The Washington Post, the version of the video currently available on YouTube is six seconds shorter than the original version uploaded on July 14. The changes include the removal of a news clip from Fox 5 Atlanta about the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020.
The edits to the music video have sparked curiosity and speculation, with many questioning when the changes were made and the reasons behind them. Representatives for Jason Aldean have not yet commented on the edited video.
Aldean has faced widespread criticism for both the lyrics and the music video of “Try That in a Small Town.” Critics argue that the song promotes gun violence and takes aim at the Black Lives Matter movement, with some suggesting that it contains coded references to lynching. The controversy surrounding the song reached a tipping point on July 18 when Country Music Television decided to pull it from its rotation.
In response to the backlash, Aldean took to Twitter to deny the accusations of racial elements in the song. He stated that there is not a single lyric that references race and that the video clips used are real news footage. Aldean expressed his frustration at being compared to a pro-lynching advocate and emphasized that the song should not be interpreted in such extreme ways.
Related Post
Interestingly, the controversy has had a positive impact on the song’s popularity. According to music data company Luminate, “Try That in a Small Town” has experienced a significant increase in both sales and streams. The on-demand audio and video streams for the song have seen a 999 percent spike, going from 987,000 to 11.7 million in just one week. Sales for the song have also surged, with 228,000 units sold in the week following the controversy, compared to just 1,000 units sold the week prior.
The reaction to Aldean’s song and its subsequent controversy highlights the power of social media and the role it plays in amplifying public opinion. As discussions about the song spread online, it garnered attention from a wide range of audiences, ultimately leading to increased interest and curiosity surrounding the track.
While the controversy has undoubtedly boosted the song’s popularity, it has also reignited important conversations about art, responsibility, and the potential impact of music on society. Some argue that artists should be cautious and mindful of the messages they convey, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as race and violence. Others believe that artistic expression should be allowed without censorship and that interpretations of songs can vary depending on individual perspectives.
In the end, the edited music video raises questions about the artist’s intentions and the impact of their creative choices. As public discourse continues, it remains to be seen how this controversy will shape the future of Jason Aldean’s career and the broader conversations within the music industry. The controversy surrounding “Try That in a Small Town” serves as a reminder of the power of music to provoke and challenge societal norms, and the importance of critically engaging with the messages conveyed by artists.
