Cowboy Troy

Troy Coleman started on the Dallas scene while attending the University of Texas. Under the moniker Cowboy Troy, Coleman became known around town as the DJ who blended rap and country music -- a sound that he dubbed, "hick-hop." He was making ends meet as a Footlocker employee when he was tapped by country duo Big & Rich to contribute to the song, "Rollin' (Ballad of Big & Rich)." The song ended up as the opener to Big & Rich's 2004 breakthrough album, Horse of A Different Color. Troy made a splash at the Country Music Awards that year, when Big & Rich invited him to rap in the middle of their hit, "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy." For better or worse, the appearance was the talk of the CMAs. Troy was signed shortly afterwards and released his debut single, "Playing Chicken With the Train" in April, 2005.