The University of Alabama is well-known both nationally and internationally. That said, UA and the city of Tuscaloosa have become famous brands. Many artists reference either the university or town in their music.
#5
Artists: Future
Song: Perkys calling
In the future’s song “Perkys Calling” he says “I served in Alabama like roll tide” and this is culturally significant for various reasons. Firstly, it links the rapper to his Southern roots, as “Roll Tide” is a popular chant used to support the University of Alabama’s football team.
This connection anchors Future in the Deep South’s rich musical tradition. Secondly, the reference highlights the influence of college football on hip-hop culture. It emphasizes the prominence of sports in the South and how they intertwine with the music scene.
#4
Artists: Lil Wayne
Song: Banned
Lil Wayne is an all-time Great in the realm of rap music. With just 5 Grammys under his belt, he has secured his place as one of the Goats. Another Goat who is known for his outstanding awards is Former OC at the University of Alabama Lane Kiffin.
In 2009 the two worlds collided with Lil Wayne’s reference to the coach in his song “Banned” which said “Smoke weed, talk s%#@ like Lane Kiffin”. This is significant to the culture of both football and rap in that Lil Wayne refers himself to the likes of the late coach.
#3
Artists: Trace Adkins
Song: Ala-Freakin-Bama
In 2009, Grammy Nominated Trace Adkins delivered a song that would be heard around the college football world. Ala-Freakin-Bama by Trace Adkins was widely accepted for its reference to the great college football program. Among those mentions were the great Paul Bear Bryant and even the school rallying cry “Roll Tide”.
Country Music and football for the longest have always been closely knitted due to the significant culture and Trace Adkins does a great job including that element.
#2
Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Song: Sweet Home Alabama
In the 1970’s rock n roll was all of the rave and Lynyrd Skynyrd would go on to capitalize on it. The band from Jacksonville, Florida comprised a song that went on to be the 8th song on the top billboard that year and is still listened to today. “Sweet Home Alabama” is not just an anthem for all Alabamians to rock out to, instead it plays a deeper meaning.
The band wrote the song in response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man” which wrongfully depicted the South as being solely responsible for slavery and its aftermath. This could not be further from the truth and in response Lynyrd Skynyrd shows that southern roots in not something to be ashamed of. Today the song is religiously played on Alabama Game days as fans for generations have cried out “Sweet Home Alabama”.
#1
Artist: Alabama
Song: Dixie-Land Delight
If you have not square danced in the quad on any Alabama game day or witnessed the fourth-quarter anthem “Dixie-Land Delight” then you not living. In 1983, 2 days after the death of the great Paul Bear Bryant, the band produced a song that would go on to be the epitome of Alabama football.
The song resonates with the fans of the program for generations and that is what makes it so unforgettable. In 2014, the song was sadly banned after Crimson Tide fans used it to create vulgar slurs for the opposing team. This was a controversy that rolled on for many years but after an uncanny amount of fans were outraged for their anthem to return, the school now proudly resonates with the anthem and all of its glory.
