About
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.
- Linda Ryan
