CINCINNATI, OHIO: Popular country singer Jason Aldean has defended his song 'Try That in a Small Town' in the face of criticism after being called a "racist" and a "violent bigot." Following the song's release last week, Aldean has come under fire for mixing footage of Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters with lyrics that allegedly encourage arming oneself with a weapon. The country crooner addressed the criticism between songs at his sold-out performance in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Following the July 14 release of the song's music video, Aldean's May 2023 single 'Try That In a Small Town' has been criticized for being "racist" and "pro-lynching." The video was taken down by Country Music Television (CMT) on July 17 due to the song's ostensibly contentious and upsetting lyrics. The 46-year-old artist, who recently passed out after a performance in Connecticut due to heat exhaustion, received harsh criticism for the song's allegedly violent imagery and lyrics, as per Daily Mail.

What did Jason Aldean say about 'Try That in a Small Town' controversy?

As per New York Post, Aldean addressed the audience during his performance in Ohio on Friday night and said, "It’s been a long week, and I’ve seen a lot of stuff suggesting I’m this, suggesting I’m that. I feel like everybody’s entitled to their opinions. You can think something all you want to it doesn’t mean it’s true," drawing jeers from the audience, according to a clip shared on Twitter.

Much to the delight of the crowded house at the Riverbend Music Center, the country star continued, "What I am is a proud American. I’m proud to be from here. I love our country. I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this bulls**t started happening to us. I love my country, I love my family, and I will do anything to protect that, I can tell you that right now." In response to Aldean's comments, the anxious crowd started shouting "USA" as he acknowledged "cancel culture" and how it can "try to ruin your life."

'YOU CAN NOT CANCEL THIS MAN!!!'

Aldean's determination to defend his controversial song 'Try That in a Small Town' has drawn mixed reactions from his fans and followers. One fan hailed the country singer, saying, "Jason Aldean BROUGHT THE YOU CAN NOT CANCEL THIS MAN!!!" A second fan wrote, "Good! No reason to back down. He’s not wrong." A third follower agreed, "I love my country, I love my family, and I will do anything to protect that, I can tell you that." God bless Jason Aldean. He is a true American who's not afraid to say what millions of us are already thinking. We want our country back!"

Another one exclaimed, "From a California native? Everything Jason Aldean says in the song? Is how we feel. Don’t know if I’m getting robbed or death today going at the grocery store. He speaks for all Americans who feel this way. And we’re proud of him for standing up." One more fan defended Aldean and wrote, "Most Americans love our Country and he is not an exception because he does. We also see his video statement in a far more rational way; he is making a political statement that is divisive."

However, there were several netizens who continue to condemn the country singer for his alleged "racist" and "pro-lynching" number. One such follower mentioned the heat exhaustion incident and wrote, "Jason Aldean refuses to back down?! Jason Aldean suffers heat exhaustion mid concert! Now that’s what I call KARMA!" Another one noted, "His lyrics promotes vigilantism. And wasn’t his music video filmed at a location used for lynching???" Someone else seethed, "Cowards. Not shown, the worse riot in America history in DC on J6. 1000's of arrests. CMT knows gaslighting when they see it."

'Try That in a Small Town'

The music video drew criticism from some who thought the lyrics were offensive dog whistles, while others saw it as a statement on America's pronounced divisions. The song criticizes woke activists for acting like "fools," and it specifically denounces the wave of BLM demonstrations that spread across America when George Floyd was killed by police in 2020. The riots reportedly caused billions of dollars in property damage and generated concerns about why so many individuals were ready to defy the law. According to Aldean, the disturbance was caused by people not being "raised right."

The song received mixed reviews as liberal listeners thought Aldean's promotion of Southern traditions and opposition to rioting were far-right insults, while fans found it difficult to disagree with the song's traditional beliefs. Aldean explained on Twitter that the song was influenced by the "unspoken rule" that governs small towns, "We all have each other's backs and we look out for each other." Since then, other country music icons, including the legendary Pat Boone, have defended Aldean.