Upchurch (musician)

Ryan Upchurch
Also known asUpchurch, Upchurch the Redneck
Born
Ryan Edward Upchurch

(1991-05-24) May 24, 1991
Nashville, Tennessee
OriginCheatham County, Tennessee
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • comedian
Years active2010–present
Labels
  • Mud to Gold Entertainment
  • Luce-N-Up Records

Ryan Edward Upchurch (born May 24, 1991), known as Upchurch, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and comedian from Cheatham County, on the outskirts of Nashville. Upchurch became popular primarily as a comedian, creating videos on various platforms to garner support and fans. He sold merchandise based on his song title "raise hell and eat cornbread". Originally considered a "country rapper", Ryan Upchurch has diversified into many genres such as rock/metal.[1]

Early life

Ryan Edward Upchurch was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and raised in Pegram within rural Cheatham County.[2] He grew up on Pond Creek Road, describing his upbringing as that of a "good old boy" with strong ties to country life and rural Tennessee. His family operated a paint company and a chicken farm, facing financial struggles when work became scarce. He was raised by his mother, grandmother, and grandfather, and has stated his family holds strong, supportive values.[3]

Growing up in a rural setting heavily influenced his music, as he drew inspiration from his surroundings and Southern experiences.[4] Though surrounded by traditional country and rock influences, he grew up listening to rap music, often having to keep it hidden.[5] Upchurch would drop out of Cheatham County Central High School to pursue other creative endeavors.[6][7] Upchurch started rapping in early 2010, featuring on a remix of Big Page's "I'm Still Fly" produced by Lextronic.[8] Before pursuing music full-time, Upchurch had a major interest in vehicles, often posting photos of cars on social media.[9] He is also a long-time collector of Pokémon Cards, a hobby he has maintained for many years.[10]

Career

Upchurch began uploading videos to YouTube and Vine.[1][11] In 2014, he and his friend Shade Glover created the humorous alter ego "Upchurch the Redneck" for their own entertainment. The character spoofed stereotypes of young men in the Deep South, and the videos quickly went viral, gaining over half a million fans in just four months.[12] While his early content was primarily comedic, he began incorporating rap-influenced "hick-hop" videos into his content.[13] He released his first extended play, Cheatham County, in 2015, followed by a full-length album, Heart of America, in 2016.[1] Both releases reached the top 30 of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.[14] Heart of America sold 1,300 copies in its first week of release.[15]

A then-rising Luke Combs appeared in the music video for Upchurch’s song "Outlaw". The video prominently featured Confederate flag imagery, including a decal on the acoustic guitar Combs was playing.[16] During a Country Radio Seminar in February 2021, Combs publicly apologized for his past use of the imagery. He stated there was "no excuse" for the images and that he had since learned how painful that symbol can be to others.[17][18] Upchurch immediately fired back on social media, calling Combs and other country stars "sissies" for "bowing down" to public pressure. He argued that the imagery represented Southern heritage rather than hate and felt Combs was being a "mainstream sellout" by distancing himself from his roots to appease record labels.[19][20]

The second full-length album, Chicken Willie, was released in August 2016. It reached No. 22 on Billboard's Top Country Albums and No. 11 on the Rap Albums charts, selling 2,800 copies in the first week.[21] In 2017, Upchurch released another EP titled Summer Love, which is completely country-oriented, with no elements of rap music; and another studio album titled Son of the South. Summer Love, debuted at No. 33 in the Top Country Albums chart with 3,700 copies sold, while Son of the South debuted at No. 29 with 48,100 copies sold.[22] Upchurch's fifth studio album, King of Dixie, was released on November 10, 2017, and features 19 tracks. Upchurch's first rock album, Creeker, was released on April 20 which was focused on rock with few rap elements. His August 2018 release, Supernatural, a rap-focused album with some country elements, peaked at No. 6 on Billboard's Top Country Albums. His December 2018 album, River Rat, peaked at No. 22. The artist canceled a sold-out show at Alrosa Villa following neighborhood protests and flyers accusing him of promoting white supremacy and offensive rhetoric.[23]

Upchurch released his next album, Creeker II in April 2019. Later that year, he released Parachute on September 24, followed by a collaboration album with Adam Calhoun entitled Hooligan on November 25. On April 20, 2020, Upchurch released his eleventh album Everlasting Country containing a more traditional country sound. It peaked at No. 61 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the Country Albums chart. Country singer Kane Brown briefly went missing in August 2020 after getting lost in the woods on his property, and Upchurch claimed he helped find him instead of the local police.[24]

In 2021, Upchurch founded his own record label Holler Boy Records with country singer-songwriter Chase Matthew being the first signee, partnering with ONErpm.[25][26][27] The two released a popular remix of Lil Durk's country-rap song "Broadway Girls."[28] The label became inactive in late 2022 when Matthew signed a major-label deal with Warner Records Nashville.[29][30][31]

Personal life

Upchurch has a daughter named Lilli'Anna Athena Upchurch, born in 2024.[32][33]

Between 2011 and 2013, Upchurch faced misdemeanor charges in Nashville, Tennessee, for alleged drug possession and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Records indicate that all listed cases were dismissed and subsequently closed.[34]

Artist Jacob LeVeille sued Upchurch in Florida federal court for allegedly violating the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990.[35] The suit stemmed from a 2018 video showing Upchurch shooting at paintings created by LeVeille (depicting Upchurch and Johnny Cash) with an assault rifle.[36][37] Upchurch argued his actions were "transformative" commentary, but a judge denied his motion for summary judgment in late 2021, citing material issues of fact.[38] In April 2021, Upchurch was served with an order of protection in Cheatham County, Tennessee. This occurred the same day he donated his first gold record for the song "Southern Land" to the local sheriff's office. The case was reportedly dismissed in October 2021.[39] A defamation lawsuit brought by officer Jeremy Wayne Long against defendants including Upchurch was dismissed after the court determined the officer failed to prove "actual malice".[40]

Upchurch is currently facing a federal defamation lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Tennessee by David Robertson and Daniel Rodni.[41] The suit alleges Upchurch posted videos claiming the 2022 disappearance and death of 16-year-old Kiely Rodni was a "scam" to raise money via GoFundMe.[42][43] In May 2024, a judge ruled that parts of the libel case could proceed.[44]

Discography

Studio albums

  • Heart of America (2016)
  • Chicken Willie (2016)
  • Bad Mutha Fucka (2016)
  • Son of the South (2017)
  • King of Dixie (2017)
  • Creeker (2018)
  • The Oven (with Demun Jones) (2018)
  • Supernatural (2018)
  • River Rat (2018)
  • Creeker II (2019)
  • Parachute (2019)
  • Hooligan (with Adam Calhoun) (2019)
  • Everlasting Country (2020)
  • Hideas: The Album (2021)
  • Mud to Gold (2021)
  • Same Ol Same Ol (2021)
  • People's Champ (2022)
  • Pioneer (2023)
  • Blue Genes (2023)
  • Concert for the Crickets (2023)
  • Blue Genes II (2024)
  • Turbulence (2024)
  • Creeker 3 (with The Dixielanders) (2025)
  • Black Denim (with Chris Hosier) (2025)

References

  1. ^ a b c Kellman, Andy. "Upchurch | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  2. ^ Johnson, Riley (February 24, 2021). "Get To Know Ryan Upchurch - The Artist Who Created a New Country Sound". Country Thang Daily. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  3. ^ Country Cast (February 4, 2022). Inside The Mind Of Upchurch [Documentary] | People's Champ. Retrieved April 1, 2026 – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Country Cast (February 4, 2022). Inside The Mind Of Upchurch [Documentary] | People's Champ. Retrieved March 31, 2026 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ No Jumper (December 24, 2020). Ryan Upchurch On How He Became An Independent Country Rap Star. Retrieved April 1, 2026 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  7. ^ Cheatham County Ctrl High School Alumni from Ashland City, TN
  8. ^ DJ Lextronical (May 15, 2020). Drake ft. Lextronic & Upchurch - I'm Still Fly Remix (Unreleased May 9, 2010). Retrieved April 1, 2026 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ Ryan Upchurch (May 10, 2019). Upchurch’s Car & Truck Collection (part 1). Retrieved March 31, 2026 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ Snyder, Brandon (December 31, 2020). "12 things most don't know about Ryan Upchurch". Country Rap News. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  11. ^ ChadArmesTV (July 10, 2022). Ryan Upchurch Talks First Blowing Up On Vine, & Getting Into Music. Retrieved March 31, 2026 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ "Upchurch | TheAudioDB.com". www.theaudiodb.com. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  13. ^ "Upchurch, April 27". www.rcreader.com. April 16, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  14. ^ "Upchurch Album & Song Chart History - Country Albums". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 18, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
  15. ^ Bjorke, Matt (January 23, 2016). "Country Album Sales Chart: January 25, 2016". Roughstock. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  16. ^ "Combs appears in video with Confederate flag sticker on guitar". www.countrystandardtime.com. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  17. ^ "Luke Combs Apologizes for His Past Use of the Confederate Flag: 'There Is No Excuse'". People.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2025. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  18. ^ Garvey, Marianne (February 18, 2021). "Luke Combs apologizes for past use of the Confederate flag". CNN. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  19. ^ Wendowski, Andrew (February 19, 2021). "Ryan Upchurch Responds To Luke Combs' Apology: "Y'all Country Singers Need To Quit Being Sissies"". Music Mayhem. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  20. ^ Vanderhoof, Erin (February 19, 2021). "Luke Combs Apologizes for Resurfaced Confederate Flag Photos". Vanity Fair. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  21. ^ Bjorke, Matt (August 21, 2016). "Country Albums Sales Chart: August 22, 2016". Roughstock. Archived from the original on September 8, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2016.
  22. ^ Bjorke, Matt (May 15, 2017). "Top 10 Country Albums Chart: May 15, 2017". Roughstock. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  23. ^ Downing, Andy. "Cover: The Hick-Hop Conundrum". Columbus Monthly. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  24. ^ Aniftos, Rania (August 11, 2020). "Kane Brown Gets Lost on His 30-Acre Property, Calls Police for Rescue". Billboard. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  25. ^ Cantrell, L. B. (July 12, 2021). "Ryan Upchurch's Holler Boy Records Partners With ONErpm, Signs Chase Matthew [Exclusive]". MusicRow.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  26. ^ williamcubero (July 23, 2021). "Holler Boy Records and ONErpm come together for new Chase Matthew "County Line" Set To Release July 30th". ONErpm. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  27. ^ ChadArmesTV (July 5, 2021). Upchurch Talks Holler Boy Records & Chase Matthew | “HollerBoy” (Pt.5). Retrieved April 1, 2026 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ Ryan Upchurch (December 19, 2021). Upchurch ft. @iamChaseMatthew "Broadway Girls" REMIX (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO). Retrieved April 1, 2026 – via YouTube.
  29. ^ "Chase Matthew Partners With Warner Music Nashville". Billboard. October 13, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  30. ^ 27K views · 2.2K reactions | It’s crazy how fast everything has been moving. I’ve released an EP and an Album with @hollerboyrecords over the past 18 months and fulfilled my contract. I couldn’t be more blessed to have been given an opportunity to work with @ryanupchurch . Ryan has always taught me to go with my gut and NEVER sell out! So as I’m going into this next partnership, without Ryan, I know I will be in good hands as well. I have managed to KEEP my Creative Control and Independence as an artist. This isn’t a record deal. It’s a partnership and I hold so much pride in that. The industry is changing daily and I’m glad to be a part of the new business model. Thank you @ryanupchurch for building a label that will forever build legendary artists. HOLLER BOYS FOR LIFE🤘 #hollerboyrecords | Chase Matthew. Retrieved April 1, 2026 – via www.facebook.com.
  31. ^ "Rising Country Artist Chase Matthew Partners With Warner Music Nashville". Shore Fire Media. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  32. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  33. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  34. ^ "Case Search Details". sci.ccc.nashville.gov. Retrieved March 31, 2026.
  35. ^ "Country-rap star Ryan Upchurch sued for machine-gunning paintings - SRipLaw". Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  36. ^ Murphy, Brian (November 8, 2021). "Did Country Rap Artist UpChurch Infringe Copyright and Violate VARA When He "Shot to Hell" an Artist's Paintings ... with Bullets? (via Passle)". Passle. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  37. ^ "Client Challenge". hyperallergic.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  38. ^ Leveille v. Upchurch
  39. ^ Jacob, Kathleen (April 22, 2021). "Country musician gives award to sheriff's office same day he's served protection order". WZTV. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  40. ^ "Jeremy Wayne Long v. Candice O'Brien Beasley et al". Justia Law. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  41. ^ "Robertson v. Upchurch, 3:23-cv-00770 | M.D. Tenn., Judgment, Law, casemine.com". casemine. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  42. ^ Cameron, Stacey (September 29, 2023). "Nashville YouTuber sued for defamation over true crime video". wsmv. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  43. ^ https://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2024/05/defamation-claim-proceeds-against-youtubers-denialism-robertson-v-upchurch
  44. ^ Volokh, Eugene (May 23, 2024). "Libel Case Against Internet Sleuth / "True Crime" Podcaster, Related to Kiely Rodni Case, Can Go Forward". Reason.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
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