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Redneck Shit

Redneck Shit is the debut studio album by comedian and musician Wheeler Walker Jr., released on February 12, 2016, through Pepper Hill Records in partnership with . Produced by Grammy-winning producer at Low Country Sound Studios in , the 11-track record runs 32 minutes and 21 seconds, blending neo-traditional country instrumentation with explicit, profane lyrics that satirize redneck culture, bro-country clichés, and outlaw themes. Wheeler Walker Jr. is the alter ego of Ben Hoffman, a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, and writer known for his boundary-pushing humor, including the short-lived Comedy Central series The Ben Show. Hoffman created the Wheeler persona to lampoon the excesses of modern country music, drawing on classic influences like David Allan Coe while amplifying vulgarity and stereotypes for comedic effect; the album's title track, for instance, celebrates Southern pride through over-the-top boasts about beer, fighting, and casual sex. Notable tracks include "Fuck You Bitch," "Family Tree," and "Sit on My Face," which feature contributions from a backing band of Nashville session musicians who have worked with artists like Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. Upon release, Redneck Shit achieved commercial success, debuting at number nine on the chart and number one on the chart, marking the first album in over a decade to enter the top 10 of both lists; it has since sold over 84,000 equivalent units in the United States. Critically, the album polarized listeners with its unapologetic offensiveness, earning praise for its musical authenticity and sharp from outlets like , while drawing criticism for perpetuating stereotypes. It established Walker Jr. as a provocative figure in country , paving the way for subsequent releases like Ol' Wheeler () and influencing discussions on humor and authenticity in Nashville's music scene.

Background

Artist Overview

Ben Hoffman, an American comedian, actor, and writer, is the creator behind the Wheeler Walker Jr. persona. Born in , Hoffman gained initial recognition in comedy through his work on various television projects, culminating in hosting the sketch comedy series on in 2013. During the show, he first introduced the Wheeler Walker Jr. character in a skit where the persona performed the explicit song "Eatin' Pussy, Kickin' Ass," establishing a foundation for the satirical . Following the cancellation of , Hoffman fully embraced the Wheeler Walker Jr. identity as a full-time musical endeavor, shifting from to recording and performing as a profane artist. This satirizes elements of and traditional stereotypes through exaggerated, vulgar lyrics that parody the genre's conventions of bravado, partying, and . Hoffman's adoption of the role highlighted his intent to critique mainstream 's polished image by amplifying its rougher, unfiltered aspects into absurd, humorous territory. Prior to formal album releases, Hoffman's early efforts as Wheeler Walker Jr. included self-releasing music videos online, which quickly garnered viral attention. Notable examples, such as "Fuck You Bitch" and a cover of "Dropkick Me Jesus," amassed millions of views on platforms like , building a and demonstrating the persona's appeal through its irreverent humor and authentic-sounding production. These videos marked a pivotal transition, propelling the character from comedic sketch to a viable music act without traditional label support.

Album Conception

The album Redneck Shit originated in 2015 as a satirical project by comedian , who adopted the persona of Wheeler Walker Jr. to the genre popularized by artists like , exaggerating redneck stereotypes through explicit, over-the-top humor that mocked mainstream country's polished tropes of trucks, beer, and rural bravado. Hoffman aimed to highlight what he saw as the inauthenticity of by amplifying its clichés into absurd, profane territory, positioning the work as a deliberate to radio-friendly hits. Hoffman collaborated with friends, including musician Dave "D.W." Willis, to record initial song demos at his home studio, Ben's Den, capturing raw tracks like the title song "Redneck Shit" that blended traditional country instrumentation with irreverent lyrics. These demos were shared online via videos featuring the Wheeler Walker Jr. persona, building a following through their shocking humor and contrast to sanitized country acts, which drew hundreds of thousands of views and enthusiastic responses from fans tired of dominance. The positive online reception, including widespread sharing and acclaim from enthusiasts, convinced Hoffman to expand the project into a full-length , self-financing it as a hybrid of and to maintain creative control and satirize norms. This decision transformed the persona from a into a major release.

Production

Recording Sessions

The recording sessions for Redneck Shit took place in 2015 at Low Country Sound Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and were completed in approximately five days. These sessions focused on live band performances to achieve a raw, unpolished country sound with no overdubs and capturing the energy in just one or two takes per song, while emphasizing humorous and exaggerated vocal deliveries to enhance the album's comedic tone. Under the guidance of , principal recording wrapped by late 2015, with mixing completed shortly thereafter to prepare for the February 2016 release.

Key Personnel

The production of Redneck Shit was led by , a Grammy-winning Nashville-based renowned for his work on authentic country and Americana records, including Sturgill Simpson's (2014) and Chris Stapleton's debut album Traveller (2015). Cobb's involvement brought a polished yet rootsy sound to the album's satirical content, recording the tracks live to capture an organic feel during sessions at his Low Country Sound studio in Nashville. His expertise in elevating raw performances helped transform Wheeler Walker Jr.'s provocative material into tracks that mimicked traditional country production techniques. The core band consisted of experienced Nashville session musicians, including drummer and percussionist , bassist Bryan "Freedom Eagle Bear" Allen, and multi-instrumentalist Leroy Powell on guitar, , and harmonica. These players, known for their work across the Nashville scene, were recruited for their ability to deliver tight, professional performances that grounded the album's humor in credible instrumentation. also contributed backing vocals, adding to the ensemble's cohesive barroom energy. Wheeler Walker Jr., the album's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, is the stage persona of comedian and musician , who conceived the project as a profane of tropes. Hoffman penned the majority of the tracks, drawing from his experiences in Nashville's community to craft that exaggerated stereotypes. Additional songwriting credits went to collaborators such as , who co-wrote "I Like Smokin' Pot (A Lot)".

Composition

Musical Style

"Redneck Shit" employs a traditional sound deeply rooted in genre of the , featuring twangy electric guitars, pedal steel, and to evoke the gritty authenticity of classic and styles. The instrumentation, handled by top Nashville session musicians including drummer and multi-instrumentalist Leroy Powell on pedal steel, , and harmonica, delivers a bluesy, swampy that contrasts sharply with contemporary pop-country production. Produced by Grammy-winning engineer at Low Country Sound Studios in Nashville, the album adopts a stripped-down, unpolished mix reminiscent of Waylon Jennings-era recordings, prioritizing raw energy over glossy effects to mimic the rebellious spirit of . This approach results in short track lengths averaging 2 to 3 minutes, enhancing the album's punchy, high-impact delivery suited to its satirical intent. The musical influences draw heavily from icons like , , , and , blending edges and George Thorogood-inspired riffs to create a parody of mainstream radio's excesses while celebrating its foundational elements. This sonic framework supports the album's broader satirical themes without compromising its commitment to genuine musicianship.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics of Redneck Shit, Wheeler Walker Jr.'s 2016 debut album, center on an exaggerated celebration of redneck pride, portraying Southern rural life through unfiltered, profane narratives that reclaim the "redneck" label as a badge of empowerment and authenticity. Tracks like the title song "Redneck Shit" revel in stereotypical elements such as excessive drinking, casual incestuous humor, and rowdy escapades, using vulgar language to amplify a sense of defiant cultural identity that mocks polished mainstream perceptions of the South. This approach draws on traditional honky-tonk influences while subverting them with shock value, positioning the redneck persona as a rebellious counterpoint to urban elitism. A core satirical element targets tropes prevalent in Nashville, exaggerating macho posturing and the of women through over-the-top scenarios that border on , such as in "Fuck You Bitch," which lampoons toxic breakup songs with relentless . The critiques norms by employing explicit references to , bodily functions, and homophobic slurs in songs like "Which One o' You Gonna Suck My Dick?," not as endorsements but as hyperbolic commentary on the genre's hypocritical moralism and sanitized commercialism. This reclamation of subjects empowers the narrative voice, using humor to expose and dismantle rather than reinforce them. Overall, the themes blend crude with cultural , employing drinking and sexual exploits as metaphors for unapologetic in tracks that weave Southern into a tapestry of , challenging listeners to confront the absurdities within country music's portrayal of and regional identity. The explicit serves as a deliberate shock tactic to provoke reflection on conventions, distinguishing the album's as a tool for empowerment rather than mere provocation.

Release and Promotion

Release Details

Redneck Shit, the debut by comedian under his Wheeler Walker Jr. persona, was released on February 12, 2016, by Pepper Hill Records, Hoffman's independent imprint distributed through . The album launched amid buzz from pre-release singles like "Fuck You Bitch," which had garnered attention online. It was made available in multiple formats, including digital download, , and vinyl LP. The physical editions featured standard packaging, while digital versions were offered through major platforms like and . The album's depicted cartoonish redneck stereotypes, such as exaggerated rural figures and humorous, over-the-top imagery, aligning with the record's satirical take on tropes and cultural clichés. This visual style reinforced the album's comedic intent from the outset, drawing immediate attention to its irreverent themes.

Singles and Marketing

The lead single "Drop 'Em Out" was released on December 11, 2015, ahead of the album's launch. Its animated debuted exclusively on as a deliberate shock tactic to generate and buzz within the scene. The video rapidly accumulated views, surpassing 1 million across platforms including within months of release. The title track "Redneck Shit" served as a promotional , with its official released on February 23, 2016, featuring satirical depictions of rural stereotypes and clichés. This was supported by a series of online videos that parodied elements of award shows and mainstream Nashville tropes to heighten the album's comedic edge. Marketing efforts emphasized virality, where Wheeler Walker Jr. frequently posted provocative content mocking artists like to engage fans organically. Partnerships with comedy-focused outlets, including interviews in Rolling Stone and Hustler Magazine, amplified the album's irreverent persona and reached niche audiences. Additionally, early live performances at small venues across the U.S. fostered a grassroots following by delivering high-energy, unfiltered sets that aligned with the album's outlaw theme.

Reception

Commercial Performance

Redneck Shit debuted at number nine on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number one on the Billboard Top Comedy Albums chart upon its release on February 12, 2016, marking the first album in over a decade to enter the top 10 of both lists. Over the long term, the album has accumulated 84,200 equivalent album units in the United States as of the latest available data. It has not received any RIAA certifications. On streaming platforms, the title track "Redneck Shit" has surpassed 36 million plays on Spotify alone, contributing to the album's enduring digital footprint.

Critical Response

Upon its release, Redneck Shit received positive attention from music critics who appreciated its satirical edge and high-quality production, positioning it as a bold within the . highlighted the album's rewarding listenability, crediting the instrumentation—including fiddles, banjos, and pedal steel—for elevating its irreverent content into a fresh take on , despite the explicit lyrics about deviance and taboo subjects. Critiques from outlets focused on traditional were more mixed, often arguing that the album's extreme vulgarity and shock value overshadowed its musical strengths. For instance, Saving Country Music acknowledged the solid country songcraft backed by Nashville's top session musicians but criticized the relentless offensive language and themes as an attempt to maximize at the expense of deeper artistic merit. Overall, the album garnered a as a cult favorite among and enthusiasts, drawing comparisons to early Weird Al Yankovic's humorous takes on but adapted to a country context, with an average critic score of 40/100 on (based on limited reviews) and a user score of 68/100 reflecting stronger fan appreciation.

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