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Get To Know Ryan Upchurch – The Artist Who Created a New Country Sound

by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Ryan Upchurch is one of the many young American music artists today who rose to fame using social media. But unlike most country singers covering classic songs, he gained visibility and grew a following from his humorous character and creative antics on videos posted on his YouTube channel: Upchurch the Redneck. 

Indeed, this country music rapper got a different start. Get to know more about Ryan Upchurch – who described himself as “funnier than a chili dog fart in a spacesuit” and “crazier than a soup sandwich.”

1. He’s a native of Tennessee.

Ryan Upchurch was born on May 24, 1991, in Pegram, Tennessee, but he has now settled in his home in Cheatham County – which has been known for its stunning, peaceful outdoors just outside Nashville, Tennessee.

2. He rose to fame as a comedian.

In 2014, Upchurch created “Upchurch the Redneck” while hanging out with his friends. He posted a series of homemade videos where his comical character portrayed the eccentricities and stereotypes of Deep South’s young men. Eventually, he started expanding it into a string of recordings that brought comedy, rock, and rap together – little did he know it will land him to the fame he is currently enjoying.

His YouTube channel started gaining amused audiences and followers. Indeed, Ryan Upchurch brought himself into the limelight and paved his own path to success.

3. He came into the music scene in 2015.

When his comedy tricks started failing to sell out in 2015, Upchurch began exploring the music scene by releasing an extended play, Cheatham County. He followed it up with a full-length album, Heart of America, a year later – which made it to the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. It also sold more than a thousand copies just within the first week it was released.

Upchurch went on releasing a few more full-length albums and charting on Billboard Country charts. In 2018, he released his first full rap album.

4. He has a clothing line.

Upchurch has also launched his own clothing line and other merchandise through RHEC – coined from his breakthrough single, Raise Hell and Eat Cornbread.

5. He loves cars.

If you take a peek at Upchurch’s social media accounts, you will be impressed with his skills in transforming any regular cars into something special and how he’s been driving the hottest vehicles out there.

6. He’s neighbors with Kane Brown.

When Kane Brown was caught in a scary situation in his own 30-acres property – getting lost in the woods with his wife and a friend – after he went exploring in the area, he called his friend Upchurch who was living in the same neighborhood. Upchurch came to Brown’s refuge only to end up getting lost too!

Upchurch also defended Brown when people started criticizing and making fun of the “One Thing Right” singer after reports surfaced that he called the police due to the incident.

7. He’s been engaged twice.

Upchurch is engaged with his best friend Taylor Eileen Smith – whom he’s grateful for letting him be exactly who he is and not trying to make him someone he’s not. The country artist popped the question to Smith in July 2020 and turned to social media to announce the good news by sharing a photo of him holding Smith’s hand as she flashed her stunning engagement ring.

However, it is quite not sure if the two have called off their engagement. Upchurch has also recently posted on his Instagram that he’s single.

The country rapper has also been in a relationship with Brianna Vanvleet in 2015 and was reported to have been engaged. Upchurch has been very outspoken when it comes to his then-girlfriend. He has expressed his feelings in a series of tweets and how he hopes to marry and have kids with Vanvleet someday. Unfortunately, the two called it quits around 2018 for some undisclosed reasons.

8. His net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.

With more than 2.3 million YouTube subscribers, a popular clothing line, and country hit charts, Ryan Upchurch is assumed to be earning a whopping $4 million every year.

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