by David Jeffries The reason Colt Ford's blending of country and rap feels so natural has everything to do with his background, both professional and personal. Just like his closest "hick-hop" competition, Cowboy Troy, Colt grew up listening to country -- his first concert was Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton -- along with R&B and hip-hop. When the Georgia native reached adulthood he began writing songs, eventually earning co-writing credits with Jamey Johnson, Jeremy Popoff, and the alternative rock band Lit. After a few years, the popular country music duo Montgomery Gentry became clients, then the urban side of Colt's style was put to use when rapper Bone Crusher and urban superstar Jermaine Dupri came calling. He went from behind the scenes to up front in 2006 when he wrote "Buck 'Em," the theme for the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. In 2008 he began recording songs for his debut album and went on tour with country music up-and-comer Brantley Gilbert.