Jack White has officially entered the chat, and now we might have a full-on feud between him and Charley Crockett on our hands.
After Crockett had some harsh words for White in a social media post earlier this week, White responded on Tuesday (Aug. 18.)
“I never said nothing about this young buck before, but since he’s trying to drag me into this here rodeo again, here’s my official response to Cowboy Charley’s accusations,” White wrote on social media.
He then proceeded to quote the lyrics in their entirety from a 1985 novelty hip-hop song by Shawn Brown called “Rappin’ Duke.”
Those lyrics include some choice phrases that are easy to interpret as relatable to White’s feelings about Crockett’s diss, such as “When you were in diapers and wetting the sheets / I was at the Ponderosa rapping to the beat” and “What I do on your grave won’t pass for flowers either.”
The parody of John Wayne-esque swagger also seemed relevant, since Crockett’s musical persona often embraces Western, cowboy-centric themes.
What Did Charley Crockett Say About Jack White?
Charley Crockett’s dig at White was kind of a side-swipe in a saga that’s primarily taken place between the country singer and an indie rock duo called Twin Temple.
Back in July, Twin Temple said that Crockett removed them from the bill of two shows because of the “Satanic imagery” they use onstage. Crockett didn’t really dispute that at the time, though he did focus his responses more on the importance of independent thought and everybody doing what sits best with their personal moral compass.
Read More: Charley Crockett Says He Never Fired Twin Temple For Satanic Imagery: ‘They Made it Up’
Fast forward to this week, and Crockett got more specific, and more accusatory. He said that Twin Temple twisted the situation in order to promote their upcoming record release and tour, purposely exaggerating the circumstances and making it seem like they were booked for an entire tour with Crockett.
Here’s where Jack White comes into the picture: Crockett also accused the media of exploiting the narrative for profit, and said White — who offered Twin Temple an opening slot in the aftermath — used the opportunity to sell tickets.
“And I lost a lot of respect for him,” Crockett continued.
Read More: Charley Crockett Responds to Backlash After Axing ‘Satanic’ Band
“I wonder why he wasn’t so outspoken back when he was in the White Stripes 20 something years ago. They purposely avoided political issues,” he wrote. “Maybe he was worried about losing audience back when it was all on the line and he needed all the help he could get. Funny, I’ve got everything to lose right this minute and I still shoot from the hip.”
What Is The Song Jack White Quoted In His Response to Charley Crockett?
At least from a country fan’s perspective, White reached for a deep cut.
“Rappin’ Duke” is a 1985 novelty rap song from Shawn Brown that’s dripping with parody and cultural commentary. It’s kind of a diss track — Run DMC and Kurtis Blow both get brief knocks as the “Rappin’ Duke” struts his stuff — but mostly it’s a kooky John Wayne parody with notes of condescension toward younger artists who think they’re hot stuff.
Notable — at least, for fans trying to suss out why White picked this song — is the verse where Brown raps dismissively about Ronald Reagan’s move from entertainment to politics, complete with a Beverly Hillbillies quote.
Read More: Charley Crockett Addresses A.I. Data Center Controversy
Is White talking snide about Crockett’s voiced opinions that artists should be able to express themselves without getting politically pigeonholed, right or left? He didn’t spell it out.
But the gist of the lyrics is clear: White’s talking smack.
Are Charley Crockett and Jack White Feuding?
Up until the most recent exchange, they’ve skirted around taking shots at each other. This week’s interaction feels like a ramp-up.
Read More: 23 Country Music Feuds + Beefs
It wouldn’t exactly be earth-shattering for Crockett to be feuding with an artist. Aside from his Twin Temple saga, he’s previously gotten into snippy exchanges with Gavin Adcock, and tangentially, Morgan Wallen.
Country Music’s Current Feuds and Beefs [UPDATED]
The difference between a true country music feud and one country singer being a punk is the response. Each of these active feuds has involved a significant back and forth between two country artists or more.
A few singers are involved in multiple feuds while others involve unexpected or unknown singers. We’ll update this list as the pairs make peace or if another fight emerges.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
