How Dax Turned Oliver Anthony’s Country-Folk Tune “Rich Men North Of Richmond” into a Hip-Hop Hit

Photo: “Rich Men North Of Richmond” Remix by DAX

If you are a fan of country-folk music with a touch of hip-hop, you might have heard of Oliver Anthony, the singer-songwriter from Farmville, Virginia, who took the music world by storm with his viral hit “Rich Men North of Richmond.” The song, which expresses the frustration and alienation of the working class in the face of the wealthy and powerful elites, debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 2023, making Anthony the first artist to achieve this feat without any prior chart history.

However, Anthony is not the only one who resonated with the message of the song. Dax, a Nigerian-Canadian rapper, singer and songwriter, also felt a connection with the lyrics and decided to collaborate with Anthony on a remix of the song. Dax, who is known for his freestyle remixes of popular songs such as “Rap God” by Eminem and “Dear God” by himself, added his own verses to Anthony’s original chorus and bridge, creating a powerful and dynamic track that blends country-folk and hip-hop genres.

The remix was released on September 1, 2023, along with an impressive music video that features Dax performing in a street setting, as well as scenes of people working in various sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, among others.

The remix has received rave reviews from both critics and fans, who appreciated the skill and passion of both artists, as well as the significance and influence of the song. Some have even dubbed it “the anthem of the forgotten Americans” who are dissatisfied with the status quo and seek change.

Despite the popularity and controversy of their song, neither Dax nor Anthony have declared any political ties, even though some people in politics and media think they have a secret motive for their song. They just want to share their personal experiences and views through their music.

In addition to expressing their own perspectives, they have also stressed that they respect and value their fans from all backgrounds and beliefs, and that they hope their music can inspire and empower them to overcome their challenges and pursue their dreams.

The song tackles various topics that affect the working class, such as income inequality, education, health care, among others.

The song which combines country-folk and hip-hop elements is not only a musical masterpiece, but also a social commentary that challenges and inspires listeners to think critically about their situation and take action for a better future. As Dax raps in the final verse: “How many presidents does it take to have a life worth living? / An actual comfortable wage? / No school shootings, let’s unite these states.”