Country music star Jason Aldean is facing significant backlash for his new song, "Try That in a Small Town," which has sparked a heated debate about its messaging and promotion of violence. Released in mid-May, the song delves into the current state of the world and the prevalence of unfortunate events. Aldean defends the song, arguing that it sheds light on the struggles faced by many individuals.

However, controversy surrounding the song escalated when its music video premiered on Country Music Television (CMT). The video incorporates footage from protests against police brutality, leading to accusations that it promotes violence and offensive messaging. As a result, CMT confirmed that the video is no longer being aired.

The backlash intensified due to Aldean's own history as a survivor of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. Critics have accused him of releasing a song that supports lynching and being unsupportive of the Black Lives Matter movement. Aldean vehemently denies these claims, asserting that there are no racial references in the song and that the video includes genuine news footage. However, critics argue that the video portrays a negative perception of small towns and encourages violence against outsiders.

State Representative Justin Jones of Tennessee strongly condemned the song, labeling it a "heinous song calling for racist violence." In response, Aldean explains that the song reflects the sense of community he experienced while growing up, where neighbors supported one another despite their differences. He acknowledges that his political views have always been evident and that people may interpret the song differently.

CMT's decision to pull the video has sparked a broader debate about its content and whether country radio stations will continue to support the song. Despite the controversy, "Try That in a Small Town" has already been added to 125 radio stations. The question remains whether the backlash will impact the song's overall success.

Jason Aldean has faced criticism in the past for his conservative political beliefs and controversial statements. Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his support of the song, emphasizing that it captures the longing for normalcy and an end to senseless headlines. As the controversy rages on, the public awaits to see how it will ultimately impact both Aldean's career and the reception of "Try That in a Small Town" within the country music industry.