Post Malone’s Musical Evolution: From Hip-Hop to Rock and Country

We’ve watched Post Malone through so many eras that choosing a favorite feels impossible. The smooth rapper who emerged with “White Iverson” doesn’t feel like the same artist who belts country ballads today—yet somehow, it’s all unmistakably him. Each chapter in his career brings something new: a different sound, a fresh collaboration, or a style that defies the boxes we try to put music in.

Post Malone’s breakthrough came in 2015 with “White Iverson.” It was rooted in hip-hop, but already hinted at something different—melody layered over rap verses, giving his music a softness that stood apart from harder-edged tracks dominating the charts. That song set the tone for his debut album, Stoney (2016), which delivered hits like “Congratulations” with Quavo. This was Post at his most rap-focused, leaning on trap beats and guest verses from hip-hop heavyweights. His early work kept him in the hip-hop space, but his voice and songwriting hinted at ambitions beyond it.

The success of Stoney brought him onto tours with artists such as Justin Bieber, where his ability to merge hip-hop with pop hooks began to set him apart. He wasn’t just rapping—he was experimenting with melody, foreshadowing the stylistic leaps to come.

By his second album, Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018), Post Malone was no longer just a rap star—he was a chart-dominating force with a rock edge. Songs like “Rockstar” (WARNING: EXPLICIT LYRICS) with 21 Savage carried heavy guitar-inspired production, while “Better Now” leaned into arena-sized choruses. The album’s success (and its Grammy nominations) proved that his hybrid approach could work on a massive scale.

The shift became even more obvious on his third album, Hollywood’s Bleeding (2019), where he teamed up with Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott on “Take What You Want.” The track’s blistering guitar solo and dramatic vocals showed that Post wasn’t just borrowing rock aesthetics—he was embracing them fully. His live shows during the “Runaway Tour” leaned into that energy, with electric guitar performances and a stage presence closer to a rock frontman than a traditional rapper.

Post Malone’s country influences had been hinted at for years—through acoustic performances, stripped-back covers, and his well-documented love for artists like George Strait. But in 2024 and 2025, he made the leap fully. His song “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen became a crossover hit, dominating both pop and country charts.

Leading into his upcoming F-1 Trillion project, Post began performing at country festivals and teasing collaborations with some of country's top talent. His stage setups for these shows often traded flashing lights for warm, intimate atmospheres, letting the storytelling in his lyrics take center stage. It felt authentic, not like a stunt—more like an artist finally letting a different side of his voice breathe.

Post Malone’s career shows how blending genres can keep an artist’s work fresh and relevant. He’s not switching styles to chase trends; rather, he’s pulling from different traditions to create music that reflects all sides of his artistry. In a single setlist, he can move from rapped verses to guitar solos to country harmonies—and it works.

From hip-hop’s flow to rock’s grit and country’s warmth, Post Malone continues to resist being defined by a single genre. Watching him shift between eras isn’t just entertaining—it’s a reminder of how flexible and alive music can be when artists refuse to stay in one lane. Picking a “best” Post Malone will always be difficult because every version of him has something worth hearing.