In all my years as a music journalist, few interviews are more memorable than my sit-down with Struggle. His warmth and honesty were surprising, his straightforwardness refreshing. It was a great interview. The real kicker? It took place in the Davidson County Correctional Center while Struggle was being held on federal charges. Most musicians are on a tour bus or in a coffee shop when we journalists talk to them, not wearing an orange jumpsuit and being escorted by sheriff’s deputies. Struggle — real name Will Harness, grandson of Waylon Jennings, nephew of Shooter — was on the verge of a breakout just as he got locked up, putting a promising music career on hold for five years while he was incarcerated. But he’s out now, working on new music with hometown hero Yelawolf, refining his unique brand of rough-and-tumble country-rap. Friday, you might hear old-school Struggle cuts like “Outlaw Shit” and “Black Curtains,” but you’re sure to hear songs from Struggle’s first post-penitentiary EP, Return of the Outlaw, which features guest spots from Yela, Shooter, country pro Josh Hedley and more. SEAN L. MALONEY
Struggle Jennings
