Chet Hanks teases new country album at 2024 VMAs: ‘When this s – – t comes out, it’s gonna be crazy’
Chet Hanks is going country, y’all.
While walking the red carpet at MTV’s 2024 Video Music Awards, the “White Boy Summer” rapper revealed exclusively to The Post that he has a country album in the works.
“I also got signed to a label, a country label,” Hanks, 34, shared. “I’m recording the country album, believe it or not.”
The son of actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Hanks doesn’t lack in confidence. When asked which artist he thinks people should be listening to during the difficult times facing the world these days, he didn’t hesitate.
“I know exactly who it is,” he said. “It’s me.”
Referring to his in-the-works country LP, he added, “I’m telling you, when when this s – – t comes out, it is going to be crazy.”
Chet also called out the CMAs for recently snubbing Beyoncé and her “Cowboy Carter” album.
“You can never snub Beyoncé,” he said. “I mean, what are you thinking? That’s like, that’s like going against God.”
The news of his upcoming country debut will come as a boon to fans who were taken with Hanks’ performance on “MTV’s Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets” in July. Though best know as a rapper, the Hollywood scion, born Chester Hanks, sang an original song he wrote, titled, “Leaving Hollywood.” He was joined by Fifth Harmony’s Ally Brooke, who provided backup vocals, and “Teen Wolf” star Tyler Posey, who accompanied him on guitar.
“I have experience performing for rap, and singing isn’t like rapping,” he said in a confessional interview on the show.
“You’ve got to really open up your heart and show your soul to people.”
He added, “Once you step in front of a crowd, you feel those butterflies, that nervousness.
“You have to be able to control your breathing. This is my first time singing in front of an audience. That requires a whole different level of focus for me.”
Brooke was impressed with his performance. “I did not expect Chet to have a voice like that,” she said.
Many viewers were equally taken with Chet’s vocals, taking to social media to urge him to try his hand at country music.
“I love Chet Hanks singing,” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Go Chet […] release some country music.”
“Chet Hanks should just do country. He has the voice for it,” another posted.
Chet has country music in his veins. The rapper’s mom, actress and singer Wilson, has released four country albums: “AM/FM,” “Rita Wilson,” Bigger Picture” and “Halfway to Home.”
Hanks seemed to hint at his country aspirations back in August when he announced he was relocating to Nashville.
“California is trash, I’m moving to Nashville,” he captioned a series of photographs on Instagram showing himself with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. “Next time you see me on this thing I’ll be ripping it through Dixie, jack!! #LeavingHollywood.”
Chet kept the biker vibes going at the VMAs, wearing a moto-inspired leather ensemble.
The biggest night in music videos was filled with standout moments. Eminem opened the show; host Megan Thee Stallion had a slippery encounter with a snake; and Katy Perry had a big smooch with fiancé Orlando Bloom while receiving the Video Vanguard Award.
