Sincerity, Colt Ford says, is the key to his success.

“I know I’m different,” says Ford, who is often described as a country rapper. “Nobody can figure it out. I don’t look like Luke Bryan and they can’t figure that out. But people come up and say, ‘Man, you’re singing about my life.’ And that’s what does it. I try my best to keep it honest and sincere.”

This weekend, Ford brings his country, his rap, and his sincerity to the Ray City Centennial Celebration. The event brings to a close this Berrien County town’s year-long commemoration of its 100-year anniversary. In addition to Colt Ford, this weekend’s Centennial Celebration includes scheduled performances by The River, Southern Band, and Little Brown Peach, with DJ CPU as emcee.

Ford has performed in venues throughout South Georgia. He says in a phone interview that he’s willing to perform almost any place that wants him.

“I love people. I love fans, well I call them friends instead of fans,” Ford says. “I’ll go where they want me whether it’s Wild Adventures, somebody’s back yard, or Madison Square Garden.”

Ford has been checking into venues across the nation since the release of his CD, “Ride Through the Country,” last year. Ford doesn’t sing. He raps. He speaks his words about country living. He’s been branded a country rapper, which he says is a misleading label.

“I hate the term ‘country rap,’” Ford says. “Many people hear ‘country rapper’ and they’re not going to give it a chance. They’re not going to listen. I’m a country artist. ... People get a little bit confused. Hip-hop is a genre. Rap is a vocal style. Rap is my vocal style but it’s not what I am. I am a country artist.”

And a busy one.

Recently, Ford became the first independent artist to have an exclusive deal with Wal-Mart for his aptly named “Country Is As Country Does,” a DVD about the making of “Ride Through the Country,” which includes videos from the album, and a six-song EP.

Ford has also returned to the recording studio. His next album is about 85 percent finished and should be released some time early next year. It features a song, “Chicken and Biscuits,” written by Valdosta’s own country star Rhett Akins. It is also expected to contain the unexpected: Colt Ford traditionally singing on some tracks.

“We’re trying some new, different things,” he says. “I don’t think I sing worth a crap. So I’m doing it my way. If I could sing like Luke Bryan I would, but I can’t.”

Meanwhile, Ford continues making fans of people who may not have expected to like a rap vocal style but appreciate that sincerity. Some fans and critics have even referred to Ford’s themes as reminiscent of early Hank Williams Jr. It is a comparison that Ford doesn’t make but is honored by.

“Some people have called me Baby Bocephus (Hank Jr.’s nickname),” Ford says. “It’s a huge honor. ... Fans say things to me, like, if Hank Jr., Toby Keith and Charlie Daniels had a baby, it would be you.”

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