Florida Georgia Line recorded "Cruise," the 2012 country hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100

Florida Georgia Line is the duo behind "Cruise." The band consists of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, who formed the group in 2010 and released "Cruise" as their debut single in April 2012. The song became one of the biggest country crossover hits of the decade, spending 24 weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart and crossing into mainstream pop radio in a way few country songs had done before.

The track was written by Kelley, Hubbard, and Jesse Rice, with production by Joey Moi. "Cruise" samples the hook from Nelly's 2000 hip-hop song "Ride Wit Me," which gave it an unusual blend of country and rap elements. That combination helped the song reach audiences far beyond traditional country radio listeners and made it a staple at summer events, weddings, and parties throughout 2012 and 2013.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida Georgia Line is a two-member country band formed by Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley in 2010.
  • "Cruise" was their debut single, released in April 2012 and written by Kelley, Hubbard, and Jesse Rice.
  • The song samples Nelly's "Ride Wit Me," blending country and hip-hop elements in a way that appealed to mainstream audiences.
  • The track spent 24 weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart and became one of the biggest country crossover hits of the 2010s.

How Florida Georgia Line formed and found success

Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley met in Nashville and decided to form a band that would blend country with other musical styles. They named themselves Florida Georgia Line as a reference to the border between the two states where they had roots. Before "Cruise" became a hit, the duo performed at smaller venues and built a following through live shows and social media.

The success of "Cruise" launched them into the mainstream almost when ready. The song's crossover appeal meant it played on country, pop, and even some hip-hop stations. This broad reach helped Florida Georgia Line become one of the most recognizable country acts of the 2010s, leading to multiple Grammy nominations, awards from the Country Music Association, and Academy of Country Music Awards.

Why "Cruise" became such a massive hit

Several factors made "Cruise" stand out in 2012. The song's production was modern and polished, with a beat that made it straightforward to dance to—something that helped it gain traction at clubs and parties, not just country venues. The lyrics painted a picture of a carefree summer night, which resonated with listeners during the warm months when the song was climbing the charts.

The Nelly sample was a calculated risk that paid off. By incorporating a recognizable hook from a major hip-hop hit, the song created a bridge between country and rap audiences. Radio programmers and listeners who might not normally tune into country music found themselves hearing "Cruise" on pop and urban stations. This strategy of blending genres became influential in country music over the following years, with other artists attempting similar crossovers.

The song's chart performance and cultural impact

When "Cruise" was released in April 2012, it climbed slowly at first. By summer, it had become impossible to avoid on the radio. The song eventually spent 24 weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart—a remarkable run that showed its staying power. It also reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the highest-charting country songs of all time.

"Cruise" became a cultural moment. It was the most-streamed country song on Spotify for years after its release. The track appeared in commercials, was used in countless social media videos, and became a wedding reception staple. For many people, "Cruise" defined the sound of summer 2012 and 2013, and it remains one of the most recognizable country songs of the past 15 years.

Florida Georgia Line's career after "Cruise"

The duo released their debut album, also titled "Cruise," in August 2012, just four months after the single dropped. The album included other successful singles like "Get Your Shine On" and "Cruise" itself. They followed up with multiple albums and continued to chart hits throughout the 2010s, including "Meant to Be" (featuring Bebe Rexha) and "Meant to Be" collaborations with other artists.

Florida Georgia Line became known for their willingness to collaborate with artists outside country music. They worked with Jason Derulo, Backhouse, and other pop and hip-hop artists, continuing the genre-blending approach that made "Cruise" successful. While no single song has matched the cultural dominance of "Cruise," the band has remained a consistent presence in country music and continues to tour and release new material.

The legacy of "Cruise" in country music

Ten years after its release, "Cruise" is still considered a landmark moment in modern country music. It proved that country songs could achieve massive mainstream success without abandoning their country identity. The song's influence can be heard in the work of artists who came after it, many of whom adopted similar production styles and genre-blending approaches.

"Cruise" also changed how the country music industry thought about crossover potential. Before the song's success, some in Nashville were skeptical about mixing country with hip-hop elements. The song's commercial dominance showed that audiences were hungry for fresh sounds that didn't fit neatly into one category. This opened doors for other country artists to experiment with their sound and reach audiences beyond traditional country radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "Cruise" sampled from another song?

Yes. "Cruise" samples the hook from Nelly's 2000 hip-hop track "Ride Wit Me." The sample is a key part of the song's production and helped give it crossover appeal to audiences who might not typically listen to country music.

How long was "Cruise" number one on the charts?

"Cruise" spent 24 weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart, making it one of the longest-running number-one country songs. It also reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, the main pop chart.

Did Florida Georgia Line win awards for "Cruise"?

Yes. The song and the band earned multiple nominations and awards from major organizations including the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Awards. The song's success helped establish Florida Georgia Line as major figures in country music.

What other songs has Florida Georgia Line released?

After "Cruise," Florida Georgia Line released hits including "Get Your Shine On," "Meant to Be" (featuring Bebe Rexha), and many others. They have released multiple albums and continue to record and tour, though no single song has matched the cultural impact of "Cruise."