The Song "Cruise" Was Written by Florida Georgia Line Members and Two Nashville Songwriters
"Cruise" was written by four people: Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley from Florida Georgia Line, plus Nashville songwriters Joey Moi and Jesse Rice. The song came out in 2012 on Florida Georgia Line's debut album Cruise, and it became one of the biggest country hits of that decade.
The track blends country and hip-hop elements, which was unusual for mainstream country radio at the time. That crossover sound helped it reach listeners beyond traditional country audiences. The song spent 24 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, one of the longest runs for any country single.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, the two members of Florida Georgia Line, co-wrote "Cruise" with Nashville songwriters Joey Moi and Jesse Rice.
- The song was released in 2012 as the title track and lead single from Florida Georgia Line's first album.
- Joey Moi produced the track in addition to co-writing it, shaping the song's distinctive sound.
- "Cruise" became a crossover hit that introduced Florida Georgia Line to mainstream audiences and influenced country music production in the years that followed.
Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley's Role in Writing the Song
Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley founded Florida Georgia Line in 2010 and had already been writing songs together before "Cruise" came along. Both men grew up in rural areas—Hubbard in Georgia and Kelley in Florida—and their backgrounds shaped the song's themes about small-town life and outdoor activities.
As the band's primary songwriters, Hubbard and Kelley brought the core concept and lyrics to the table. The song's references to trucks, dirt roads, and summer nights reflected their own experiences. Their partnership with Moi and Rice in the writing room helped develop those ideas into a finished song that worked both as a country track and as something that could cross over to pop and hip-hop radio.
Joey Moi's Contribution as Co-Writer and Producer
Joey Moi is a Nashville-based songwriter and producer who has worked with numerous country artists. Beyond co-writing "Cruise," Moi also produced the track, meaning he shaped how the instruments, vocals, and overall sound came together in the recording studio.
Moi's production choices were crucial to the song's identity. He incorporated trap-influenced drums and a modern production style that made "Cruise" sound different from typical country radio songs of 2012. That production approach became a signature sound for Florida Georgia Line and influenced how other country artists approached their own recordings in the following years.
Jesse Rice's Songwriting Contribution
Jesse Rice, the fourth co-writer, is a Nashville songwriter who has worked on multiple country hits. His role in the "Cruise" writing session helped round out the song's structure and lyrical content. While Hubbard and Kelley brought the personal narrative, Rice contributed his experience as a professional songwriter to help shape the song into radio-ready form.
Rice's work on "Cruise" was part of a broader career writing country songs for various artists. His involvement in one of the decade's biggest country hits raised his profile in Nashville's songwriting community and led to more high-profile writing opportunities.
The Song's Release and Chart Success
"Cruise" was released on August 7, 2012, as the lead single from Florida Georgia Line's self-titled debut album. It entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and climbed steadily over the following months. By early 2013, it had reached number one, where it stayed for an extended run.
The song's success was unusual because it appealed to country radio, pop radio, and hip-hop audiences simultaneously. That broad appeal helped it accumulate over 200 million streams and become one of the most-played country songs of the 2010s. The track's longevity on the charts proved that the four writers had created something with lasting power.
How "Cruise" Influenced Country Music Production
The production style of "Cruise" became a template that other country artists and producers studied and imitated. The trap-influenced drums, the modern synth elements, and the overall sonic approach showed that country music could incorporate contemporary production techniques without losing its identity.
In the years after "Cruise," many country artists worked with producers who adopted similar approaches. The song demonstrated that there was an audience for country music that sounded modern and experimental, which opened doors for artists who wanted to push the genre's boundaries. The four writers and producer Joey Moi had created not just a hit song, but a blueprint that influenced the sound of country music for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Florida Georgia Line write "Cruise" entirely by themselves?
No. While Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley wrote the song, they worked with Joey Moi and Jesse Rice. All four names appear as co-writers on the official credits. Moi also served as the producer, which was a separate but equally important role in creating the final recording.
How long did "Cruise" stay at number one on the country charts?
The song spent 24 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making it one of the longest-running number-one country singles. That extended chart run reflected both radio support and continued listener interest over many months.
Was "Cruise" the first song Florida Georgia Line ever released?
Yes, "Cruise" was their debut single and the title track from their first album. The song's success launched the band's career and made them one of the most recognizable acts in modern country music.
Why did "Cruise" become so popular across different music genres?
The song's production style blended country with hip-hop and pop elements, which made it appealing to listeners who might not normally listen to country radio. The trap-influenced drums and modern production, combined with country lyrics and themes, created a crossover sound that worked on multiple radio formats.