The crossbreeding of country and rap on Cowboy Troy’s 2005 debut, Loco Motive, was an intriguing idea hampered by the fact that this self-proclaimed “hick-hopper” didn’t seem to have much to say—there’s only so many ways to tell folks you’re going to get the party started. Black in the Saddle adds a little more steak to the sizzle, as Troy addresses a broader and deeper range of subject matter. Reflective tracks like “Man With the Microphone” and the startling “How Can You Hate Me?” earn Troy the right to start that party elsewhere on the album.