5 Ways 'This Is How We Roll' Defined An Era: The Untold Legacy Of FGL And Luke Bryan In 2025
The song "This Is How We Roll" by Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan is more than just a 5x Platinum hit; it is a cultural artifact that perfectly encapsulated the "bro-country" movement of the 2010s. Released in 2014, the track became an anthem for a generation, blending country themes with hip-hop production elements, a sound that dominated radio and defined the careers of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. Now, over a decade later in December 2025, the song's legacy is being re-examined as the former duo members forge successful, yet distinct, solo paths, proving that the spirit of their biggest hits still rolls on in new ways.
Its enduring popularity, even after the duo's split, highlights its importance. The song, a key track on FGL's sophomore album, *Anything Goes*, won the Vocal Event of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, cementing its place in country music history. This deep dive explores the making of the track, its massive impact, and how its creators are shaping the future of country music today.
The Architects of Bro-Country: Florida Georgia Line's Full Biography
Florida Georgia Line (FGL) was a country music duo founded in 2010, rising to global fame with their groundbreaking, genre-bending sound. The duo officially went on hiatus, allowing both members to pursue solo careers, which are highly active in late 2025.
Tyler Hubbard (The Georgia Half)
- Full Name: Tyler Reed Hubbard
- Born: January 31, 1987
- Hometown: Monroe, Georgia
- FGL Role: Lead Vocals, Songwriter
- Education: Met Brian Kelley while attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where they were part of a campus worship group.
- Solo Career (2025 Update): Signed to EMI Nashville (now MCA), he released his self-titled debut solo album in early 2023. His latest single, "Park," is currently active on country radio, and he is scheduled for a major tour throughout 2025.
Brian Kelley (The Florida Half)
- Full Name: Brian Edward Kelley
- Born: August 26, 1985
- Hometown: Ormond Beach, Florida
- FGL Role: Background Vocals, Songwriter, Guitar
- Education: Also attended Belmont University, where his partnership with Hubbard began.
- Solo Career (2025 Update): Kelley has embraced his Florida roots, releasing the album *Sunshine State Of Mind* and his debut solo album *Tennessee Truth*. His latest single, "See You Next Summer," highlights his endless summer vibe, and he is actively touring, including major performances like the Flora-Bama Tent in 2025.
The Anatomy of a 5x Platinum Anthem: 'This Is How We Roll' Deep Dive
The success of "This Is How We Roll" was no accident; it was a strategically crafted song that capitalized on the momentum of FGL’s breakout hit, "Cruise." The track was a perfect storm of star power, innovative production, and relatable lyrical themes that spoke directly to a massive youth audience.
1. The Unexpected Songwriting Dream Team
The song’s creation involved an impressive lineup of country music heavyweights. It was co-written by FGL members Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, along with the legendary Luke Bryan and future country star Cole Swindell. This collaboration was a significant moment, bringing together the two biggest acts in the "bro-country" genre at the time. Swindell and Bryan, who were close friends and frequent collaborators, helped craft the track, which features the signature themes of trucks, backroads, and late-night parties.
2. Joey Moi's Signature Genre-Bending Production
The distinctive sound of "This Is How We Roll," characterized by heavy beats, vocal effects, and a rock-infused edge, is credited to producer Joey Moi. Moi, who also produced "Cruise," was the key architect of the "bro-country" sound. His production style seamlessly married traditional country storytelling with modern pop and hip-hop techniques, which was highly controversial but undeniably successful. The track's rhythmic structure and vocal layering set it apart from traditional country music, making it a staple at parties and sporting events.
3. The Commercial Juggernaut and Award Recognition
The song’s commercial performance was staggering. It quickly achieved 5x Platinum status, a testament to its massive digital sales and streaming numbers. It dominated the charts, becoming one of FGL's six total Hot Country Songs toppers, following their unprecedented success with "Cruise." Beyond sales, the track earned critical acclaim within the industry, securing the coveted Vocal Event of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, recognizing the powerful and commercially successful collaboration between FGL and Luke Bryan.
The Enduring Legacy in 2025: From Duo to Solo Powerhouses
As of late 2025, the narrative surrounding Florida Georgia Line has shifted from a powerhouse duo to two highly successful solo artists. However, the foundation laid by hits like "This Is How We Roll" continues to influence their individual careers and the broader country landscape.
4. The Solo Careers Carrying the Torch
The spirit of the FGL sound is evident in the solo work of both Hubbard and Kelley, albeit with their own unique twists. Tyler Hubbard’s solo material, such as his single "Park" and his debut album, maintains a polished, radio-friendly sound, focusing on themes of family and personal growth while retaining the rhythmic elements FGL pioneered. Conversely, Brian Kelley’s music, particularly his latest single "See You Next Summer," leans heavily into a coastal, laid-back vibe, reflecting his Florida roots and the beach-party atmosphere often associated with the FGL lifestyle. The split has allowed them to explore musical facets that were perhaps constrained within the duo, yet the commercial savvy and production quality of "This Is How We Roll" remains a blueprint for their individual success.
5. The Bro-Country Retrospective and Cultural Impact
In 2025, country music is undergoing a critical retrospective on the "bro-country" era, and "This Is How We Roll" is a central piece of that discussion. Critics and fans acknowledge that while the subgenre was often polarizing, it brought millions of new, younger listeners to country music. The song's fusion of genres paved the way for the current generation of country artists who seamlessly blend pop, rock, and hip-hop influences without the same level of controversy. The track is now recognized not just as a party anthem, but as a pivotal moment that forced the industry to evolve, proving that a high-energy, crossover sound could achieve Diamond-selling status and redefine the commercial ceiling for country artists.
Ultimately, "This Is How We Roll" remains a towering monument to a specific time in country music. Its success allowed Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley to become the superstars they are today, and its sound continues to echo through the modern country landscape, proving that this is, indeed, how they roll—both together and apart.
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