Pop, rock and rap's born-again cowboys and girls

MSN Music

Call it crossover in reverse: A growing rank of pop, rock and rap stars are going country, tapping into Nashville's current prominence on the charts, not to mention radio, reality TV and elsewhere in the pop zeitgeist. Whatever clear musical boundaries once defined the music are more blurred than ever, making it even trickier to say where pop stops and country opens wide. Whether lured to Music Row by inspiration or the prospect of commercial salvation, the latest country converts -- Kevin Costner, Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson and more -- are eager to embrace their inner cowboy (or girl).