Nashville powerhouse Jacob Hackworth has released his highly anticipated third single, “Bad As I Do,” as a final “holiday gift” to fans following a massive breakout year. Produced by Daniel Ross, the track begins with a somber, lonesome acoustic guitar before blossoming into a chorus defined by angelic harmonies and contemporary beats. The song has already become a staple of Hackworth’s live set, serving as his regular show closer due to the visceral reaction it garners from audiences. Hackworth, who co-wrote the track with hitmakers Jessie Jo Dillon and Chris Tompkins, describes the writing process as a soulful, “open book” experience that captured the yearning and self-destruction of a “tumble troublemaker” with a soft spot.
While 2025 marked his debut as a solo artist, Hackworth has already cemented his legacy as one of country music’s most dominant songwriters, contributing to over one billion streams this year alone. His credits include Bailey Zimmerman’s multi-week No. 1 “Rock And A Hard Place,” several tracks on Jelly Roll’s Grammy-nominated Beautifully Broken, and six songs on Tucker Wetmore’s gold-certified debut. Following a standing ovation at his Ryman debut and being named a “2026 Artist to Watch” by Country Now, Hackworth is poised for a major 2026. He is set to join Tucker Wetmore and Dasha on the “Brunette World Tour” starting in February, coinciding with a slate of new music and a major career announcement.