Lil Nas X currently holds the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his surprise hit “Old Town Road.” But though the song is dripping with country twang, you won’t find it anywhere on the country charts. That’s because Billboard removed it, on the grounds of not having enough “musical elements” of country—a move that in turn left many wondering if the vanishing had something to do with Lil Nas X, a black artist, venturing into a field dominated by white musicians. We dig deep into the history and musical matter of “Old Town Road,” then pit it against other country hits to test its deep fried bonafides.
Songs Discussed
Lil Nas X - Old Town Road
Nine Inch Nails - 34 Ghosts IV
Beba Rexa - Mean to Be (feat. Florida Georgia Line)
Kelsea Ballerini - Miss You More
Sam Hunt - Speakers / Ghetto Cowboy - Bone Thugz N' Harmony
Filmore - Love That About You 
Lil Nas X - Old Town Road (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus) 
Mason Ramsey - Walmart Yodeling Kid

Hank Williams - Love Sick Blues
Emmett Miller & His Georgia Crackers - Lock Sick Blues 


Other Links
Tanya Texas Tucker's list of Black artists and their collaborations with country stars
Jezebel interview with Bri Malandro, originator of the "Yee Haw Agenda"





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