EPISODE #112

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.

MORE

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”

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