Lil Nas X - Old Town Road: Blog task
Background and cultural contexts
Read this Vox feature and podcast transcript on Lil Nas X and Old Town Road. Make sure you read the whole thing - including the podcast transcript - then answer the following questions:
1) What is the big debate regarding Old Town Road and genre?
When the song was released, it initially charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, but it was later removed by Billboard for not embracing enough elements of today's country music. This decision sparked a controversy and led to discussions about the boundaries of musical genres, particularly country music.
Many people, including Lil Nas X himself, argued that "Old Town Road" should be considered a country song due to its prominent country music elements and themes. They believed that the decision to remove the song from the country chart was influenced by factors such as Lil Nas X's race and the song's association with hip-hop.
2) What do you learn about the background of Lil Nas X and Old Town Road from the podcast transcript?
Lil Nas X, a 20-year-old rapper hailing from Atlanta, originally known as Montero Hill, adopted the stage name "Lil Nas X." In late December last year, he ventured into the music scene by joining SoundCloud, a popular platform for aspiring artists. During this time, he released a track titled "Old Town Road." Interestingly, Lil Nas X purchased a beat that featured a country-like instrumental, which resonated with him. Inspired by a sense of being a solitary cowboy, he decided to merge that sentiment with the purchased beat, creating a unique musical fusion.
3) What is the Yeehaw agenda?
The "Yeehaw agenda" is a cultural movement that emerged in 2019, celebrating the fusion of country aesthetics and black culture. It aims to challenge traditional stereotypes in country music and promote diversity and inclusion. The movement gained momentum with the release of Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," which blended country and hip-hop elements. The Yeehaw agenda seeks to highlight the presence and contributions of black artists within country music, redefining cultural boundaries and calling for a more inclusive industry. It has inspired fashion trends, artwork, and cultural appreciation, showcasing the creativity and diversity within country and Western aesthetics.
4) How did the story become a debate about race in America?
An African American artist in the United States incorporates predominantly white music styles into his own music, only to find out that his song is quietly removed from Billboard, a powerful and influential organisation. When Genius contacted Billboard regarding this issue, they claimed that the removal had nothing to do with the artist's race but was instead due to the song lacking enough country elements. This incident sparked a debate surrounding the motivations behind the decision.
5) How does Charlie Harding sum up the whole thing in the final part of the podcast transcript?
Institutions like Billboard appear unsettled by the idea that genre classification is being influenced by individuals outside their organisation. The artist believes that nowadays, people's listening habits are driven by mood rather than strict genre categorisation, challenging the conventional significance of these generic labels. This shift in perspective is reshaping the way music charts and determines where songs ultimately land.
Now read this Salon feature on Lil Nas X and LGBTQ+ identity. Answer the following questions:
1) How did Lil Nas X announce his sexuality on social media?
In June 2019, Lil Nas X made a public announcement about his sexuality on social media. He tweeted a message encouraging his followers to listen closely to his song "C7osure" before the month ended, along with a rainbow emoji representing LGBTQ+ pride. This tweet served as his way of expressing his identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, receiving support and admiration from fans and the LGBTQ+ community at large.
2) Why does the article describe Old Town Road as 'genre-blurring'?
Lil Nas X's breakout hit skilfully blended elements of hip hop and country music, resonating with fans from both genres. In addition to his musical achievement, his public announcement of his sexuality holds significance within both the hip hop and country communities.
3) How has country music demonstrated the social change taking place in American culture and society?
The year 2014 marked a significant moment for LGBTQ news within the realm of country music. It coincided with a larger societal and political transformation towards increased acceptance and support. By 2014, approximately 70 percent of the U.S. population resided in states where same-sex marriage had been legalised. The following year, in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated all state bans, effectively establishing marriage equality as the legal standard across the nation. This period served as a pivotal time for LGBTQ-related developments in country music and highlighted the broader progression towards equality and exclusivity.
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