Billy Ray Cyrus Gifts Lil Nas X Some Country Yeehawthenticity by Appearing On 'Old Town Road' Remix

Lil Nas X has gone through several hoops in recent weeks involving his breakout single "Old Town Road" and its yeehawthenticity to its nation sound. The tune's composed with all the modern trappings of a nation record in 2019 save for the fact that there's some trunk-rattling bass backing up the horse references. While it's been a divisive road of acceptance by Billboard charts and fans alike, there's one individual who does get it – Billy Ray Cyrus. The legendary nation singer gets it so much case in point that he's appeared on the song's official remix. Plus it makes for a rootin', tootin', good time, one anchored by Cyrus' absurdly energetic vocals.





What makes nation music? Is it rural accents and cowboy imagery? Is it the long, prolonged feeling of the sun slowly folding into the sky that its music routinely brings? Lil Nas X's breakout song "Old Town Road" has these things although was removed from Billboard's Hot Nation chart soon after hitting number 19. "Upon further review, it was decided that ‘Old Town Road’ by Lil Nas X does not currently merit inclusion on Billboard's nation charts,” the publication mentioned in a statement. “When determining genres, a number of factors are examined, although first and foremost is musical composition. While ‘Old Town Road’ incorporates references to nation and cowboy imagery, it does not embrace enough elements of today's nation music to chart in its current version.”


Cyrus was one of the initial nation stars to embrace Lil Nas X following his chart removal. “When I got thrown off the charts, Waylon Jennings mentioned to me ‘Take this as a compliment’ means you’re doing something fantastic! Only Outlaws are outlawed. Welcome to the club!" The nation legend tweeted to the young hopeful. He then extended his hand by appearing on the remix.


And what an appearance it is. Cyrus' grandiose voice is light and clashes with the foreboding production that blends elements of trap rap and the nation genre that Lil Nas X is a piece of. The nation legend takes control of the chorus with a lively chant of "Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road/I'm gonna ride 'til I can't no more." He then sings of material possessions, Maserati cars and diamond rings, and brings a mad energy. It's apparent that Lil Nas X is just coming into the nation experience while Cyrus, a veteran to the lifestyle, has moved onto more material things and wants to take a step back. No matter what genre this song falls into, it's brilliant.


Listen to the genre-bending "Old Town Road" remix up above.