Breaking barriers: black artists making waves in country music

For musician and rapper Lil Nas X, five years after releasing Old Town Road, it’s still his most talked-about track.

Chart-Topping Success and Controversy

Lil Nas X‘s country-trap hit, “Old Town Road,” has made history by spending a staggering 19 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

However, its exclusion from the US country music charts upon its 2019 release ignited heated debate. Despite Billboard’s assertion that the song lacked key elements of contemporary country music, some critics argued that race played a role in its exclusion.

A Shift in the Country Music Landscape

The landscape of country music has seen a notable shift in recent years, with black artists making significant strides. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” made headlines by spending 10 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, breaking barriers in the genre. 

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Shortly after, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” claimed the top spot, further challenging preconceived notions about who belongs in country music.

Lil Nas X’s Perspective

Reflecting on the success of fellow black artists in the genre, Lil Nas X expresses happiness for their achievements while also acknowledging his own feelings of missed opportunity. 

Despite his groundbreaking success with “Old Town Road,” he laments not experiencing similar recognition within the country music realm.

Exploring Country Sounds

Despite his initial exclusion from the country music charts, Lil Nas X reveals that he has been experimenting with country sounds in his music over the past few years.

However, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating that he wants to feel genuinely connected to the genre rather than forcing it.

From Online Sensation to Touring Artist

Lil Nas X’s journey from online sensation to touring artist is documented in the new film, “Long Live Montero.” The documentary captures his struggles with transitioning to live performances, grappling with feelings of impostor syndrome as he navigates the stage for the first time. 

Despite the adoration of thousands of fans, he grapples with the surreal experience of performing live compared to his online interactions.

As black artists continue to challenge norms and carve out their space in country music, their contributions serve as a testament to the genre’s evolving identity and inclusivity.