Old Town (song)

"Old Town Road" is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X, first released independently in December 2018. After gaining popularity on the social media app TikTok, the song was re-released by Columbia Records in March 2019. It achieved widespread commercial success, breaking numerous records.

The song blends elements of country and hip hop, a combination sometimes referred to as "country trap." This unusual fusion sparked debate about its genre classification, leading to its initial removal from Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, a decision that generated significant controversy and accusations of racial bias.

Despite the genre dispute, "Old Town Road" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks, becoming the longest-running number-one song in the chart's history (a record later tied by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day," and then surpassed by Morgan Wallen's "Last Night"). It has been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying sales and streams of over 10 million units.

Numerous remixes of the song were released, including a popular version featuring country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. These remixes further contributed to its success and appeal across diverse audiences. The song's success launched Lil Nas X into mainstream fame, and it is considered one of the most significant and influential songs of the 2010s, impacting the music industry and the definition of genre boundaries.