Kristin M. Hall
This undated image provided by Columbia Records shows rapper Lil Nas X, whose viral hit “Old Town Road” was removed from Billboard's country charts because they said it wasn’t country enough. (Eric Lagg/Courtesy of Columbia Records via AP)
March 28, 2019 - 2:23 PM
NASHVILLE - Billboard has told rapper Lil Nas X to take his horse and giddy up by removing his viral hit "Old Town Road" from their country charts because they said it wasn't country enough.
The song became a dance meme and features references to the video game "Red Dead Redemption 2," and plenty of cowboy imagery in its lyrics, but also a trap beat.
In a story first reported by Rolling Stone, Billboard said in a statement the song "does not embrace enough elements of today's country music." Representatives for Lil Nas X did not immediately have a statement on Thursday.
Critics suggested the rapper was being singled out because pop crossover songs are routinely included on country charts, but Billboard says race was not a factor.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019