Why Billy Ray Cyrus Singing on “Old Town Road” is the Best Thing I’ve Seen on My Timeline All Week

In what’s felt like the saddest week of 2019 after the tragic death of rapper, entrepreneur, and activist Nipsey Hussle, I came across something on my timeline that honestly made me crack a hard smile for the first time all week.

A video emerged of legendary country singer Billy Ray Cyrus in the studio with up-and-coming, music sensation Lil Nas X working on a remix to “Old Town Road.” Now, for those of you who don’t know, Lil Nas X’s song “Old Town Road,” — a funky blend of country twang and trap drums — debuted on both Billboard’s Hot Country and Hot R&B/Hip Hop. Last month, as the song continued to climb the charts, Billboard removed it from its Hot Country list for not embracing “enough elements of today’s country music…” Billboard released a statement to Rolling Stone:

Even Ronnie Milsap could read between the lines here! Not to mention country music’s rocky history with black artists.

I’m not a musical expert, but “Old Town Road” sounds like a cross over into country to me. Nonetheless, the Billboard removal stirred up its fair share of controversy. Which is why it was just downright heartwarming to see a legend in country music collab with a new artist who was pushed out and rejected.

Plus, let’s be real. His daughter Miley jumped into hip hop head first. Although she’s no stranger to musical controversy (see here and here) she was never excluded or rejected from the hip hop community. Let me be clear, Miley sabotaged herself with her ridiculous antics and being totally tone deaf. But, her music was never removed from Billboard charts and it was still played on hip hop radio stations across the country.

Music is free flowing and always evolving. Some music crosses multiple genres and that’s ok! Check out the “Old Town Road” remix below and let us know what you think about the song.