Chart-topping musician Lil Nas X has opened up about the success of his breakthrough song ‘Old Town Road’, citing “meme culture” as the reason behind the song’s popularity.
If you’ve been anywhere near a radio in the last few months, the chances are close to perfect that you’ve heard ‘Old Town Road’.
First released by Lil Nas X late in 2018, the track shot to popularity earlier this year and was soon met with controversy after it was removed from the Billboard Country Charts.
Just last week, the track managed to break the record for most weeks spent atop the Billboard singles chart, smashing the record set by Mariah Carey (and later matched by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee) and remaining at #1 to this day.
However, despite giving Nine Inch Nails their first-ever #1 hit in the process, the track continues to evolve and adapt, thanks in part to a number of remixes, and – according to Lil Nas X – “meme culture”.
Check out the original version of ‘Old Town Road’:
Speaking to GQ recently, Lil Nas X discussed the popularity of his song, noting how it has managed to exceed all expectations.
“It’d never have made it out there without the meme culture that embraced it,” Lil Nas X explained, referencing the track’s popularity on TikTok, and the amount of viral videos and memes that the track spawned. “That only really shone more of a spotlight on it.”
“I’m happy it’s become a part of so many people’s lives. Kids are going to grow up with that song and play it to remember these times, which makes me feel amazing,” he added, noting a fan even played the track at their funeral. “It was in the hearse with them, one last ride.”
Elsewhere, the musician noted that he’s not taking anything for granted, and how he really has no clue what the future holds for him.
Check out ‘Old Town Road’ by Lil Nas X:
