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Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus are trap, rock, country cowboys in the year’s biggest hit “Old Town Road.” The song has been sitting comfortably at Billboard’s Hot 100 No. 1 spot for more than 17 weeks, making it the longest-running song ever. Our editors are calling it now: this is going to be one of the biggest Halloween costumes of 2019. Here’s everything you need to know:
2019 Viral Sensation
Lil Nas X’s first single skyrocketed to popularity, thanks in part to the Generation Z popular social media app Tik Tok, after a dance number trended with the catchy beat.
The Atlanta-native shared his gratitude towards the song’s success in a lengthy Instagram post. The rapper writes, “last year in october, as a struggling artist starting to lose faith in what i could be, i went looking for beats on youtube. i remember clicking on so many generic sounding beats trying to find the right one for me. when suddenly i came across a country-trap sounding masterpiece. i immediately knew i would make something special out of it.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0gsS24F_9r/
When the 20-year-old partnered with country music legend Cyrus, the song garnered fans across a multitude of genres and age-ranges.
However, when “Old Town Road” hit the top spot on country music charts, Billboard faced pushback from people who didn’t believe the song fit the genre. So, Billboard removed the song from that listing, which caused debates about racial issues within the country music industry, as well as the stagnant nature of the genre.
Music is ever evolving, but when country artists push the envelope and experiment a blend of other types like pop or, now, even rap, they’re criticized for it.
After engaging in a few joking Twitter exchanges, Cyrus gave Lil Nas X a message of support following the removal that sparked even more controversy.
The country music legend had his own fair share of controversy in the industry by trying to blend pop music with country during his “Achy Breaky Heart” era.
“Been watching everything going on with OTR. When I got thrown off the charts, Waylon Jennings said to me “Take this as a compliment” means you’re doing something great! Only Outlaws are outlawed. Welcome to the club!” Cyrus wrote.
https://twitter.com/billyraycyrus/status/1113531625336385536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1113531625336385536&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ozy.com%2Fneed-to-know%2Fhow-lil-nas-x-and-billy-ray-cyrus-stretched-the-limits-of-country-music%2F93743
Shortly after the tweets, the music video would surface with the likes of comedian Chris Rock and Cyrus himself. Thus, the country-trap-rocker outfit was born.
The video has over 265 million views and is nominated for multiple MTV Music Video Awards. Up there with the likes of Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X has some of the most nominations at the awards show on August 26.
The video is up for Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Music Video (Hip-Hop), Best Direction, and Best Art Direction among others. Lil Nas X, himself, is up for Best New Artist.
The new artist has paired up with the Cyrus family, including singer/song-writer Miley Cyrus, who have been supremely supportive of the young rapper.
Social media yodeling sensation Mason Ramsey is also a huge fan, and the two sang a duet for all of the former Disney star’s 97 million followers to see. The yodeling champion has his own remix of the song, in which he is featured singing an altered, age-appropriate verse.
With the incredible success of the song, it’s no wonder fans will want to recreate the iconic, extravagant Western ensemble. It may take some crafting to recreate the custom cowboy suit the rapper sports, but, as long as you have “Wranglers on my booty” you’ve got the look nailed.
How To Make It:
Horse
And don't forget the horse tack attached!
Shop now: Qaba Ride On Horse Toy
Black Cowboy Hat
"Hat is matte black," is one of the first things we learn in the song about Lil Nas X's outfit. You can get away with just wearing a regular black one--it does not have to be matte. Also, it does not have to be Gucci, like the song says.
Shop now: Lisianthus Men & Women's Felt Wide Brim Western Cowboy Hat ($14.99)
Black Cowboy Boots
Of course since Lil Nas X raps that he has, "Got the boots that's black to match," your costume has to include a pair of black boots. We like this affordable pair because authentic cowboy boots can be very pricey.
Shop now: Canyon Trails Women's Classic Pointed Toe Embroidered Western Rodeo Cowboy Boots ($39.99)
Wrangler Jeans
You'll need a pair of Wrangler jeans on your booty--that's a no-brainer. And we like how this classic black pair can be worn long after Halloween is over.
Wrangler Women's Bootcut Jean ($39)
Black Western Shirt
Complete the look with a matching black Western shirt--also from Wrangler!
Wrangler® Long Sleeve One Point Front And Back Yokes Solid Top ($39)
Black Fringe Jacket
In the official music video, Lil Nas X is rocking an amazing embellished fringe jacket--and this faux suede one will be perfect.
Shop now: ASMAX HaoDuoYi Womens Faux Suede Leather Tassel Biker Crop Jacket ($25.99)
Epaulets
To fake the embellishments on Lil Nas X's fringe jacket, just grab some epaulets Like a rhinestone cowboy!
1pair Beaded Rhinestones Blazer Epaulet Kpop Fringe Tassel Metal ($8.99)
Money Bag
In the first ten seconds of the video, you see Lil Nas X riding on his horse clutching a bag of money tightly. This "Bank Money Bag" looks exactly like the one in the video:
Halloween Costumes Bank Money Bag ($9.99)
Rose Patches
6 Pack Flower Patches, Iron On Rose Patches, Sew On Applique Patch ($9.99)
Diamond Ring
Halloween Costumes Costume Diamond Ring ($3.99)
Oversized Sunglasses
Shop now:GRFISIA Square Oversized Sunglasses for Women Men Flat Top Fashion Shades ($10.99 )
Studded Belt
Ladies Fashion Studded Western Crystal Berry Rhinestone Bling Cowgirl Leather Belt ($18.95)
