Billboard removes rapper Lil Nas X from country chart

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.