Background and cultural contexts
Read this Vox feature and podcast transcript on Lil Nas X and Old Town Road. Make sure you read the whole thing - including the podcast transcript - then answer the following questions:
1) What is the big debate regarding Old Town Road and genre?
The debate is about whether Old Town Road is country music. It was removed from the country charts for not fitting the genre. However, many argue it blends country and hip-hop, so it should count.
2) What do you learn about the background of Lil Nas X and Old Town Road from the podcast transcript?
Lil Nas X was unknown before the song. He bought the beat online and made it himself. The song became popular through TikTok and memes.
3) What is the Yeehaw agenda?
The Yeehaw agenda is an online movement celebrating Black cowboys. It challenges the idea that country culture is only white. It also highlights real Black cowboy history.
4) How did the story become a debate about race in America?
The issue became about race when the song was removed from the charts. Some people believed this was due to racial bias. It started a wider discussion about race in country music.
5) How does Charlie Harding sum up the whole thing in the final part of the podcast transcript?
Charlie Harding says genre is not fixed. He explains that audiences now influence music more than the industry. The song shows how genres can change.
Now read this Salon feature on Lil Nas X and LGBTQ+ identity. Answer the following questions:
1) How did Lil Nas X announce his sexuality on social media?
Lil Nas X came out on Twitter. He hinted at his sexuality through his song C7osure. It was a subtle announcement.
2) Why does the article describe Old Town Road as 'genre-blurring'?
The song is genre-blurring because it mixes hip-hop and country. It does not fit one clear category. This makes it unique.
3) How has country music demonstrated the social change taking place in American culture and society?
Country music is becoming more diverse. More Black and LGBTQ+ artists are visible. This reflects wider social change.
Old Town Road textual analysis
Watch the video again and answer the following questions. Use your notes from our in-class analysis to help you:
1) How are narrative features used in the music video? Apply narrative theory here.
The video follows a simple story from past to present. It starts in a Western setting and moves to modern life. This fits Todorov’s narrative theory.
2) What examples of genre conventions and intertextuality can you find in the video?
The video uses Western elements like horses and cowboys. It also references Western films. These are mixed with hip-hop video styles.
3) How are technical codes used to create meanings in the video? Analyse camerawork, editing and mise-en-scene and make specific reference to moments in the video.
The camerawork follows the action, especially horse riding. The editing is fast and matches the music. Costume and setting contrast the past and present.
4) How are representations of race and ethnicity constructed in the video?
The video shows Black cowboys. This challenges stereotypes. It shows a more accurate version of history.
5) What other representations can you find in the video? You may wish to comment on gender, sexuality or America/American culture.
Masculinity is shown as confident and stylish. The video also shows wealth and success. It reflects modern American culture.
Old Town Road Media Factsheet
Finally, read Media Factsheet #262 - Old Town Road. You'll need to log in to Google using your Greenford Google account to access this. Read the factsheet and answer the following questions:
1) Who are the celebrities that appear in cameos in the video?
Billy Ray Cyrus, Diplo, Youngkio, Chris Rock
2) Choose three of the key terms defined on the first page of the factsheet and write the definitions here. Focus on terms you are unfamiliar with.
Intertextuality means referencing other texts. Hybrid genre means mixing genres. Hyperreality means an exaggerated reality.
3) How did Lil Nas X use social media to boost his own popularity and the success of the video?
Lil Nas X used TikTok and memes to promote the song. This helped it go viral. He also interacted with fans online.
4) Look at the video analysis on page 3. What conventions of the western can be found in the video?
The video includes cowboys, horses, and gun fights. It also shows saloons. These are typical Western features.
5) How does the video begin?
The video begins with a Western chase scene. This sets the genre immediately.
6) What does the factsheet suggest regarding the modern-day part of the video?
The modern part shows wealth and fame. It contrasts with the Western setting. It highlights success.
7) How can the video be read as a reinforcement of capitalism and the American dream?
The video shows a rise from nothing to success. This reflects the American Dream. It suggests anyone can succeed.
8) How does the factsheet suggest the video creates a hyperreality?
The video includes unrealistic elements like time travel. It creates a stylised version of reality.
9) How is masculinity represented in the video?
Masculinity is shown as stylish and confident. It is not aggressive. It feels more modern.
10) Look at the final page. What theories are suggested for this CSP and which do you think are the most useful?
Theories include postmodernism and representation theory. These help explain genre mixing and identity. They are the most useful.
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