PHOTOSLil Nas X Can’t Believe ‘Old Town Road’ Is The Longest-Running No. 1 Song On Billboard Chart
July 30 2019, Updated 8:01 p.m. ET
Lil Nas X rode his horse to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. “Old Town Road” became the longest-running number one single in its 17th consecutive week.
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In an emoji-laced Instagram update on July 29, the rapper, 20, spoke about his journey to the top of the chart. The post included a clip of him recording with Billy Ray Cyrus and screenshots of headlines that documented the song's rise.
“Last year in October, as a struggling artist starting to lose faith in what I could be, I went looking for beats on YouTube,” he began his lengthy post.
The artist was living at his sister’s house and struggled to find inspiration. “I remember clicking on so many generic sounding beats trying to find the right one for me, “Lil Nas X recalled. “When suddenly I came across a country-trap sounding masterpiece. I immediately knew I would make something special out of it.”
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Lil Nas X said that once he figured out the right lyrics to go along with the beat, he knew he had a song to create. He recorded “Old Town Road” and put it out the same day.
“Did I know it would become the longest running number 1 song of all time? NO! But I am so thankful that this blessing has been placed upon me,” he shared. “This song has changed my life and the way I see the world around me in less than a year.”
“Thank you to every single person who has been apart of this journey. As I said before, it’s just the beginning!” Lil Nas X finished.
“Old Town Road” surpassed the songs “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, along with “Despacito” by Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi and Justin Bieber, which both lasted 16 weeks at No. 1.
