Lil Nas X's Wrangler Collaboration Sparks Outrage Among “True Cowboys”
Earlier this month, Lil Nas X released his banger “Old Town Road,” shortly thereafter announcing a fashion collaboration with heritage denim brand Wrangler on a collection inspired by a line from the hit song, "Wrangler on my booty". Wrangler, which is headquartered in North Carolina, has long been a denim mainstay for folks who love a country aesthetic. Unfortunately, now some so-called “real” country music fans are in their feelings about the Wrangler's partnership with the rapper, and have pledged to boycott the brand.
“Old Town Road” detractors have taken to Wrangler’s social media to protest the collaboration. Fans feel that the collaboration somehow devalues the beloved brand’s legacy, because it partnered with a rapper — who is, of course, not seen as “authentically” country. Never mind that Wrangler is supporting new, young talent. “This makes me not want to buy wrangler jeans anymore tbh, the cowboy spirit is nothing to be made fun of,” wrote Instagram user @jc_bennett. “Wrangler is my favorite pant, and you just had to go and ruin it with old town road,” wrote @logan.waldron.
The line includes t-shirts with “Old Town Country” lyrics, as well as denim pieces with sunset designs and shorts that say “Wrangler” across the butt area. It’s cute! We love it, and it’s a shame that folks are boycotting the entire brand over a disagreement with these pieces.
So, where does this criticism stem from? Lil Nas X has been accused of not “deserving” his overnight success as a musician, arguing that the rapper should stay in his lane. But although there’s plenty of Black country musicians, they still struggle for acceptance and visibility in the industry. Hip-hop is historically diametrically at odds with country, because, you know, America has a history of racism. Still, we’d also like to point out that Kid Rock was also a country rapper, and never received the kind of backlash that Lil Nas X is currently experiencing. We’re not accusing any of Wrangler boycotters of racism, just pointing out the historical backdrop of the controversy.
Lil Nas X himself responded to the boycott with a simple tweet, writing “Y’all really boycotting Wrangler?? Is it that deep?” It’s not that deep — the denim pieces are awesome, and that should be the only thing that matters.
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
