Lil Nas X looks to shock the world with the release of “7.”

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TOP 3

3. RODEO

If you would’ve told me two years ago that one of the most anticipated collaborations of 2019 would be between Lil Nas X and Cardi B, I would’ve called the cops on you.

I’m sure you heard about the controversy behind “Old Town Road” by now. To give you a quick refresh, Billboard removed the viral hit from the country music charts because they thought it didn’t represent the genre well enough. Well, such bulls**t was met with backlash, and rightfully so, because in my opinion, the song has plenty of country music elements attached to it. In “Rodeo,” Lil Nas X lets the world know that country music truly is in his roots, as he was able to create this interesting tune that relies on hickory accents and an instrumental that sounds like it was made by a tandem of Clint Eastwood and Metro Boomin’. Is the track one of the best songs you’ve ever heard in your life? No, but I do think it is the perfect ‘In your face’ track to people that thought X was trying to disrespect the country music genre.

Cardi B is featured on “Rodeo,” and as expected, she ends up owning that s**t. On her lone verse, she gives us something brash, carefree and outlandish, literally coming across like a Cowboy’s ratchet girlfriend that puts rims on forklifts and eats chicken noodle soup out of Western boots.

I can see this song pissing off country music fans more than “Old Town Road.”

2. PANINI

Lil Nas X’s name will forever be linked to “Old Town Road” — that doesn’t mean he won’t get his opportunities to prove to the world that he is more than a one-hit wonder. With the release of “Panini,” Horse Boy finally gets a chance to spread his wings, and the end-result is an infectious banger that has our guy doing everything but giving off country vibes.

I actually enjoy “Panini” a lot! It’s daring, catchy, and most importantly, it showcases Lil Nas X’s ability to create a vulnerable hip-hop track. While I am confused at what ‘Panini’ means to the grand scheme of the song (Even after listening to it), I respect X’s willingness to come across as both a fat ass and a Kurt Cobain fan (Lil Nas X said he was inspired by Kurt Cobain during the making of this song; I am assuming he was also inspired by a f**king ham and turkey panini from Panera).

Lil Nas X should be writing “I told you so” to literally every naysayer’s Twitter right now.

1. OLD TOWN ROAD

Whether you like it or not, “Old Town Road” will go down as a classic song. At first, I thought the song was a joke, especially after I heard X use a country accent on his verses, but as time went by, I began to appreciate it for its uniqueness, highly catchy hook and fun vibes. While the chances of Lil Nas X creating a song that tops this one is slim, I do think it’s refreshing to see a completely random individual like him top the billboard charts. I guess America still is the land of opportunity.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. OLD TOWN ROAD (REMIX) (5/5)

2. PANINI (3/5)

3. F9MILY (YOU & ME) (2.5/5)

4. KICK IT (2.5/5)

5. RODEO (3/5)

6. BRING YOU DOWN (2.5/5)

7. C7OSURE (YOU LIKE) (2/5)

8. OLD TOWN ROAD (5/5)

OVERALL RATING

(D+)

Lil Nas X’s rise to fame is one of the most heartwarming stories music has seen in years. To me, it is pretty inspirational to see a random artist gain fame by trying to fit out in an industry that loves putting people in boxes. With that being said, as a reviewer, I need to be real with you guys, and the fact of the matter is this project is below average. Don’t get me wrong, I love “Old Town Road” like the next person does, but when the dust settles, all the other songs on this “7” EP is sloppily done, amateur-sounding and poor lyrically.  Does Lil Nas X show star qualities here and there? I think so, especially when it comes to his willingness to try a bunch of different sounds, but when it’s all said and done, he needs serious refinement, tutoring and a real direction. Instead of bashing him, I say we applaud him for how far he has been able to come, and if possible, we should welcome him into the real-deal music industry with open arms.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.