Lil Nas X, Rodeo (Remix) | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winner Lil Nas X trades out fellow Grammy winner Cardi B for the legendary Nas on the remix of his banger, “Rodeo.”

Lil Nas X had a great year in 2019, period.  The biggest part of that year was “Old Town Road” – quite the ubiquitous gem.  Even so, while X’s debut EP, 7 wasn’t my favorite project, it had some winning moments. Aside from “Old Town Road,” other gems included the Grammy-nominated record, “Panini,” and “Rodeo.” The original version of “Rodeo” featured Cardi B.  A new remix pairs Lil Nas with the legendary Nas, as in Nasir Jones.

Much of the “Rodeo” remix retains the excellence of the original.  That starts with superb, colorful production by Take A Daytrip (“Daytrip took it to ten”), Russ Chell, and Roy Lenzo. Notably, there are some additions and adjustments to the production, specifically toward the end, during Nas’ verse and beyond. Beginning with the main attraction (Lil Nas X), “Rodeo,” within the context of 7, revisits the countrified sensibilities of “Old Town Road.” Nas X’s ‘bread is buttered’ with his melodic approach, shining on the first verse, particularly when he sings, “I’ma take you from this party, we might go and have some sex / Or we do that later on, now we lit like cigarettes.” That said, the chorus shimmers, giving off some Kid Cudi vibes:

“Oh, here we go, please let me know
Oh, ‘fore you go, don’t leave me in the cold.”

Of course, with a remix, you often judge by how the featured artist fits.  In this case, while Nas wouldn’t be an expected collaborator for Lil Nas X, he does a pretty nice job.  This isn’t the most prodigious verse by the legend, but the flow is compelling, and he drops some memorable lines. Some of my favorites? “Grown man, but when the Henny hit / I might Milly Rock, then get up off it” and  of course the colorful, if silly ending of his verse, “Rodeo or Rodeo / Ho-folio is so player / Tomato or tomato / Nas X or Big Nas, this shit ride.”

Final Thoughts

Lil Nas X is definitely enjoying riding the wave.  “Rodeo (Remix)” is another prime example, trading out Cardi B for Nas.  Recycling musically can become stale pretty quick, but “Rodeo” is still relatively fresh by my estimations.

Lil Nas X • “Rodeo (Remix)” (Ft. Nas) – Single • Columbia • Release: 1.27.20

Photo Credit: Columbia