Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins just released a new song on Friday (August 16) called “Hell Right.” The new song has sparked quite a bit of controversy regarding a line from the song.
The controversial line sung by Shelton goes, “Then the girl from the small town took off the ‘Old Town,’ put on a little Hank Jr.,” with Adkins adding, “Thank God.”
Many immediately took this as a jab towards Lil Nas X‘s mega-hit, “Old Town Road,” which also features Billy Ray Cyrus. The issue has picked up so much heat that Shelton issued a response to reporters from Variety.
A spokesperson for Shelton insists there was no intention of disrespecting Lil Nas X with the new song. “It’s absolutely not throwing any kind of shade at Lil Nas X at all,” they said. “Blake says this literally has nothing to do with anything at all except how much the song is played. It could have been ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ or any other (overplayed) song.”
The spokesperson then added that Shelton has been in contact with Billy Ray. “Blake talked to Billy Ray and he thought it was funny,” they said.
It’s not clear if Shelton also spoke directly to Lil Nas X about the song yet, but the rapper did respond on Twitter saying, “it don’t slap like old town road tho.” The tweet has since been deleted.
Lil Nas X has had quite the successful summer. “Old Town Road” just recently became the longest-running No. 1 song in history.
As for Shelton, he’s busy preparing for the new season of NBC’s The Voice. “Hell Right” follow up the success of his latest single, “God’s Country” and his appearance on Garth Brooks, “Dive Bar.”
