What is the title of Lil Nas X's debut single that became a viral hit?

Lil Nas X’s debut mainstream single that became a viral hit is “Old Town Road.” Released independently in December 2018, the song initially spread through TikTok, where its country-trap sound and humorous horseback-riding meme format attracted a huge audience. Its breakthrough led Columbia Records to re-release it in March 2019, followed by a major remix featuring country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.

The track was produced by YoungKio, who built its instrumental around a sample of “34 Ghosts IV” by Nine Inch Nails. Lil Nas X reportedly purchased the beat online for $30 and recorded the song in a single day. The unusual blend of banjo-like melodies, trap drums, and cowboy imagery helped it cross genre boundaries.

A common mix-up is confusing “Old Town Road” with “Panini,” which was released later in 2019. “Industry Baby” and “Montero” also became major Lil Nas X hits, but both came after his breakthrough single.