Country rappers from Mississippi to open for ‘Old Town Road’ creator, Lil Nas X
Published 3:50 pm Friday, September 6, 2019
A Natchez country rap artist is getting his big break this September as the opening act for Lil Nas X — the creator of the hit song “Old Town Road” that held the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for a record of 19 weeks.
Preston Williams, commonly known by his stage name “P-Lane,” announced Tuesday he would be opening during the Sandbox Music Festival Sept. 29 in Mesa, Arizona, where Lil Nas X would perform as the headlining act.
Also performing at the festival are Big Murph, Seckond Chaynce, Katie Noel and Justin Time.
Williams said he is ready not only to show the world what P-Lane is made of but also to share some publicity for his hometown.
“This is what I was born to do,” Williams said. “It feels great to have this opportunity to show people what I’m all about and also what Natchez is all about. … I actually can’t express and put into words what a big deal this is to me and to Natchez. This show will reach every age group and every culture.”
Williams said he and the headlining artist share a common ground as “Old Town Road” had been knocked out of country music charts.
Williams said he and the P-Lane team have made it part of their mission to make country rap music an officially recognized genre in the music industry and have used a diverse network from across the nation to do so.
Williams said his team now includes “DJ Bam” from Riley, North Carolina; “Manager Marco” from Philadelphia, and videographer “Reup Tha Boss” from Atlanta with support from Williams’ home state by co-manager, “Mississippi” from Hattiesburg and sponsored by PharmaXtracts from Las Vegas.
“This show is really going to be awesome for us,” Williams said. “P-Lane is working with big labels to make country rap an established genre because where I’m from, hip hop and country go hand in hand. Whether you’re at a bonfire or riding the back roads, they always go hand in hand.”