MINNEAPOLIS — Texas Tech The improbable run to the national championship game was fueled by more than defense. Hip-hop artist Lil Nas X, an unlikely figure, also played a key role.
The Red Raiders turned to the rapper and his new country/rap hit, “Old Town Road.”
The song rising on the national charts was a rallying cry for the team.
“I think ‘Old Town Road’ represents the diversity that we’re looking for in our program,” Texas Tech coach Chris Beard said. “I like country. These guys like rap. It’s both. The first time we heard it, we ran with it.”
The song has been a staple of postgame celebrations for Texas Tech. When the team eliminated the No. 1 seed Gonzaga to reach the Final Four, there was “Old Town Road” blaring in the locker rooms. Beard jumping up and down. The players rejoice.
“Credit to Kyle Edwards,” starting center Norense Odiase spoke about the origins of discovering the song. “He showed it to the guys as soon as it came out, and we kept playing it over and over again. We’re having a lot of fun with it.”
When Texas Tech defeated Michigan State On Saturday here in Minneapolis, the song was blasted over the speakers at US Bank Stadium and sparked an uproar from the Tech fans in attendance. As for the Texas Tech players, there was no video of them listening to and celebrating postgame with the song. But you can be sure that if Monday’s match against Virginia ends in victory, Lil Nas X’s voice will once again resonate at US Bank Stadium.
