On April 5th of 2019, Columbia Records released a remix to a Country-rap song called "Old Town Road." The debut single by Lil Nas X  became a crossover sensation and a cultural phenomenon that would go on to open the flood gates for Black recording artists in the Country music genre. The collaborative effort between Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus became the first-ever country song to win a Country Music Award, a Grammy Award, and a BET Award in one fell swoop.

Since then, Country singers of African American descent such as Breland, Jimmie Allen, and Kane Brown have also enjoyed crossover success and more mainstream attention. It's an impression that was on full display at the Country Music Awards on April 12th, where there was a significant presence of Black attendees, including a Black co-host and Black live performers. Many Country fans viewed this as a breath of fresh air, while others such as Patrick Howley saw it as a breach of a Southern American tradition that he loves. 

On the day after the Country Music Awards aired, the host of Right Wing Watch took to the airwaves to share his thoughts on the show before taking a detour to voice his displeasure with all of the people of color that appeared on his TV screen, the night before. 

“I don’t know who this Black guy who’s hosting it," Howley said. "It’s supposed to be Country music. No offense. I mean, y’all have Hip-Hop and basketball. Just fly with your flock, bro.”

As the reporter continued, he even made a mockery of the hosts' accent, “No disrespect to the funky brothers of music. I love Earth, Wind & Fire, Run DMC, etc. But Country music’s different. Country music’s different, it’s not Wakanda.”

The Black guy that Howley was referring to was Anthony Mackie, an award-winning actor, and a Country music fan. He also co-hosted the CMA's this year with Kelsea Ballerini. One of the Black attendees at the CMA's this year was the award-winning R&B singer Monica. The 41-year-old performed that night with Little Big Town and a Black country singer named Jimmie Allen. When she caught wind of Howley's unsavory take on diversity, she clapped back on Instagram, a few weeks later.

“I’ve never been more motivated.. Patrick Howley, although your feelings are likely shared by some, it’s NOT by the masses!" Monica wrote. "I have an all star LEGENDARY team of true country artists that are currently working with me that would beg to differ! Because of the genuine hearts of [Leslie Fram] & @cmt … I shared the stage w/ @jimmieallen & @littlebigtown …This was the first of many times that you will see me! I see You caught that my skin is melanated, but you missed that it was tough! I’m rooted in the word & built to last ! See you soon, or should I say ‘Welcome to Wakanda’ gracefully bows w/ @anthonymackie ‘OPEN ROADS COMING SOON’ MDA.”

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Source: VIBE