The Rise of Lil Nas X: How the Rapper is Changing the Music Industry
It’s no secret that Lil Nas X, real name Montero Lamar Hill, is a big deal. The 22-year-old rapper from Georgia just released his debut studio album—Montero, last week, gaining worldwide recognition and acclaim. There is no doubt that Lil Nas X is on top right now, but what brought him there in the first place, and how is his music changing the industry as we know it?
The Grammy-award-winning artist is known for his flamboyant style, nonchalant attitude, and catchy tunes, having released chart-topping singles such as “Rodeo”, “Holiday”, “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)”, and “Industry Baby” to name a few. The rapper got his start in 2019 with the release of his first single, “Old Town Road”. He promoted the song on social media, successfully going viral on the streaming app Tik Tok. “Old Town Road” topped the Billboard Top 100 Chart, staying on top for 19 weeks, becoming the longest-running number-one song since the chart debuted in 1958.
After the success of “Old Town Road”, Lil Nas X released his debut EP, titled 7, on June 21, 2019. Shortly after 7’s release, the rapper came out as gay. His coming out skyrocketed his career because, for the first time since Frank Ocean’s album Channel Orange dropped in 2012, a male LGBTQ artist was dominating the fields of rap and country.
Lil Nas X then furthered his LGBTQ-centered music with the release of his hit single “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” on March 26, 2021. The song and accompanying music video sparked controversy; Lil Nas X was accused of sacrilege and devil worship by Christians and conservative groups. This only increased his popularity, though, as fans and nonfans alike supported his valuable expression of queerness and acceptance of sexuality.
The rapper took his controversy a step further when partnering with New-York based art collective MSCHF to release Satan Shoes, a pair of Satan and Nike inspired footwear with “60cc and 1 drop of human blood”. The release of the shoes brought on a lawsuit from Nike; the judge issued a restraining order blocking the sale and distribution of the shoes until further notice.
Following the controversy and success of “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)”, Lil Nas X released his debut album: Montero, on September 17, 2021. The album features collaborations with Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, and Miley Cyrus. The album speaks to Lil Nas X’s struggles with his sexuality; the song “Sun Goes Down” addresses the rapper’s struggles with that as well as bullying and thoughts of suicide.
Not only has Lil Nas X’s catchy songs and engaging controversies pushed him to the top, but his openness about his sexuality as a male rapper has encouraged listeners to accept themselves and love who they are. Lil Nas X repeatedly breaks down barriers with his empowering lyrics and acceptance of his inability to fit into the majority, and his music continuously inspires others to create art that reflects their values.
From his first hit single to the release of his debut album, Lil Nas X has promoted honesty, acceptance, self-love, and realness when it comes to the issues we face. Lil Nas X is unlike any other rapper—he is unapologetically himself and refuses to conform to mainstream music, art, and ideas. We at The Edge can’t wait to see where he takes his career next, we’re sure it will be one to remember.