Lil Nas X
Biography
Montero Lamar Hill, known professionally as Lil Nas X, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who has made a significant impact on the music industry. He was born on April 9, 1999, in Lithia Springs, Georgia. After his parents divorced when he was six, he lived with his mother and great-grandmother in Atlanta before moving to live with his gospel singer father in Austell, Georgia. During his teenage years, he became an internet personality, known for his witty and pop-culture-savvy social media presence, particularly on Twitter.
Breakthrough with "Old Town Road"
In 2018, Lil Nas X dropped out of college to pursue a music career, initially living with his sister. He purchased a beat for $30 online and recorded the country-rap song "Old Town Road". He released the song in December 2018 and promoted it heavily through memes, which helped it go viral on the social media platform TikTok. The song's popularity soared, leading to a record-breaking 19-week run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success was amplified by a remix featuring country music veteran Billy Ray Cyrus. "Old Town Road" earned Lil Nas X two Grammy Awards, for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video. The song's classification sparked a debate about genre and race after Billboard removed it from the Hot Country Songs chart.
Coming Out and Public Image
On June 30, 2019, at the height of "Old Town Road's" popularity, Lil Nas X came out as gay, becoming the only artist to do so while having a number-one record. He first came out to his sister and father before announcing it publicly on Twitter, referencing his song "C7osure (You Like)". His decision to come out was seen as a significant moment, particularly for the hip-hop and country music genres. He has since become known for his unapologetic and visually bold expression of his queer identity.
Debut Album and Subsequent Success
Following the success of "Old Town Road," Lil Nas X signed with Columbia Records and released his debut EP, "7," in June 2019. The EP, which included the successful singles "Panini" and "Rodeo," debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2021, he released his debut studio album, "Montero". The album was preceded by the hit singles "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" and "Industry Baby," both of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album itself peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and received a nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. The music videos for his songs are known for being provocative and generating widespread discussion.
Artistry and Impact
Lil Nas X is recognized for blending musical styles, most notably country and rap. His music often incorporates elements of pop and rock. He has cited his desire to be authentic in his music as a driving force behind his artistic choices. He has been praised for his songwriting growth and his ability to create catchy and subversive pop anthems. His impact on the music industry is significant, as he has challenged traditional genre boundaries and demonstrated the power of social media in launching a music career.
Accolades
Throughout his career, Lil Nas X has received numerous awards. In addition to his two Grammy Awards, he has won five Billboard Music Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, two BET Hip Hop Awards, and two American Music Awards. He was also honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame with the Hal David Starlight Award. In 2020, he was named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" list, and in 2021, Time magazine included him on their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.