Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill on April 9, 1999, in Georgia, skyrocketed to fame with "Old Town Road." Known for pushing genre boundaries, his EP 7 and album Montero earned critical acclaim. Openly gay, he champions LGBTQ+ representation in music. With 2 Grammys, 5 Billboard Awards, and a spot in Forbes' "30 Under 30," he’s now exploring Christian music as of late 2023.

By
PopFiltr
Last updated on:
December 29, 2023
Lil Nas X artist's portrait

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 with his unique blend of musical styles and bold personal expression. Born on April 9, 1999, in Lithia Springs, Georgia, he has risen to prominence through his viral hits and has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards.

Lil Nas X's early life was marked by his parents' divorce when he was six. He spent his formative years in Atlanta and later in Austell, Georgia, living with his father, a gospel singer. His exposure to gospel music in his childhood may have influenced his recent interest in Christian music. He heavily used the internet, particularly Twitter, during his teenage years, showcasing his wit and pop-culture acumen.

Lil Nas X began his career as an internet personality, experimenting with various forms of content creation. His major breakthrough came with the release of "Old Town Road" in 2018, a country-rap song that went viral and topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Following "Old Town Road", Lil Nas X released his debut EP "7", which included hits like "Panini" and "Rodeo". His debut studio album "Montero", released in 2021, featured chart-topping singles and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. His open embrace of his sexuality and bold visuals have earned him numerous accolades, including:

  • Two Grammy Awards
  • Five Billboard Music Awards
  • Five MTV Video Music Awards
  • Two BET Hip Hop Awards
  • Two iHeartRadio Music Awards
  • Two American Music Awards
  • Youngest honoree of the Hal David Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame
  • Forbes' "30 Under 30" in 2020
  • Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2021

Lil Nas X's coming out as gay in 2019 was a watershed moment, especially in the realms of country and hip-hop music. His unabashed expression of his queer identity through his music and visuals has been both influential and inspirational.

Known for blending genres like hip hop, pop rap, country rap, and more, Lil Nas X cites a diverse range of artists as his influences. The recent announcement of his interest in Christian music adds a new dimension to his musical repertoire.

As of late 2023, Lil Nas X is poised to enter a new era in his music career with his exploration of Christian music. This new direction is not just a testament to his artistic versatility but also speaks to his personal journey and the diverse influences that have shaped his life and career.

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