On Sept. 17, artist Lil Nas X released his latest album, “Montero” (stylized in all caps), which is available on all music streaming platforms. The album includes features from Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lil Nas X said, “Creating this album has been therapy for me. I’ve learned to let go of trying to control people’s perception of who I am, what I can do and where I will be. I’ve realized the only opinion of me that really matters is my own.”
After the release of his debut album, Lil Nas X received many positive reviews on his public persona as well as his music.
According to The New York Times, “The gleeful queer 22-year-old pop star and savvy digital trickster often cuts an impossibly confident figure in public.”
“I’ve heard him be called a modern-day Elton John with an outstanding persona, coming out with hit after hit. He plays a large role in the LGBTQ+ community,” said junior Nick Amato.
Lil Nas X has often referred to his album as his child. Prior to the release of “Montero,” he posted photoshopped pictures of himself pregnant, using them to get fans excited for the upcoming music.
In an Instagram photo caption, Lil Nas X said, “SURPRISE! I can’t believe I’m finally announcing this. My little bundle of joy ‘Montero’ is due September 17, 2021.”
“I feel like his album ‘Montero’ has a lot of potential to get big. I originally heard him back in 2019 when he came out with ‘Old Town Road.’ He has been blowing up on social media,” said Amato. “My favorite songs on his latest album are ‘That’s What I Want’ and ‘Industry Baby.’”
“As a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I think the energy in his new album and new music videos are powerful and motivational,” said junior Alexandra Peixoto.
According to Forbes, Lil Nas X’s first single “Old Town Road” is the longest held single to stay at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Along with this, “Old Town Road” was the first song in history to reach 15x Platinum Status.
More recently, Lil Nas X has received mixed reactions to his red carpet looks and social media presence.
According to Associated Press, the theme for the most recent Met Gala was “American Independence” which left plenty of room for interpretation. Lil Nas X attended and performed “a Lady Gaga-esque strip tease on the carpet in a gold Versace, from cape to armor to embellished jumpsuit.”
“Regarding his sense of style, I think his outfit for the Met Gala truly stood out and made a statement among a lot of the other celebrities that attended,” said sophomore Stephanie Zustovich.
Lil Nas X proudly showcases his flamboyant personality on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.
“Not only do I love his music, but I love him as an artist and an influencer on the internet, too. For someone who got into the music industry at a young age, he has truly made quite the impact,” said Peixoto.
“The artist brings more to the table than just music. Lil Nas X is a movement. He is the future of music. I wouldn’t call it a gimmick, I’d call it a proclamation to the music industry,” said Zustovich.
