On Sept. 17, rapper and singer-songwriter Lil Nas X released his debut album “MONTERO.”
Due to the frivolous nature of singles like “Old Town Road” combined with his humorous online persona and past publicity stunts, many have perceived Lil Nas X as a gimmick. However, after the release of his new album, Lil Nas X has proven his star quality as an artist and performer as he encompasses both fearlessness and vulnerability in his new songs and music videos.
Earlier this year, Lil Nas X released the first single from the album entitled “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).” The “Montero” music video stirred up controversy due to the inclusion of satanic imagery along with the release of his “Satan Shoes” that allegedly contained human blood. The true artistry in his use of religious imagery in a song and story about queerness is commonly overlooked.
In the music video for this song, Lil Nas X uses references to Christianity and mythology to express underlying messages. An example of this is when he descends to hell and passes a Latin phrase that means, “They condemn what they do not understand.” Scholars claim that this is criticism of Christianity and its common condemnation of queer identities. This example along with many others in the video show Lil Nas X’s capability to amplify his art by using intellectual references and motifs. This level of artistry is praiseworthy and not commonly found in mainstream music.
In May, the next single from this album entitled “Sun Goes Down.” This song explores Lil Nas X’s struggle with accepting his sexuality and facing bullies as a child. Lyrics like, “These gay thoughts would always haunt me, I prayed God would take it from me,” allow listeners to venture into a vulnerable time in his life.
The contrast between the once struggling young boy versus the confident and unapologetic man Lil Nas X is today is inspiring for many queer teens as they discover and accept their identity. This showcases Lil Nas X’s impact as an artist and role model for the youth as he serves as a voice for those who are struggling to find their own.
In July, Lil Nas X released the third and final single entitled “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow. “Industry Baby” showcases Lil Nas X’s confidence and success as an artist rather than exemplifies his weaknesses. This song is definitely one of my favorites from the album due to its upbeat nature and catchy lyrics.
The music video for this song is, yet again, a controversial one. One scene in particular in which Lil Nas X and many other men are dancing naked in the shower of a jail has received much backlash. Many still fear the expression of queer sexuality in mainstream media. I think it was bold and empowering to express his sexuality in such an unapologetic manner.
Lil Nas X continues to exemplify his range as an artist throughout the rest of the album as he ventures into different genres, emotions, and themes.
He showcases his confidence in songs like “Dead Right Now” and “Don’t Want It” as he ventures into discussions about relationships and his success. In “Dead Right Now,” he raps about how he refuses to give in to a relationship in which he is not valued over a hard hip-hop track co-produced by Kanye West. In “Don’t Want It” he demands respect as an artist as he claims that he is “living proof that if you want it, you can have anything right before your eyes.”
Lil Nas X takes a different approach in songs like “Tales of Dominica” and “Life After Salem” as he tackles more vulnerable topics like his broken home and toxic relationships. Although the song is upbeat in nature, “Tales of Dominica” is a metaphor about Nas’s escape from his broken home to an “island made from fate,” or his newfound stardom. In “Life After Salem,” Lil Nas X utilizes powerful vocals over a grungy guitar to express the hardship of having a controlling and draining partner.
Nas continues to show his versatility as an artist in “That’s What I Want” and “Lost in Citadel” as he strays from full-blown pop music and ventures into pop-rock and pop-punk before switching it up again on “Am I Dreaming,” an all-acoustic song featuring Miley Cyrus.
“MONTERO” is truly a perfect rollercoaster. One minute you’re laughing and jamming with Lil Nas X as he jokes about his sexuality with Doja Cat on “Scoop,” while the next minute you’re crying to “Void” as he expresses his unceasing loneliness.
The dynamic nature of “MONTERO” perfectly displays Lil Nas X’s dynamic personality and artistry. The duality between his confidence and vulnerability allows the listener to become invested in Nas not just as an artist, but as a person as well. If this masterpiece is his debut album, one may wonder what greatness is in store for the future.
