Lil Nas X Explains How 'Old Town Road' Single Inspired Him To Come Out As Gay Man

Lil Nas X is currently one of the biggest artists in the world, as he's fresh off the release of his debut album, "Montero." This project was led by some of the biggest hits this year, such as "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," "Sun Goes Down," and "Industry Baby," featuring Jack Harlow. Montero was released earlier this month, and saw a number two debut, on the Billboard 200 chart. 15 tracks were available in total, as additional appearances included Doja Cat, Elton John, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Nas X initially turned into a superstar, back in the spring of 2019. His rap/country song, "Old Town Road," was buzzing, and soon earned a remix with country legend, Billy Ray Cyrus. That record skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and soon set the record for the most weeks, at number one. They edged out Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's "One Sweet Day." At this point, Old Town Road remix is the highest certified track, in RIAA history, as it is 15x platinum. Over 823 million views have been accumulated on YouTube, as well.

In a new interview with XXL, Nas X reminisced on the massive success of Old Town Road, and how it helped him as well, regarding his sexuality. He revealed how this record helped give him the strength to come out as gay, as now, he is proud of who he is, and is extremely open about it, on social media, his songs, and in music videos.

"I don’t think I would have ever came out," Nas X explained "I honestly felt like it was kind of my duty. Especially if I wanted to move forward. And [with] what I was doing, because authenticity is very real, and I feel like people can see right through that. And that’s a part of me."

"I used to ‘like’ comments where people were like, ‘Oh, I like him, because he’s not all in your face about it.’ And then I realized kind of what that was," Nas X added. "It’s kind of like when people say, ‘Oh, I have a Black friend,’ and that kind of sits on everything that have to do with their Black history and culture, whatnot. I’m kind of like, I’m not that person, you know?" 

Prior to the "Montero" album's release, Nas X had social media riled up, in the spring and summer. When the "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" music video was released in late March, he was seen twerking on Satan, which drew disapproval.

He also put out his own Nike Air Max 97 "Satan Shoes," which contained blood at the soles, had a satanic emblem, and was sold for $1,018. That soon resulted in a lawsuit from Nike, which blocked any sales. In Nas X's "Industry Baby" music video, in August, he continued to express himself sexually, with naked visuals but didn't shy away from the reactions he'd get.

Nas X continues to stand out in unique ways, and this will likely be the case for the remainder of his career.