Lil Nas X Explains Why He Doesn't Feel Respected As A Gay Man In The Music Industry

Lil Nas X has been very outspoken over these last two years, regarding his sexuality as a gay man. He initially came out in 2019, the same year that his breakout hit single, "Old Town Road," featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, topped the charts. This record also went on to become a certified diamond in the US, this year.

Many have criticized Nas X for being so open about being a gay man in projects such as his music videos, but he continues to remain nonchalant and avoids what critics have to say. This is evident, in videos such as "Industry Baby," featuring Jack Harlow, and "That's What I Want."

In a new interview with XXL, Nas X broke down how he doesn't get respected from his peers in the music industry, for who he is, as a gay man. This includes rappers not wanting to work with him. He does believe that they have to accept the fact that he's here to stay, though.

“Honestly, I don’t feel as respected in hip-hop or many music places in general. But these are communities that I am a part of, whether people would like it or not. This is something that I wanted to do because, not that my entire album is rap, but there are rap tracks on my album. I am a rapper. I am a pop star. I am a gay artist. But it’s like, I belong in these places, you know?”

Nas X also believes that in the midst of all the criticism he's faced for coming out, he claimed that this was something that he simply had to do. He also added that he wanted to be authentic, and letting the world know who he was was a statement that he had to reveal.

“I honestly felt like it was kind of my duty. Especially if I wanted to move forward. And 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.”

With all the success that Nas X has had since 2019, he finally decided to put out his debut studio album, "Montero," last month. This project was led by hit singles such as "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," "Sun Goes Down," and "Industry Baby," ft. Jack Harlow.

This album contained 15 tracks, with additional appearances from Megan Thee Stallion, Elton John, Miley Cyrus, and Doja Cat. The reaction to the Montero album was overwhelmingly positive, as it went on to debut at number two, on the Billboard 200 chart.

This became his second consecutive number two project, as his "7" EP in the summer of 2019, also hit that position. The "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" single also hit number one, on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, this past spring, following the release of its controversial music video..