Lil Nas X’s Debut Album, ‘Montero,’ Is Here
After shutting down the MET Gala in his first appearance decked in gold and winning the VMA for Video of the Year (“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X has proven himself to be unstoppable. Now, the rapper has finally given birth to his first baby, the long-awaited debut album Montero.
The project was promoted with parody billboards across several cities, a sketch daytime talk show, and even a pregnancy. It features 17 tracks with a number of big collaborations, such as Elton John, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and Jack Harlow. Jack Harlow is featured only the previously released, No. 2 Billboard Hot 100 song “Industry Baby.”
Watch the video for “Industry Baby” here.
Montero is a genre-fusing, energetic project wherein Lil Nas X opens up about the experiences of remaining true to oneself. This is especially powerful in a world where being a gay Black man often comes with criticism from the entertainment industry. This is especially true when it comes to hip-hop. It is in this project where the more vulnerable side of the artist is unveiled, and his confidence shine brightly.
“Creating this album has been therapy for me,” he wrote in a Twitter statement after announcing the album back in August. “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.”
Along with the album, Lil Nas X released the music video for “That’s What I Want”, directed by Stillz. It features a steamy football romance and references the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain. It has with a cameo from former ESSENCE cover star Billy Porter.
Listen to Lil Nas X’s debut EP Montero on streaming platforms. Watch the NSFW music video for “That’s What I Want” below.
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