About
Montero Lamar Hill, known professionally as Lil Nas X, is a groundbreaking American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He achieved widespread recognition with his viral hit "Old Town Road" in 2018, which broke records by topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 19 weeks. Beyond his musical success, Lil Nas X is notable for publicly coming out as gay while having a number-one record, making him a trailblazing figure in the music industry.
Career Timeline
Old Town Road Goes Viral
Released 'Old Town Road' independently, which went viral on TikTok and began climbing charts. The genre-bending country-rap track caught fire on social media, setting the stage for unprecedented success.
Record-Breaking Chart Domination
'Old Town Road' topped Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks, breaking records. The massive commercial success, including a Billy Ray Cyrus remix, catapulted him to superstardom and earned him Grammy nominations.
Coming Out While Famous
Publicly came out as gay while having a number-one record, becoming a trailblazing LGBTQ+ figure in hip-hop. His authenticity and courage resonated with fans and expanded his cultural impact beyond music.
Montero Album and Controversy
Released debut album 'Montero' with provocative visuals and unapologetic queer themes, sparking both controversy and acclaim. Songs like 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)' and 'Industry Baby' became major hits, cementing his artistic vision.
Continued Creative Evolution
Released multiple singles and maintained relevance through bold artistic choices and social media presence. His genre-defying approach and cultural commentary kept him in the conversation despite fewer chart-topping hits.
Established Cultural Icon Status
Remains an A-list figure and LGBTQ+ icon, known for breaking barriers in hip-hop and pop culture. His impact extends beyond music sales, influencing representation and acceptance in the industry.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026