At this point, it's virtually impossible to find someone who hasn't heard of Lil Nas X. This young rapper from Atlanta is now on everyone's radar after becoming a musical sensation in only a matter of months. His hit single, Old Town Road, became exponentially more popular once he released a version featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. Although the original is catchy in itself, the alternative version brings a country twang that audiences surprisingly love.
He made his original debut through the app TikTok when he participated in the "Yeehaw Challenge," in which someone transforms themselves into a cowboy. This challenge was intended purely for comedic value, but Lil Nas X made it into so much more.
The artist introduced us to a song that weaves two genres into one, but there are so many more reasons why he is an icon.
1. He is Hilarious
If you have watched any interviews with the recent star, you'll quickly learn that he is both talented and quite funny. After adding his song to their summer playlist, many fans have now swarmed to follow the life of Lil Nas X through social media. His Twitter, which now has two million followers, is filled with humor and wit.
2. He Represents the LGBTQA+ Community
During pride month of 2019, fellow fans began to question whether the new star was indeed part of the LGBTQA+ community. He then announced through various social media platforms that he identifies as gay, and even stated that he assumed everyone knew after he supposedly "hinted" at his sexuality in his video for another song "C7osure (You Like)." He was hesitant to make the news public, but realized it would encourage his fans to be their authentic selves.
3. His Song Made History
Once his song, Old Town Road, claimed its number one spot on Billboard Hot 100, it stayed there for over thirteen weeks. No hip-hop song has ever stayed on number one for that long. If that doesn't prove that this boy has talent, I truly do not know what does.
4. He's Not Afraid To Bring Up Mental Illness
In the past few years, more celebrities have opened up about their struggles with mental health, including favorites such as Adele, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato. Lil Nas X briefly discussed his experience with anxiety through a Twitter post, and claims that he will continue to highlight his struggles through his music to bring greater awareness.
5. He is Still Coming Out with Great Songs
Some worried that Lil Nas X would quickly become a one-hit wonder, getting huge for the summer of 2019 only to fall back into the shadows. However, this is clearly not the case. The artist has continued to come out with new music, including songs such as Panini and Rodeo, which features Cardi B.
Lil Nas X has basically changed the game for hip-hop, country, and music in general right now. His unique songs challenge other artists to be more experimental, to try things that are different and fun. I truly think he's doing great things for the industry, musically and socially.
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