Who is rapper, singer and songwriter Lil Nas X?
Lil Nas X is the stage name of Montero Lamar Hill, an American rapper, singer and songwriter born on April 9, 1999, in Lithia Springs, Georgia. He became internationally known in 2019 with the country-rap crossover single “Old Town Road,” which set a record for the longest run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His music combines hip-hop, pop, country, trap and rock influences, and he is also known for highly visual music videos and internet-focused promotion.
Background/biography
Montero Lamar Hill was raised in the Atlanta metropolitan area. His parents separated when he was young, and he spent part of his childhood with his mother and grandmother before moving to Austell, Georgia, to live with his father.
He attended Pebblebrook High School, where he was involved in school activities including trumpet performance. After graduating, he briefly attended the University of West Georgia before leaving to focus on music and online content creation.
Before his recording career gained attention, Lil Nas X built experience using social media and internet culture. He used online platforms to promote his music, and the viral spread of “Old Town Road” helped turn him from an independent artist into a major pop-cultural figure.
Music career
- “Old Town Road” (2019) — His breakthrough single, later remixed with Billy Ray Cyrus; it spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- 7 (2019) — His debut EP, featuring “Panini,” “Rodeo” and “Old Town Road.”
- “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” (2021) — A chart-topping single accompanied by a widely discussed music video.
- “Industry Baby” (2021) — A collaboration with Jack Harlow that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Montero (2021) — His debut studio album, featuring songs including “That’s What I Want,” “Scoop” and “Lost in the Citadel.”
Lil Nas X first released “Old Town Road” independently in late 2018. The song gained momentum through short-form video platforms and became the subject of discussion after Billboard removed it from its Hot Country Songs chart, citing genre criteria. Its remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus expanded its reach and became one of the biggest singles of 2019.
Following the success of his debut EP, he developed a broader pop-rap sound for Montero. The album’s rollout included elaborate videos, social-media campaigns and collaborations with artists such as Jack Harlow, Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat.
A record-breaking breakthrough
“Old Town Road” remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks in 2019, setting a then-record for the chart’s longest No. 1 run. The song also earned Lil Nas X major industry recognition, including Grammy Awards connected to the recording.
In June 2019, during Pride Month, Lil Nas X publicly came out as gay. He has since discussed the experience of being openly gay in hip-hop and popular music, including through the themes and imagery in his songs and videos.
Fun facts about Lil Nas X
- His real first name, Montero, was used as the title of his 2021 debut studio album.
- He chose the name Lil Nas X in part as a reference to rapper Nas, whom he has identified as an influence.
- Before becoming widely known as a recording artist, he was active in online communities and used social media as a key promotional tool.
- “Old Town Road” received a remix featuring country singer Billy Ray Cyrus after the original version became a viral hit.
- He played trumpet during his school years.
