Lil Nas X first gained popularity in 2020 with his hit “Old Town Road” (despite being released in 2019) that went viral on TikTok from the “Yeehaw Challange.” This helped Nas promote his music and get a deal from Columbia Records. After the song charted on the Billboard he dropped a remix with Billy Ray Cyrus making the song even more popular than it already was with a music video featuring Chris Rock. The song won two GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance and Best Music Video.
Following the success of “Old Town Road”, Nas released a second extended play and major label debut EP 7. It was preceded by the Billboard 100 with singles “Rodeo”, “Panini”, and “Old Town Road”. In July of 2021, he once again dropped a new single “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow, a second time charting the Billboard 100, reaching No.1. The song won the 2022 MTV Video Music Award for Best Visual Effects, the 2022 MTV Video Music Award for Best Collaboration, the 2022 MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction, and the 2022 Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Song.
But what really makes Lil Nas X so interesting is his genius marketing skills and how he uses memes and controversey to build his career. In preparation of releasing his debut album MONTERO, Nas pulled mutiple stunts. The rapper used billboards picturing himself dressed as a lawyer with phrases such as “Do you hate Lil Nas X? You may be entitled to financial compensation,” “Do you miss the real America? Visit welcometomontero.com to see how we can take our country back!” and, “Gay? You may be entitled to financial compensation.” with a URL not giving you financial compensation but leading to his website to promote his music. Nas also announced his “pregnancy” with a photoshoot of a prosthetic baby bump that went viral on twitter symbolizing him giving birth to his debut album. But we can’t forget his contreversial sneaker collaberation with Nike that sold Satan inspired shoes with a pentagram and Luke 10:18 on the side. Lil Nas X was sued by Nike and responded to the issue in a youtube apology video. However instead of apologizing the video was actually an opening for his new music video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” reaching over 8 million views.
He’s done a number of things that have made it to news outlets and overall had people talking about him and his music. Not only his billboards, pregnancy, and shoe scandal but also his 2023 Met Gala outfit, numerous hilarious fake prosthetics, memes, his Nicki Minaj fan page, and even making a song with Elton John. Overall, Lil Nas X is one of the most iconic artists in the industry and no other male rapper is doing it like him. This is why we need a Lil Nas X 2024 comeback, the man is so unpredictable, iconic, and funny. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2024.
