In previous eras, the labeling of a Black American artist as gay could bring down their careers. In opening stating his sexuality, Lil Nas X took a risk. “ I think in the daily life of a black male, we gay-bash way more than we disrespect women,” Kanye West controversially proclaimed in 2014. Gay identity has often been the subject of ridicule in hip hop. While many praised the rapper’s statement and new look, others were not so enthusiastic. His bold pink Grammys outfit, which included a bondage-inspired harness, further made the message clear while causing waves of applause within the fashion community. Still touring ‘Old Town Road’ across the US, he replaced his worn-out denim jackets and pants with reflective rhinestone suits, cut-out pants, and chest exposing tops. Lil Nas X embraced his new persona with exceptional speed. Lil Nas X’s actions were now placed under a new kind of spotlight. It also attracted a newfound level of public scrutiny.
The liberation of revealing more of his real self to the public was not without a cost. He quickly became looked to as a leader and spokesperson for the Queer Community. In a few short Tweets, Lil Nas X flipped the switch on his public persona.
This is what I gotta do, can’t be regrettin’ when I’m old.” “ No more red light for me, baby,” Nas sings, “ only green, I gotta go pack my past up in the back, oh, let my future take ahold. It described Lil Nas X’s fears and hopes for the future after being upfront about his sexuality. His new single ‘C7osure (You Like)’ served as an open-hearted letter to fans. “ Thought I made it obvious,” he stated before pointing out the album art of 2019’s 7 EP even includes an LGBTQI+ flag on the cover. Something Montero Lamar Hill addressed in a follow-up Tweet. To Lil Nas X’s large conservative fanbase, it was a shock. To many fans, the star’s outrageous dress sense and flamboyant personality had already given several hints. But before this month ends I want ya’ll to listen closely to C7osure.” “Some of ya’ll already know,” he Tweeted on the last day of American Pride Month, “ some of ya’ll don’t care, some of ya’ll not gone fwm no more. On June 30, 2019, Lil Nas X came out as publicly gay. But there was more to be seen of Lil Nas X. ‘Old Town Road’ boosted the Georgian rapper to an unprecedented level of fame. At the time of writing, it sits at number 70 and has spent 33 weeks on the chart. It topped has the US charts for 19 consecutive weeks, almost 4-and-a-half months. Since its 2019 release, ‘Old Town Road’ has become one of the US Billboard 100 singles chart’s longest-running number one hits in history. However, no one could have predicted its lasting impact. It was welcomed as a global phenomenon for its novelty. The unique mix of rap and country had never been seen before. Lil Nas X’s ‘ Old Town Road’ was released in 2018. Answering the question of who he is, how he found success, and the impact of his work as a Queer artist is a far more complicated matter than many media commentators make out. He is also one of its most misunderstood. With outrageous dress sense and an attitude to match, Lil Nas X is one of modern culture’s most visible and outspoken media personalities.