What the Hell? - Lil Nas X's Recent Release Explained

 


Recently there was a lot of controversy to the music video and shoe that rapper and singer, Lil Nas X, released at the end of March. They both include things like the devil, human blood, a satan related bible verse, and lap dances. Many were outraged by the release of both, including many conservative politicians. As he received backlash, Lil Nas X remained unbothered. He received the reaction he was actually expecting. 

'Montero' Music Video

Lil Nas X's stardom sky rocketed after releasing his song "Old Town Road" in 2019. It was originally satire of country music, but was picked up by many young children across the world and loved by so many, becoming the longest-leading number one single in Hot 100 history. Lil Nas X has put out more music since then, including his latest track "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)". 

Montero is Lil Nas X's first name, therefore the track represents him. He also identifies as being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and expresses that proudly through his music and now through his music video for the song. In the music video we see him sliding down a pole to hell as well as seeing him give the devil a lap dance. In this music video he's fierce, bold, unforgiving, and simply himself. 

Satan Shoes

Along with the music video, Lil Nas X also released an unofficial shoe called the "Satan Shoe". The shoe's features include a black and red Nike Air Max 97 with a bronze pentagram, the numbers "666", bible verse Luke 10:18, and supposedly includes a drop of human blood. There were only 666 pairs made and they sold out in less then an hour after being released. 

The shoes have been made in collaboration with New York based art collective, MSCHF. Once it was released they stated that Nike is unaffiliated with the shoe. However, Nike still took the action to post a statement to confirm this, as well as sue MSCHF. Many fans were still happy to receive their shoes despite the satanic representations and controversy. 

Overview

Although there was a lot of backlash that Lil Nas X received for the release of both the music video and shoe, he enjoyed the reactions. He even took to Twitter to respond to some comments he was getting from other celebrities and even the governor of South Dakota. He called her out by stating that she is more worried about a shoe than real world issues.

Many religious people were not happy with the constant use of satan and the ties to hell. One reasoning for using satan includes the fact that Lil Nas X is a homosexual and Christianity, however, has demonized homosexuality for many centuries. He grew up in a religious household, but he described it as fear-based. He wanted other people like him to feel like they can express themselves freely without having to hate themselves, because that is what he felt growing up due to the religion. He wanted to reach many LGBTQ+ youth that may be in the position he once was.

Another concern many people have is how he may be exposing this to many children throughout the world. During his Twitter rampage, he described how he is not responsible for what children get exposed to. That is on the parent/s and they can choose if they allow their children to see that or not. He even mentioned how "Old Town Road" is a song about lean and adultery, but that is not on him that many children got a hold of it. 

Lil Nas X was trying to make a statement on what it is like to be a gay man in America. With the constant hatred and discrimination on the LGBTQ+ community, he made sure to call it out. Whether it's politics or religion, Lil Nas X showed the ugly truth of it through a music video and a shoe. That is what makes him stand out. He will only continue to advocate through his music, whether you let your children listen to it or not. Either way, he won't let any backlash stop him from doing so. 


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