| Full Name | Montero Lamar Hill |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 |
| Birthday | April 9, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Height | 6‘1" |
| Net Worth | $16 million (estimated) |
| Social Profiles | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Montero Lamar Hill, known worldwide by his stage name Lil Nas X, has become one of the most trailblazing musicians of his generation. Born in Atlanta, Georgia on April 9, 1999, Lil Nas X discovered a passion for music at a young age. He learned to play the trumpet in 4th grade and began writing his own songs during his teenage years.
After graduating from high school in 2017, Lil Nas X attended the University of West Georgia for one year before deciding to leave college in 2018 to pursue music full-time. He got his start releasing comedic skits and songs on Facebook, Instagram and SoundCloud. At just 19 years old, Lil Nas X was about to captivate the world with his breakout country-rap smash hit.
Rise to Stardom with "Old Town Road"
In December 2018, an unknown artist named "Lil Nas X" released the song "Old Town Road" on streaming platforms. The track quickly gained popularity on TikTok as part of the viral "Yeehaw Challenge." Its mixing of banjos and trap beats spawned an irresistible new "country-trap" genre. By March 2019, the song had ascended to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, gaining massive mainstream success.
The following month, Lil Nas X partnered with country legend Billy Ray Cyrus on a remix of "Old Town Road," further propelling its popularity. The remix dominated the Hot 100 for a record 19 weeks, making it the longest-running No. 1 single of all time. To date, it has been certified Diamond with over 15 million units sold. For the viral newcomer Lil Nas X, this meteoric success was just the beginning.
Signing with Columbia and Further Hits
Coming off the triumph of "Old Town Road," Lil Nas X inked major label deals with Columbia Records and Republic Records in March 2019. Capitalizing on his momentum, he soon followed up with the Top 40 pop hits "Panini" and "Rodeo" off his debut EP 7. His subsequent single "Holiday" arrived in November 2020 along with a hilarious Santa-themed music video.
During this period, Lil Nas X expanded his social media fame by engaging with fans through funny, down-to-earth tweets and posts. As his music career kept soaring, he used his platform to also advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and speak openly about his experiences as a gay black man in the hip-hop industry.
Ongoing Legacy and Impact
Fast forward to today, and Lil Nas X has undeniably cemented his status as an icon. His eagerly awaited debut album Montero dropped in September 2021, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard charts. Breakout tracks like "Industry Baby" and "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" highlighted his versatile artistry and bold self-expression.
As I‘ve watched Lil Nas X‘s journey from meme-worthy novelty to trailblazing superstar, it has been incredible seeing him thrive by embracing his identity. For devoted fans like myself, his meteoric success serves as a triumph over adversity. His genre-bending bops have pushed hip-hop into an exciting new era of inclusion. Even years from now, Lil Nas X‘s indelible mark on pop culture will live on.
Why We Love Lil Nas X:
- Unabashedly himself – proud, gay, black, confident
- Pioneering artist fusing country, hip-hop, pop, EDM genres
- Viral tunes and hilarious, down-to-earth social media presence
- Unafraid to take risks and speak out on social issues
- Inspiring role model for LGBTQ+ community and beyond
By the Numbers: Lil Nas X‘s Awards and Achievements
- 2 Grammy Awards
- Diamond-certified single "Old Town Road" (over 15M units)
- Billboard Music Award for Top Hot 100 Song
- 3 BET Hip Hop Awards
- MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Year
- GLAAD Vanguard Award recipient
- Time Magazine cover star
Fun Facts All Fans Should Know
- His real name is Montero Lamar Hill
- Played trumpet in school and was first chair by 5th grade
- Made his first mixtape in 2018 called Nasarati
- Bought "Old Town Road" beat for just $30 off Dutch producer YoungKio
- His debut album Montero is named after his real first name
- Has never been afraid to clap back at internet trolls and haters
Lil Nas X represents the future of music – one filled with unprecedented creativity, inclusion, and authentic self-expression. As he continues rising to new heights, I know I speak for fans everywhere when I say we couldn‘t be prouder of how far he‘s come. The journey for this ascendant star has only just begun.
