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Lil Nas X’s first album MONTERO is an absolutely brilliant collection of songs cementing his identity as a proud black and gay artist. The album keeps you wanting more, and before you know it, you’ve listened to the entire album.
Since his rise to fame with Old Town Road, Lil Nas X has turned from the creator of 2019’s meme anthem to gay icon and making strides for black people in the LGBTQ+ community. The album is studded with other artists such as Doja Cat, Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, and Jack Harlow.
Along with the release of this album, he chose 15 LGBTQIA+ and human rights organizations to donate to; each song is connected to one of these orgs. Every song on this album speaks to Nas’ experience being a black gay man and sends the message that he’s tired of appeasing straight people. Hopefully, this is a new moment for the hip-hop world where queer people can have a voice in the sphere. I’m thrilled to see how Lil Nas X will change the music world and discourse around hip hop, race, and the queer community!
My favorite song on the album is THATS WHAT I WANT. It’s the first one on the album I listened to, and I was immediately dancing around my room. I’m a sucker for any song that can get me on my feet like that. A close second is AM I DREAMING with Miley Cyrus which shattered my heart. It’s a very melancholy and beautiful song that contrasts the heavy and urgent messages of the other songs. It’s a perfect finish to his album that left me feeling wistful and sentimental.
He’ll take you on highs and lows throughout the album that will have you dancing and contemplating deep parts of yourself. So go give the album a listen. I promise you will be hooked, and hopefully, it will get you thinking about his experiences and what it means to be a black gay man in the spotlight.
