For the last five days, Montero “Lil Nas X” Hill has been the target of extensive online complaints and vitriol. His decision to incorporate satanic imagery into the “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” music video and limited-edition MSCHF sneakers inflamed many Christians.
The fact that the openly gay musician is seen giving Beelzebub a lap dance in the “Montero” visuals also caused backlash from some parents. For example, both Hip Hop artist Joyner Lucas and ex-NBA player Nick Young expressed concern that children could see the controversial video.
they shouldn’t be playing old town road anyway, we streaming call me by your name now 😌 https://t.co/jt6vr8KUbA
— ☆ (@LilNasX) March 28, 2021
With so many eyes and ears trained on him at the moment, Lil Nas X is using the publicity to promote his music and products. However, the Atlanta-raised rapper also shared a letter that he wrote to his 14-year-old self where he discussed opening doors for other LBGT community members through his actions.
The note read, in part, “You see this is very scary for me, people will be angry, they will say I’m pushing an agenda. But the truth is, I am. The agenda to make people stay the f### out of other people’s lives and stop dictating who they should be. Sending you love from the future.”
LNX elaborated on the idea he is trying to convey with his art in a recent interview with Time. The “Old Town Road” hitmaker was asked what message does he hope his younger fans take away from watching the “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” video.
“More acceptance, more open-mindedness amongst humanity as a whole. I want kids to know that they don’t have to harm themselves – and that they’re capable and worthy,” said the 21-year-old, Grammy-winning recording artist.
Apparently, the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in Lil Nas X wanting to express himself more freely. He told the publication, “Throughout quarantine, I’ve kind of grown into myself a lot more. I’ve become a much more confident version of myself, and very much more determined and intentional on every single thing that I do.”
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