Lil Nas X has delivered one of the most controversial album rollouts of 2021, and it’s been an hilarious and inspiring journey to-date. The Georgia rapper has just been confidently, authentically and unashamedly himself, and it’s put him in headlines which he’s used to his advantage. From his sexually charged music videos, to his self-proclaimed “power bottom anthems”, to his fake pregnancy photoshoot, he’s just shown the world the humorous, sexy and honest sides to him. And luckily for him, ‘MONTERO’ lives up to all the hype it’s created.
Stepping away from the virility of ‘Old Town Road’, this record embraces a bold confidence that sonically drifts from hip-hop, to pop, to also some punk-pop references. It’s an immersive collection of tracks that encourages listeners to dive into the world of ‘MONTERO’ and learn more about who Lil Nas X is as a singer, songwriter and rapper beyond the gimmicky headlines you may read.
By collaborating with high profile names like, Doja Cat, Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Jack Harlow, and Miley Cyrus, they bring some of the record’s most obvious buzz worthy moments. But where he really shines is when he just takes up space and isn’t afraid to just give you lyrical serves. New single ‘THATS WHAT I WANT, the guitar driven ‘LOST IN THE CITADEL’, ‘TALES OF DOMINICA’ and ‘VOID’, and the hip-hop heavy ‘DEAD RIGHT NOW’ are some of the albums shiniest moments of main character energy.
‘MONTERO’ cements that Lil Nas X is the artist for a whole new generation. He’s the queer representation I wish I had in 2008 when I started questioning my identity. And he’s really going to be out here snatching awards with this impressive and noteworthy album because he fucking deserves it.