The six-month shitstorm following Lil Nas X throughout the rollout of Montero has been a clinic in the intersecting moral inconsistencies you see in American culture and how they’ve trickled down and settled in hip-hop. Photo: Columbia Records I spent a good amount of time in the last six months wondering why Lil Nas X pays any attention to haters and homophobes online. It’s a goofy question. I already know the answer.
Lil Nas X blew everyone’s cover, tapping on pressure points and drawing out revealing overreactions. The trip to hell in the “Montero” video is only about facing your fears. “Industry Baby” was just a cheeky reaction to the backlash from the first video .
Starting with “Lost in the Citadel,” a plaintive and muted rock jam about a love connection growing frayed, Montero delivers a series of heartbreaking tunes about hurt and pain and doubt, where the slipperiness of “Old Town Road,” a hip-hop track whose sample of a rock star’s ambient album gave off faint country airs, shows face again.
CraigSJ Respect is earned, not demanded
CraigSJ Ugh, he’s exhausting
CraigSJ He’s weird.