The “Scoop” on “Montero” by Lil Nas X
Sara Javerbaum, Staff Writer
On Sept. 17, 2021, Lil Nas X released his highly anticipated debut album, “Montero”, two full years after reaching stardom. The 15-song album gave a refreshingly honest look into the artist’s personal life. The result, while undeniably polarizing, demonstrates what the future of pop-rap could look like.
Lil Nas X, who publicly came out as gay in June of 2019, spent the beginning of his career and most of his life prior to hiding his sexuality. This album is the first time that Nas showed his audience his true self and not his stage persona, hence the use of his own name. That audience will be pleasantly surprised by the range of genres he tackles in this album, from emotional ballad (“AM I DREAMING” feat. Miley Cyrus) to pop-rock (“LOST IN THE CITADEL”) to hype-music (“INDUSTRY BABY” feat. Jack Harlow).
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” the lead-off track, gets the album off to a promising start. This song is a perfect preview for the vocals-focused tracks later in the album that many of his fans will be surprised to hear from him. He alludes to the traditional Christian belief that homosexuality is a sin with lines like, “not fazed, only here to sin/if Eve ain’t in your garden, you know that you can…” He has pushed back on this idea throughout his career in many ways. The simple choice to include same-sex relationships in his music videos is an important step towards queer visibility and inclusivity in pop culture.
Tracks such as “SCOOP” feat. Doja Cat and “DOLLA SIGN SLIME” feat. Megan Thee Stallion are disappointing on the first listen given the high-profile collaborating artists, but the simple beats and catchy choruses grow on listeners with each play.
“TALES OF DOMINICA” features Nas’ rich singing voice and beautifully honest lyrics. Nas addresses his rough childhood and gives voice to his anxiety, singing lyrics like “Out on my own, I’m floating in an oceanless sea/ Could I be wrong? Was everybody right about me?” and, “In this broken home, everyone becomes predictable.”
Let me be clear, this album is not for everybody. If someone exclusively listens to indie rock or EDM, this may not be the record that can turn them into a pop-fanatic. However, these songs showcased a completely different side of Lil Nas X. His openness and vulnerability are making waves within the LGBTQ+ community and helping people all around the world feel seen.
Photo from welcometomontero.com
