Everything
Nowadays, I can’t help but replay “horses in the back” in my mind whenever I hear or see the name Lil Nas X. The American rapper has shot to fame in 2019 as his rendition of ‘Old Town Road’ with Billy Ray Cyrus explodes onto the music sphere and after quickly garnering a fanbase of 2.9 million strong on Instagram, the 20-year-old has dropped another bombshell.
As the month of June – also known as Pride Month for the wider LGBTQI+ community – closed for another year, Lil Nas X took to Twitter to share some very personal news.
some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure. 🌈🤩✨ pic.twitter.com/O9krBLllqQ
— nope (@LilNasX) June 30, 2019
Accompanying the post, the young singer-songwriter shared a video from his debut EP, 7 EP and follows a young teen who escapes the dark and disruptive world of his family for a sunnier, more colourful life – a subtle motif that is now known as alluding to his sexuality. A close inspection of the track also reveals the lyrics:
“Ain’t no more actin’, man that forecast say I should just let me grow
No more red light for me, baby, only green, I gotta go
Pack my past up in the back, oh, let my future take a hold
This is what I gotta do, can’t be regretting when I’m old”
Its subtle nuances and carefully written lyrics however were not picked up by some fans, leading Lil Nas X to attempt to make it more clear in a second Twitter post.
deadass thought i made it obvious pic.twitter.com/HFCbVqBkLM
— nope (@LilNasX) June 30, 2019
Soon enough, his fan base and the rest of the world eventually picked up on what the rapper was referring to. Though the internet can be a cruel place, the general consensus of reactions have been positive and sparked a number of replies and well wishers from the LGBTQI+ community. Among the social media users, James Charles was one of the first to show his support, replying to his Tweet saying, “really happy for u dude.”
It is doubtful that coming out will effect his strong fan base, with famed hit ‘Old Town Road’ keeping a spot in the Billboard 100 charts after 16 weeks. Lil Nas X has also shared the stage with Miley Cyrus and Cardi B.
