Lil Nas X is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who gained international recognition with his breakout hit “Old Town Road” in 2019. Born as Montero Lamar Hill in Atlanta, Georgia in 1999, Lil Nas X began his career as a social media personality on platforms such as Twitter and TikTok. He initially released “Old Town Road” independently, and after it gained viral popularity, it was later released by Columbia Records. The song quickly became a chart-topping success, breaking records for the longest-running number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Lil Nas X’s music is known for its genre-blending style, combining elements of hip hop, country, and pop. He has been praised for his willingness to challenge societal norms and push boundaries, especially in regards to LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry. Lil Nas X has also been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and uses his platform to promote mental health awareness.
In addition to “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X has released other popular songs such as “Panini” and “Holiday.” He has also collaborated with various artists, including Billy Ray Cyrus, Cardi B, and Doja Cat. Lil Nas X’s unique style and unapologetic approach to his artistry have made him a rising star in the music industry.
#10 – Dolla Sign Slime ft. Megan Thee Stallion
“Dolla Sign Slime” is a slick, trap-infused collaboration between Lil Nas X and Megan Thee Stallion, two of the most exciting young artists in contemporary hip-hop. The track is characterized by its hard-hitting beats, distorted synths, and Lil Nas X’s charismatic flow. Megan Thee Stallion’s verse is a standout, showcasing her signature confidence and swagger. The lyrics are braggadocious and self-assured, celebrating the artists’ success and their status as cultural icons. “Dolla Sign Slime” is a bold and infectious track that demonstrates Lil Nas X and Megan Thee Stallion’s skill and versatility as rappers, and their ability to create songs that are both hard-hitting and catchy.
#9 – Sun Goes Down
“Sun Goes Down” is a reflective and personal song by Lil Nas X, released in 2021. The song delves into Lil Nas X’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance, with lyrics that touch on his struggles with depression, loneliness, and feelings of isolation. The melody is melodic and emotive, with a slow and mellow tempo that allows the lyrics to take center stage. The song has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability, with many fans relating to Lil Nas X’s experiences and emotions. The track features Lil Nas X’s signature blend of hip hop, country, and pop, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Overall, “Sun Goes Down” is a powerful and heartfelt track that highlights the artist’s personal growth and emotional maturity.
#8 – Scoop ft. Doja Cat
“Scoop” is a playful, high-energy collaboration between Lil Nas X and Doja Cat, two of the most popular and innovative young artists in contemporary pop music. The track is characterized by its bouncy beat, infectious melody, and Lil Nas X and Doja Cat’s playful, flirty lyrics. Lil Nas X’s smooth flow and Doja Cat’s catchy hooks and melodic vocals make for a winning combination, and the chemistry between the two artists is evident throughout the song. “Scoop” is a fun, lighthearted track that showcases Lil Nas X and Doja Cat’s versatility as pop musicians and their ability to create songs that are both catchy and memorable.
#7 – Rodeo ft. Cardi B
“Rodeo” is a country-trap song by Lil Nas X featuring Cardi B. The track showcases a mix of hip-hop, country, and pop sounds, and features a catchy melody, infectious beat, and witty lyrics. The song is about Lil Nas X trying to escape a toxic relationship, with Cardi B delivering a fiery verse about her own experiences with similar situations. The chorus, which features a sample of Chris LeDoux’s “Hooked on an 8 Second Ride,” is a standout moment of the song. “Rodeo” received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
#6 – Holiday
“Holiday” is a festive, high-energy single by Lil Nas X, the American rapper and singer-songwriter. The track is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Lil Nas X’s confident, self-assured flow. The lyrics celebrate Lil Nas X’s success and his rise to fame, while also offering an aspirational message of hope and possibility for his fans. The song’s production is rich and dynamic, incorporating elements of hip-hop, trap, and pop music to create a sound that is both fresh and accessible. “Holiday” is a catchy and uplifting track that showcases Lil Nas X’s talent and his ability to create music that resonates with a wide audience.
#5 – That’s What I Want
“That’s What I Want” is a song by Lil Nas X released in September 2021. The song is about Lil Nas X’s desire to find a genuine connection with someone, and not just someone to pass the time with. The song features a catchy chorus and a blend of rap and pop influences in the instrumentals. The music video for the song features Lil Nas X playing football and performing choreographed dances in a high school setting, with a message of embracing one’s true self and finding acceptance. The song has been praised for its relatable lyrics and its message of vulnerability and authenticity.
#4- Panini
“Panini” is a slick, futuristic single by Lil Nas X, the American rapper and singer-songwriter. The track is characterized by its catchy melody, pulsing beats, and Lil Nas X’s distinctive, auto-tuned vocals. The lyrics address the difficulties of dealing with fame and success, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in the midst of a demanding career. The song’s production is rich and atmospheric, incorporating elements of trap, pop, and electronic music to create a sound that is both innovative and accessible. “Panini” is a captivating and infectious track that showcases Lil Nas X’s talent and his ability to create music that is both catchy and thought-provoking.
#3 – Industry Baby ft. Jack Harlow
“Industry Baby” is a single by Lil Nas X featuring Jack Harlow, released in 2021. The song is a blend of rap and pop, with catchy beats and clever lyrics about Lil Nas X’s life in the music industry. The song’s music video, directed by Christian Breslauer, features Lil Nas X and Harlow in a comedic prison-themed setting. The song and video have been praised for their bold and unapologetic representation of queer black culture, as well as for their social commentary on issues such as mass incarceration and homophobia in the entertainment industry. “Industry Baby” has received critical acclaim and has been a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries.
#2- Montero (Call Me by Your Name)
“Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” is a bold, boundary-pushing single by Lil Nas X, the American rapper and singer-songwriter. The track is characterized by its lush, ethereal production, Lil Nas X’s soulful vocals, and its frank and unapologetic lyrics. The song addresses Lil Nas X’s experiences as a queer person, exploring themes of self-acceptance, desire, and liberation. The accompanying music video, which features Lil Nas X dancing provocatively in a fantastical, otherworldly landscape, caused a stir upon its release and sparked a conversation about the representation of queer people in popular culture. “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” is a powerful and courageous song that showcases Lil Nas X’s talent and his willingness to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
#1- Old Town Road featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
“Old Town Road” is a country rap song that was released by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus in 2019. The song quickly became a viral hit on social media platforms such as TikTok, and gained mainstream attention after Billboard removed it from their country charts, stating that it did not fit the genre’s criteria. The controversy sparked debate about the relationship between race and music genres. The song eventually became a massive success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record-breaking 19 weeks, and winning numerous awards. Its catchy beat, playful lyrics, and genre-bending style made it a cultural phenomenon.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
