Montero Lamar Hill (born April 9, 1999) was born in Lithia Springs, Georgia, United States. He is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is professionally known as Lil Nas X. His parents divorced when he was six, and he settled in the Bankhead Courts housing project in the Bankhead neighborhood of Atlanta with his mother and grandmother.
He first gained widespread recognition in early 2019 with the release of his breakthrough country rap single "Old Town Road". The song quickly went viral on social media platforms like TikTok, thanks to its catchy melody and infectious lyrics. As a result, "Old Town Road" became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records and dominating the charts across multiple genres.
Lil Nas X's music is a fusion of various genres, including pop rap, hip hop, country rap, trap, pop rock, pop, and rock. This versatility has enabled him to create a unique sound that appeals to a diverse range of listeners. He has since released several other hit singles, such as "Panini," "Rodeo," and "Holiday," which have further cemented his status as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the music industry.
Throughout his career, Lil Nas X has received numerous accolades and awards. He has won two Grammy Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, two BET Hip Hop Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, and two American Music Awards. He was also awarded by Songwriters Hall of Fame as the youngest honoree of Hal David Starlight Award. At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, Lil Nas X was the most-nominated male artist and took home awards for Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. "Old Town Road" earned him two MTV Video Music Awards, including Song of the Year, and the American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Song. Notably, he became the first openly LGBT Black artist to win a Country Music Association award.
In addition to his music career, Lil Nas X is also an activist who uses his platform to advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. He has been recognized for his advocacy work by numerous organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD. Time named him one of the 25 most influential people on the Internet in 2019, and he was named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2020.
Lil Nas X's impact on the music industry and culture at large cannot be overstated. He has shattered barriers and opened doors for other artists who may not have had the same opportunities before him. With his undeniable talent, infectious energy, and unapologetic authenticity, Lil Nas X is poised to continue breaking boundaries and pushing the limits of what is possible in the music industry.
