5/5 Stars
Lil Nas X, also known as Montero Lamar Hill, is known for not only his catchy songs but also for his advocacy of the LGBTQ+ community through his music. On Sept. 17, he released his new debut studio album “MONTERO.” It features 15 songs, each ranging from two to four minutes long for a total run time of 41 minutes and 17 seconds. On “MONTERO” Hill proudly shows his identity as a black and gay artist, defining his confidence and self-worth in the industry with his first collection of work.
“MONTERO” is a pop-rap album and features many popular artists, including Megan Thee Stallion, Jack Harlow, Miley Cyrus, Doja Cat and Elton John.
Since Hill is an open member of the LGBTQ+ community, “MONTERO” was an opportunity for him to show his true colors and take pride in who he is.
Before the new album was released, Hill took to TikTok to grow his platform of followers and supporters. With genius marketing, he has brought himself up to over 24.2 million followers and 803.6 million likes in total. He has pulled stunts such as making fans believe he was going to court, as well as pretending to be pregnant.
His one-off YouTube show, “The Montero Show,” also put Hill into the spotlight as one of many anticipated promotional schemes for his album’s release. The show mimics a retro comedy show with an interviewee and interviewer. Hill plays every character, and he counts down each of his favorite top 10 music videos with jokes added in the mix. At the end of the show, he ‘goes into labor’ and ‘gives birth’ to “MONTERO.”
His ‘baby registry’ for “MONTERO” raised money for LGBTQ+ and human rights nonprofit organizations. Each of the 15 tracks had their own nonprofit group to donate directly to. Some of the groups included The Bail Project, Compassionate Atlanta, Central Alabama Alliance Resource and Advocacy Center, Cade Foundation and Happy Hippie.
Notable songs on the album include “THATS WHAT I WANT,” “SCOOP,” “SUN GOES DOWN” and “AM I DREAMING.”
Hill, 22, is from Lithia Springs, Georgia. Before becoming a famous artist, he attended the University of West Georgia. At 20, his single “Old Town Road,” which featured Billy Ray Cyrus, went viral. However, he made sure that he was not going to be a one-hit-wonder.
Hill has won many awards for his success in music, including the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group for “Old Town Road” with Cyrus and the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).”
Having come this far in both professional and personal growth, Hill is only going to become more of an inspiration to listeners and fans. Especially if he keeps up his legendary marketing tactics on his TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. To learn more about his new album, visit welcometomontero.com.
