Montero Lamar Hill, known professionally as Lil Nas X, is an award-winning rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to international fame in 2019 with his viral country-rap hit “Old Town Road”[2][4]. Born on April 9, 1999, in Lithia Springs, Georgia, Lil Nas X began his career as an internet personality, leveraging social media and meme culture to promote his music before achieving mainstream success[4]. His breakout single, “Old Town Road,” not only topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for a record 19 weeks but also became one of the best-selling singles of all time, achieving diamond certification for sales of over 10 million units[3][4]. The song’s success was amplified by a remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, which helped it cross genre boundaries and reach a global audience[1]. Lil Nas X is recognized for breaking barriers as one of the few openly gay Black male artists in mainstream hip-hop and country music[3]. His public coming out in 2019 was a significant moment, especially within genres historically resistant to LGBTQ+ representation[2]. He has since become a prominent advocate for queer visibility, using his platform to challenge homophobia and celebrate Black queerness in music and culture[3]. His debut studio album, “Montero,” released in 2021, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby,” both of which also topped the charts[3][4]. The album’s bold visuals and unapologetic expression of identity have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Among his notable achievements, Lil Nas X has won two Grammy Awards (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video for “Old Town Road”), multiple MTV Video Music Awards, and was the first openly LGBTQ Black artist to win a Country Music Association award[1][3][5]. He has also received recognition for his impact on social media, with his music videos accumulating hundreds of millions of views and serving as the backdrop for countless viral trends[3]. Recently, Lil Nas X has signaled a new creative direction, announcing a “Christian era” and teasing music that reflects this shift, marking his first foray into directing a music video and exploring themes of faith and personal growth[2]. After a two-year hiatus, he has announced a highly anticipated comeback, suggesting continued relevance and evolution in his artistry[2]. Throughout his career, Lil Nas X has demonstrated a unique ability to blend genres, challenge norms, and remain at the forefront of cultural conversation, solidifying his status as one of the most influential Gen Z musicians of his generation[1][3].