Rapper Lil Nas X had social media users cackling after he shut down a troll who took issue with his latest Christian-themed song due to his debut album Montero, which featured satanic imagery.
Montero was a smash hit both criticially and commercially, having received nominations at last year's Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Music Video, respectively, while the song "Industry Baby" was nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
The rapper had earlier posted a snippet of a new song on X, formerly Twitter, which he captioned asking his followers if they "mind if I enter my Christian era."
You can see his post below.
Later, an X user complained about Lil Nas X making "Satanic music," criticizing Montero, which garnered critical acclaim for its lyrics and presentation and emphasized the rapper's journey of self-discovery.
The album's title track, also the lead single, sparked controversy due to its music video featuring Nas—who is openly bisexual—in devilish makeup and a storyline that traversed from a paradise-like setting to an Alighieri-inspired hell, where Nas engaged in a provocative dance with a demon.
The poster might have had the video in mind when they wrote:
“The fact that lil nas x had that satanic album is the problem I have with him making Christian music."
Lil Nas X responded not long afterward with the following message:
"The devil is mentioned ONE time throughout my entire last album and the line is ‘tell the the devil i wont have him inside, i know everything’s gonna be alright.’"
"Y’all have spent this entire last week rewriting history over me releasing a snippet.”
You can see his response below.
Many appreciated his response.
Lil Nas X has always been outspoken.
The rapper—a bastion of LGBTQ+ representation in his industry—notably criticized the BET Awards for "homophobia in the Black community" after Montero failed to receive a single nomination ahead of last year's awards ceremony.
Writing on X, he said the lack of recognition was an indication of "the bigger problem of homophobia in the Black community," suggesting he would not stand for those who "sit and pretend" the problem does not exist.
The rapper's response came amid the controversy over Montero's title track, sparking a conversation about the merit of the BET Awards, which has historically aimed to celebrate the Black community in music, acting, sports and other fields of entertainment.
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