In a deeply personal moment, Lil Nas X, known for his chart-topping hit “Old Town Road,” recently shared a touching letter addressed to his younger self in anticipation of his latest single and music video, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” The artist, whose full name is Montero Lamar Hill, released the song and video, which delve into profound themes beyond their title.
In his heartfelt Twitter message, Lil Nas X writes to his 14-year-old self: “Dear 14-year-old Montero, I wrote a song with our name in it. It’s about a guy I met last summer. I know we promised never to come out publicly, and I know we thought we would keep our secret forever. But this will open doors for many other queer people to simply exist.”
The visuals in the “Montero” video are unapologetically queer and rich with symbolism. It boldly challenges Christian ideologies, featuring a memorable scene where Lil Nas X gives Satan a lap dance—an artistic choice that is sure to spark discussions. The video opens with a voiceover from Lil Nas X, resonating with the sentiments expressed in his letter: “We hide the parts of ourselves we don’t want the world to see. We lock them away. We tell them ‘no.’ We banish them. But, here? We don’t.”
Throughout the video, Lil Nas X embodies both Adam and the serpent, portraying a narrative of self-discovery and acceptance. In one striking scene, he faces execution in a coliseum, only to descend into hell via a stripper pole—a bold entrance that adds to the video’s audacious theme. There, he embraces his true self, free from the chains of shame and judgment.
The video has already begun to stir reactions online, and it’s evident that it will provoke conversations, especially among conservative audiences, much like the reaction to the song “W.A.P.” The powerful message in Lil Nas X’s letter complements the video’s bold presentation: “This is very scary for me, people will be angry, they will say I’m pushing an agenda. But the truth is, I am. The agenda is to make people stay.”