Lil Nas has defied the odds in more ways than one since dropping global smash ‘Old Town Road.’
A relative unknown just a few months ago, he staged a worldwide takeover with the song and has been bulldozing Billboard records in the process.
Now, as he celebrates his 19th week atop of the Hot 100 (the longest reign in the chart’s history), he poses it up for a Times Magazine cover feature.
Lensed by Kelia Anne, the profile unpacks the unconventional narrative of the 20-year-old and also sees him discuss his decision to come out as a member of the LGBTQ community.
Check out excerpts below…
Via TIME:
For a lot of reasons, Lil Nas didn’t initially plan to come out. He had been taught from a young age that homosexuality “is never going to be O.K.,” and he feared he would lose fans: “I know the people who listen to this the most, and they’re not accepting of homosexuality,” he says. While hip-hop stars like Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator have come out as queer, the spectre of homophobia still looms large.
But during Pride Month, something changed for Lil Nas. “I never would have done that if I wasn’t in a way pushed by the universe,” he says. “In June, I’m seeing Pride flags everywhere and seeing couples holding hands–little stuff like that.”
He first came out to his father and sister earlier in June, and then broke the news on Twitter several weeks later.
Salute.
Check out a behind the scenes look at the shoot:
Your thoughts?
[Photo credit: Kelia Anne / ]
GET RIGHT OR GET LEFT SAINTS!!!!
He look like JJ from Good Times
Jasmine,Your mother looks like a Whale ?
I knew u wouldn’t last a day without stalking me and thirsting after my comments. ALWAYS REMEMBER I run u b|tch. I control u. I love playing mind games on u. I set the bait and u fall for it every time b|tch LMAO.
Bow Down gorilla ? before I send your a** looking ass ? back to the zoo u escaped from!
Your mother look like a** sh.it ?
We’re happy that you’re happy but boy this is boring now ?
Are you insinuating that being gay is wrong in 2019? Girl, get educated and mentally stimulated. Everyone should be celebrated and appreciated (except Nicki).
Spread love. Congratulations, Lil Nas X.
Sorry, this was meant to reply to the comment above from Apostle.
Everyone should be celebrated and appreciated…except Nicki? Do you realize how contradictory and ignorant that is? Of course you don’t you’re too busy having fun on the Nicki Hate Train. So if Apostle wants to throw shade at Nas X, you’re not in a position to pass judgment so sit and STFU.
Good for him. Nice to see a black gay at the top right now. Living his truth. ?
I’m happy that he’s happy and living in his truth.
Now, can we get some promo for “Panini” or “Rodeo”? If I have to hear “Old Town Road” any longer, my head is going to go number. Don’t become a one hit wonder when you have 2 other hits on your hand!
Sidenote: Normani is dropping her single tonight at midnight!!!!
lmaooooo why bother promoting those flops, he shoulda put nicki on them instead of dummi, they woulda became hits instead of FLOPS lmfaooooooooooooo
Great cover, hate the boots though lol.
Are you insinuating that being gay is wrong in 2019? Girl, get educated and mentally stimulated. Everyone should be celebrated and appreciated (except Nicki).
Spread love. Congratulations, Lil Nas X.
Appreciating everyone expect Nicki is not “spreading love” dear.
*except
That hat though. Hire a stylist bro.
He doesn’t look good in pictures. He doesn’t photograph well. He is more handsome in videos and when he’s just fooling around and being himself.
I’m happy for him. Old town road is predicted to stay number this coming week.
Time to get those Grammy nominations
Record of the year
Best pop collaboration
Music video short form
Best new artist
In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” -Andy Warhol
Post about Normani’s video dropping at midnight!
Today is my Birthday ? I’m 16 and Nicki Minaj is still the Queen ?
Shut it f.aggot. U wanna use Queen B Jasmine’s username even though I told u to stop ?. That means u are subject to my verbal lashings whenever and however I feel like dishing it. Gutter trash f.aggot
Yeah I hate the look for him a pair of jeans and a white pullover and a nice pair of sneakers!!!!