While 2021 demonstrated that Lil Nas X isn’t shy about shocking viewers with racy antics on and off stage, a recent interview will draw surprise for a different reason.
The notorious social media ‘troll,’ who has used the platform to springboard himself into one of modern music’s most talked about careers, showed his vulnerable side when he sat down with ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ correspondent Tracy Smith on a segment that aired Sunday (January 2).
Defining his gargantuan success of last year as a ‘transformation,’ the ‘Old Town Road’ star (born Montero Hill) dished openly about his bumpy road to success – which included poverty, not being close to his parents (including a mother battling substance addiction), loneliness, hiding his sexuality, and more.
Dishing on these topics and more, look inside to see Hill show the man behind the music like never before.
ON THE MAKING OF HIS DEBUT ALBUM ‘MONTERO’:
“This album came during quarantine. I was just, like, in this place in life where it was, like, I just had this huge moment [the success of ‘Old Town Road’],” he said. “‘Okay, what do I do now?’ So, I just went for it. I mean, I went for it as in, ‘Okay, how do I reinvent myself? How do I express myself more than I did last time?'”
ON HIS CHILDHOOD:
“I had a very fun childhood. A lot of sad moments as well,” he said. “My Dad, he’s a great guy. He got custody of me around the age of 10. Me and my mom, we were kind of close growing up, until addiction got in the way. Right now, you know, we’re on good terms. I try to make sure she’s always taken care of. Honestly I’ll say this: I’ve never, I guess, like, been super-close with either of my parents. I’ve always felt, like, I guess, a lone person.”
ON HOW HIS CHILDHOOD IMPACTED HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA:
“It’s been, like, my actual home,” Nas said. “It’s, like, my actual family. I’ve become closer with people who I met online than people who I’ve met in real life. I learned the ways of the internet. I’ve learned how to go viral, and what to stay out of.“
ON WORRYING ABOUT ‘COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET’:
“There was definitely some fear there. There’s always gonna be fear when you’re doing something that’s literally life-changing. But you just have to do it, you know?”
ON WHAT HE HAS PLANNED FOR 2022:
“I have no idea, but it’s going to be incredible,” he replied. “I’m excited for new music. I don’t know what the heck I’m gonna do yet. But it’s gonna be a fun career and a fun life.”