Lil Nas X Drops again with another new song release—this time pushing cultural norms even further with his sexy and super slick music video clip that is dominating the internet. It is a pop and hip-hop sensation that makes bold stands both on musical as well as personal self-expression. It is as if he has one cultural moment with each release. His latest single does not only narrate his evolution in the style of music but also fixes himself in his position as an artist, some kind of artist never willing to wipe out the boundaries between genres, gender boundaries, and even visual art.
He’s mashed up hip-hop and pop with pretty much just electronic influences that can easily be flaunted as being full of viral energy, complete with catchy hooks and a bold lyricist. Nobody’s surprised to see Lil Nas X break a record or two, and this new song continues that notion pretty nicely. His ability to create radio-friendly music that is still artistically bold has indeed made him have such an eclectic, devoted, and sheer number of fans. From the lyrics, another singing mantra continues in the signature tone of his songs, which are playful and poignant commentary on fame, identity, and self-empowerment, all of which somehow leave their audiences wanting to hear more of him and his authenticity.
What really sets this one ablaze, though, is the accompanying music video itself, which has become the subject of scorching debate among social media enthusiasts and news commentators. Mirroring his track record of breaking boundaries, so too does Lil Nas X in the video, with the same tactic- challenge, especially around societal constructs of gender and sexuality and religious symbolism. This video is an eye candy in itself, being subsumed with high-concept art, dramatic fashion choices, and ocularly provocative imagery while at the same time retaining that sense of humour characteristic of the artist.
Some of the memorable scenes in the video feature Lil Nas X in multiple gender fluid outfits, such that he becomes an icon for the LGBTQ+ as well as an icon for self-expression. It also occurs under the auspices of freedom and acts of rebellion against the normative society, which, for centuries, has been oppressed by queer voices. That bravado investment in visual storytelling attracts a good deal of both praise and criticism, though many would say he is still sparking important conversations around identity, representation, and free expression.
Here is a clue in the latest drop from Lil Nas X, which not only fits the bill but solidifies the indication that another master will soon come out of all this—someone not afraid to make bold statements, both musical and visual. Experimentation and questioning of the status quo set Lil Nas X apart from his contemporaries. Lil Nas X won’t get tired of acting as a driving force for both musicality and culture. As he continues to break the boundaries, he certainly will continue to redefine what it means to be a pop star in modern society.
