Content-wise, the track itself and its accompanying music video are bold for their combination of queer, sexually-charged, satanic and biblical themes. Musically, the track is an infectious earworm. Preceding the release of “Montero,” Lil Nas X released its title track, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” which references André Aciman’s 2007 gay romance novel of the same name.
Coming from an artist that was a struggling Atlanta meme-rapper three years ago, “Montero” feels mature and complete. Throughout the album, Lil Nas X basks in his success, explores his romantic life, reflects on the perils of fame and embraces his sexuality.
On “Montero,” Lil Nas X exceeded expectations, proved his staying power and dispelled all talk of him being a one-hit-wonder. With the EP clocking in at a mere nineteen minutes, many fans questioned whether or not Lil Nas X had it in him to craft a full-length record that was as captivating as his previous work.
While his 2018 EP, “7,” rode the hype surrounding “Old Town Road” and was tremendously successful, fans and critics still questioned his staying power and one-hit-wonder status. Coming off of the success of one of the most popular singles of all time in 2018, “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X had something to prove with his first album.
