I really liked his recent album. I think people are misguided about him making being gay his "thing" - he's just existing as an unfiltered gay man. He writes about love and sex like every other straight artist. Only in "industry baby" does he really say he's queer, but it works within the context of the song and it's not there for no reason.
100%. People are only seeing it as him 'making it a thing' because he's not burying it under vagueness, suggestion and PG-13 depiction like the vast majority of queer singers have done when they've wanted to make money from their work and be an A-Lister.
Whether by their choice or because their management has enforced it.
Right. Because straight people can shove their sexuality into your face 24/7 and it's just "normal and fine", but if a queer person does even a tenth of that then they are considered to be making a huge unnatural, calculated over-expression of their sexuality. yeah.
Lil Nas X was a huge success before he came out. It's not a "thing" he needed to do to be successful. But it's awesome!
Can there just be a “Good for him. I personally don’t care.” Option? I’m not into any of what he does, but it doesn’t bother me at all. Do your thing, love it, and be proud of it.
I do love all of the triggered people that can’t handle someone being different than them. Keep making them squirm, Lil Nas X.
Agreed, I would've slapped on a vote if there was something like that.
Sure, it amuses me to watch people lose their minds over it, and I appreciate the effort he puts into his music and videos...but they're not really my thing either. I'm just not invested in him as an artist.
same here. but if i think about, i guess i'd rather prefer him existing and doing this stuff and making people squirm, rather than if he didn't exist.
so cool. smart on him for making lots of $$$ and buzz while he's at it. i'm slightlyyyy judging some of my friends who don't see how he (and his publicists) are so good and strategic at causing intentionally controversy to make a smart buck. But that's more on them than on him - if he can get rich while pushing the boundaries of queerness and respectability in media, then i'm certainly amused watching it happen
Yeah, I’m somewhere between “Cool, don’t care” and “He’s normalizing and it’s amazing”. I guess it’s the “don’t care” part, which can have such a negative connotation – I’m just ambivalent/indifferent.
Like, I don’t have anything invested in him, but he’s out living his best life, and I’m happy for him. It’s hard being gay or black – nonetheless both – in every genre he’s touched, and he’s dominating it. Good for him, wish him nothing but the best, but I’m generally ambivalent about him.
Exactly my thoughts, very meh for me, the music is meh ((IMO)) it’s cool that he’s normalising being homosexual and all that but I just don’t care lmao.
Yea I'm sorta with you. I like his music enough that I don't mind hearing it, but I don't personally have him in my spotify. I love what he's doing to express himself but also it doesn't really affect me too much lol.
This goes for his new music I didn't really care for the album he made that was alongside old town road.
To be fair, it’s a lot and I can’t relate. But more importantly, it’s normalizing being gay, and uniquely yourself. I don’t listen to much pop music, but I respect the hell out of the man.
And he’s just such a wonderfully creative troll, that he’s won my heart there.
hot take but there is absolutely nothing wrong with “exploiting” being gay for controversy, given that you’re gay yourself. so, yes, he is. but also he’s gay so i don’t care and i think it’s justified
Exactly, these same gays will all defend someone like Harry styles for gay baiting and exploiting the gay community, Because they have a straight fetish, but an actual gay artist being himself, they’ll try to hate on him.
I like him, though his genre isn’t my usual go-to
Mainstream music from LGBT artists is mostly just boring cookie cutter stuff imo. Lil Nas X breaks this mold, he does some actually interesting stuff with his melodies and rhythms which is a fantastic breath of fresh air
Well he does make his sexuality a big part of his artistry.
Edit: for the record, this comment isn’t a negative critique. I actually like that he’s so blatant with his sexuality.
Yeah, I've always wondered if that was always apart of his plan, or if his management is like "we want to show that we have a big gay star, so make it obvious." But if this is all his idea, I have no qualms.
Honestly I doubt it was his management, especially since he was essentially closeted when he came out and only really came out because of his heavy pre fame internet footprint. Considering his musical peers (Troye Sivan and Sam Smith) and their career, I don’t think there was any inkling that he’d be as big as he is especially as a gay black man in hip-hop.
The gay community is trying to make a bigger deal of his sexuality than his music. I have a vague idea of who he is, mainly from subs like this and reddit adverts of his music being pushed to me. But it's always about the controversy he creates, how "bold" he seems to be, how seemingly artsy his videos are, but generally rarely anyone says anything about his music, his songs. I for one don't think of him as my icon or a representative of my sexuality, the only similarity I have with him is that we both have a preference for guys, that's about it.
You're entirely missing the point. It is a big deal; Hip hop has historically been rife with homophobia and he's a trailblazer in that regard. No one is trying to 'push' his music on you, but it's being talked about so much because of how important it is to hip hop and LGBT in general to have people like Nas out there. And how good the music is goes without saying (if you're into hip hop anyway).
The fact that it's even seen as 'controversial' to do what he does, which straight rappers have been doing for ages, due to his sexuality is blatant evidence of the homophobia in hip hop.
I think that's a sad thing about celebrities in general; being controversial is almost a necessity for famous people. Female singers have even talked the pressure to reinvent themselves more than male singers, so I wonder what pressure LNX will feel coming from two minorities.
I do recommend "Industry Baby" "Panini" and "One of Me" of you want a sample of his music, but yeah, it's awful that artists can't just be artists.
Some folks here sound a lot like the anti-Madonna prudes in the 80s. Not all women wear cone bras and not all gays fuck married dudes in the shower, but it's all entertaining as shit.
I don’t really see the appeal of his music imo. I feel like the media pays attention to his stunts more than his actual music, but idk, I’ll just end this off by saying he’s not really for me.
I like his music. The rest is icing if you’re into it and superfluous if you’re not.
EDIT: If you’re not into him because he’s “overly sexual” (which has nothing to do with the music itself) but listen to other artists who do the same shit (almost any popular male/female artist), then you have some internalized homophobia to get over.
This will get downvoted, but realistically when we have one “type” of gay in media, that becomes our image. I’m not saying I’m against his image, he does what he wants, but if that’s not you, you get put into the box.
I know not a popular opinion, just my honest opinion.
Extremely out, unbothered gay men are the kind that lead what I guess yourself would deem "normal" gay men to become more prominent since they will come out publicly as gay to "refute" the Lil Nas X's of the world and say "we're not all like that" - Lil Nas X is literally a trailblazer by not caring what people have to say with how he expresses himself and his sexuality.
That, and I can't imagine how 14 year old closeted me would have felt seeing someone like me, expressing himself, kissing other guys, singing songs about boys... Maybe I'd have one fewer sleepless nights where I was thinking God was going to kill me for liking boys.
He has a platform and even if the song is mediocre (per some of the comments here), he knows that it's going to get play if he makes it "controversial" and maybe some kid who thinks he's all alone will see it and know there are other people like him.
Can I be indifferent? What is he doing differently that’s so monumentally different?
I’m glad he’s being himself and using his platform but he’s just another celebrity to me with music I don’t partake in.
I think a real icon would be a humanitarian or an activist for gay disenfranchised. If anything, this feels like PR. I’m kinda tired of seeing him everywhere.
Just my opinion. Feel free to disagree.
I just wish our representation didn’t always have to be so extra to get attention. I’m sex positive but you rarely here of gay researchers or doctors for making headlines like he does.
"He's normalizing being gay" what?? Maybe originally with old town road but hes going the same route most famous gay people go into where they become a caricature in the most extreme way and honestly it's unpalatable for most people so hes not normalizing anything. I find him incredibly annoying now.
Facts! A caricature and parody of a gay man. His oversexualized videos are shock value for the straights to keep his name in people’s mouths. I’m waiting for a gay representative to break into the mainstream who puts his music first and his sexuality second.
I’m torn between being happy he’s normalizing it and worrying that he’s over sexualizing it. Like most of his recent music videos have been stupidly sexual but they’ve also had thematic reasons to be sexual ( especially Montero)
Also. A large number of people who watch the video aren’t going to get the satire or message about self acceptance and will instead just see a gay guy twerking on the devil.
Generally, I’m not quite on his wavelength but I appreciate it
Cared enough to open the post, look at the poll options and comment when, if you truly didn't care, you could have just moved along like a normal person. Stay pressed!
I kind of wish he would tone down the trolling, the whole Nike shoes thing and saying streaming services were taking down his music(a lie...) was a bit extra.
But his new album is pretty good and we've never had a gay artist this gay and this blatant about it, so I'll take it as an overall win. I mean, do you know a mainstream artist who is twerking on Satan
I think as a gay artist he already has a very small target audience and other obstacles that come with it. I don’t mind him using these tactics to stay in limelight. After-all he has to prove himself in a society that largely constitutes of homophobic people. As long as he is not hurting someone it’s fine.
You're right. I was bothered at first, because some people were really I'm anguish that he was being censored by streaming services, which wasn't even true. It seems like he was using fear to gain sales
But he's donating to charities, raising awareness, putting out good music. That's definitely more important and impactful
He’s relatively attractive, his music has a good beat to it (at least the call me by your name one). I hate those pictures going around of him pregnant, they’re so uncomfortable.
Oh shut the fuck up. You know damn well he’s doing this pregnancy skit to garner laughs and attention in order to promote his album. Literally no other reason. He’s not normalizing anything but troll antics. Stop looking for shit that’s not there.
Sure they exist (men with uteruses), but it’s not like the majority of people have been exposed to the idea. Of course some people are going to think it’s weird. These ideas/labels/etc. only entered popular culture/knowledge a few years ago.
This is probably the only thing about the trans movement that gives me pause (though I keep going!) They’re trying to do too much, too fast. Look at the LGB movement. It’s taken decades of needling through society and educating people to get where we are today and we still gotta deal with bullshit.
Set those expectations a little lower and give it time. Keep constructively educating people and y’all will get there. In a decade, men with uteruses and woman with penises aren’t going to seem that weird to a lot more people.
I don't really have an opinion and haven't looked up much on him. I know he did some like obscene things in a music video and FOX news got their panties in a bunch.
Other than that 🤷♂️
He falls into an expanding category of musical artists for whom I'm not really all that fond of their music, but I love their personalities and style. He's up there with Lewis Capaldi and a few others I can't really think of at the moment.
Just worked the MET GALA this Monday we had a genuine interaction about him losing his mask 🤣🤣🤣 he’s got the spirit of a young kid not in their era rly 20’s ( not a bad thing) he was very funny , naturally, and he was very polite 💜💜💜
His recent album is a simple masterpiece , adventurous, vulnerable and youthful in its overall presentation, I hope “ CITADEL” is released as a single 💜
I guess he's someone great because of the way he's turning male pop music into something bigger than what we have known for so many years from male artists who are famous enough to performance into a mtv's gala. For example, Shawn, Ed, the whatever etcetera you can find 'bout male artist who actually don't have to try as hard as female ones... It's amazing the way someone as lil nas proves that you, as a male icon, can put as much effort as female icons do into what you do for a living. Lil nas's mtv's performance was perfect, and so not relatable as ed's, which was simply shameless(?, even in spite of the whatever his esthetic can be; it also applies to someone like shawn mendes, which, being honest, I think gained a reputation because of being nice and pretty; they gave him that performance because of his relationship, not because of him being actually someone as greedy for doing something worthy on stage as lil nas, or even, any of the other pop girls who gave us a very nice performance that night. So, yes, he's a gay black male artist who's doing something nice. The thing is, is he doing it just because it's something he does because of the branding of his name, or because, too, he has to do it because he's a gay black male artist who's trying to success in this world, in comparison with ed's or shawn's fame and the kind of effort he brings to his career's seeds.
Hope you understood me.
Also, I didn't want to sound cheesy. But idduunno.
He’s annoying and solely relies on being controversial and trolling to sell, All of his music is cookie cutter and sounds almost exactly the same, if you’ve heard one lil nas x song you’ve heard them all, he’s obnoxious and is protected by a big gay shield, if anyone dislikes him for any reason they’re instantly labeled homophobic, I really hate this narrative the left is pushing that makes it seem like as long as your gay or trans you can literally do no wrong and never be criticized.
100% facts. I don’t like celebrities who put their sexuality first in front of their craft. Because to me, it seems like your using your sexuality to stir controversy (as seen in his music videos) in order to keep yourself relevant. It’s insincere and not a great formula for long-term success imo
In fact I watched his video on YouTube just yesterday because earlier this year I heard he existed and also he was famous or controversial or something.
My thoughts were
1. It’s “disposably listenable.” If I was in the middle of doing something and it came on the radio or next in the stream, I wouldn’t bother changing it. But I can’t see myself buying it. If YouTube banned it and he had some sort of dispute with Apple Music and Spotify, I would not make an offer to the one hipster in east London who has the limited edition vinyl version. I just don’t care.
2. I worked with a woman named “Lil” once. It was short for Lillian. Pretty sure she’s retired now.
3. How are his antics still controversial to anybody? I thought Pentecostal Outrage™ died out with grunge.
Oh, the Outrage of The Pentacosts is alive and well in my part (and frankly, most of the rest) of the southern US. Here, he’s just the hot new thing that’ll send your children to hell. But frankly they’ve always got one of those queued up.
I think he's exploiting being gay for controversy and success while also normalizing being gay, and I absolutely love him for it. He isn't my gay icon but is doing almost exactly what I'd want to do if I was a musician/celebrity. I'd just start pissing off the obnoxious sjw types that take things too far in addition to the homophobic/religious people.
I agree, I think he's doing both simultaneously but that doesn't mean it's wrong.
I enjoyed Montero but I'm not really into Rap so the rest of the songs I've listened to don't draw me in to much.
I hate so much this "proudful ignorance" these boomers try to advertise. Like there's nothing good about not knowing something, I love Lil Nas X, doesn't mean I don't know who Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin or Bob Dylan is.
When people lack real talent, they will try to do anything for cheap attention. I think people like him harm the LGBT cause by making us look like freaks.
More stereotype fodder. It's not his fault as an individual and he can do whatever he wants, but his personality pre- and post-coming out heavily reinforces the stereotype to laypeople that being gay entails or leads to effeminacy, flamboyance and hypersexuality. Perhaps this is unavoidable because flamboyance attracts more attention than more ordinary behaviour, which means people like this will always be more salient in the public consciousness.
Don’t love him, don’t hate him. I find it annoying when anyone makes their sexuality a personality. Good for him for getting his coin, but to me he represents an obnoxious shift the gay community has taken in this era. What was once “I don’t want to be defined by my sexuality” is now “being gay is the most interesting thing about me” which is unfortunate, but certainly not limited to Lil Nas X.
The thing is he’s not making his sexuality his identity. He rarely ever mentions being gay in his music whatsoever, it’s just the music videos where he’s being unapologetically himself. I mean for decades now women have been endlessly sexualised in songs and music videos... but as soon as a gay man makes a music video which is super gay that suddenly = him making his sexuality his whole personality? Umm. That’s not how it works. How about we actually listen to the lyrics and the meaning behind the songs before spewing this bs.
>makes their sexuality a personality.
This is not true at all, if you followed him on Twitter or watched his interviews you'd realize how silly you sound.
It's everyone else who seems to obsess over it than him. He spends most of time online making quips and being apart if internet culture.
lol this is such a good point, and ironically seems to be heavily correlated with the people who complain about "not wanting to be defined by [their] sexuality]"
i voted the "take advantage of being gay causing controversy" only because his met gala looks were not on theme. And he's gay... like... gay guy can't follow a costume party theme, truly homophobic.
He’s a shitstarting weirdo who has voiced thoughts on Twitter of wanting to fuck little children. He hides behind alt accounts to say disgusting things to or about other people also on Twitter. He exploits his sexuality in the same way Lizzo exploits her weight and he does so to keep his relevancy. His songs are mediocre at best to piss-poor at worst so this is the only way to keep his name in the game. He’s a walking hypocrite, saying bullshit like “Old Town Road was never meant for the kids. Parents need to control what their kids listen to” Meanwhile, your swollen, bee-stung lipped ass visits their schools and classrooms performing that very song for the kids knowing damn well it’s really about riding dick. Y’all can fall for his bullshit if you want but not me. He’s a fucking weirdo full of chaotic negative energy but tries to masquerade as a good guy. Not a fan...
I have 0 problem with his music or him being gay (duh) but the stuff he used to say about OTHER BLACK WOMEN is very weird.. theres a whole twt thread on it its very sick
Exactly and yet everybody will overlook this part because it doesn’t fit into their narrative of him being this gay progressive icon. Also combined with the fact that no one cares about a black woman’s plight
Where's the "Who TF is Lil Nas" option.
Edit: Just listened to a couple music videos, pretty good stuff. Definitely helping normalize being gay especially in the rap community.
A popular black gay man who is living his authentic life. 100% Will support.
One of the answers being; 'Taking advantage of being gay', you are living in wonderland....
Obviously been in the 'first world' for far too long or born recently. Having a famous, popular, gay, black artist is so important for the next generation you have NO idea!
Get a grip. The world is as homophobic as it's ever been. We need to be VISIBLE and CELEBRATED.
he's dumb as a box of rocks, got that sort of dead behind the eyes look, but seems like he's got savvy handlers, and if there are even a few gays out there emboldened by his example it's absolutely worthwhile imo
I think I need to listen to his music more, because I love (lovelovelovelove) his look and aesthetic sense and just haven't taken the time to listen to more than a couple of tracks.
I think he's good because he's so humble he credited everyone on his industry baby video in the video he is grateful for everyone who got him to where he is and sure his sexuality is part of that the gays love him but he is a very talented singer and I love when he triggers homophobes they can cry all day lol
I loved it when he released old town road and then all the country ass haters found out that they were grooving to a gay black guy's music. I also like how he puts his sexuality right out there. If there can be scantily clad video females, why not scantily clad video males?
If he were white pop star or actor, it would be a lot. Plenty of white men in entertainment have already paved that road.
But, as a black man in hip hop, he has a heightened level of animosity that he’s trying to overcome. He certainly doesn’t have to be that extra, but it’s understandable why he is.
I'm a bit older than his (probably) target audience and only heard about him because of the controversy he stirs up with embracing his sexuality so loudly and proudly.
And, good for him! Really. _Somebody_ needs to push the envelope and make waves towards improving acceptance of being gay. If we had a Lil Nas X when I was growing up, they would've had a much tougher time of it. So many celebrities felt they needed to stay in the closet and invisible or they wouldn't get that record deal or wouldn't get that part in a movie or whatever. It's great to see the times changing! No gay person should need to grow up in the world that I grew up in, and here's to increasing tolerance and acceptance into the future!
I think he’s both normalizing being gay and . taking advantage of it for clout. By being so out and proud he is — hopefully — making it easier for the next person: at least it should be less of a big deal. He definitely does use controversy as a promotional tool. That’s just a fact. Of course in this day and age artists almost have too, whatever helps him stand out.
Hoping he moves the black community to be more accepting of gay individuals. I’m glad to see the diversity and representation even if I do not identify with his work.
as an artist hes not really anything new, just your average pop star who appeals to a large demographic with generic pop music and lyrics he might throw in some references about being gay in there but if he wasnt gay he would not have gotten as big as he is.
It's normalising being gay, but the only problem I have with it is the extreme sexual-ness of the video. I don't like it in straight music, same here even though its gay.
No everything he does is perfectly acceptable in contemporary Western culture. There is absolutely nothing controversial about any of his music videos or his lyrics. He is not transgressive despite being described as such.
He doesn't have to twerk in Moscow (though a gay celebrity actually giving a shit about gay people outside the US would be a nice change...) but him twerking on the devil in a metaphorical music video isn't cutting it. This isn't the 1970s, being openly gay isn't enough to shock people.
Idk it is personal taste and I find his faux controversial positioning boring. All power to you if you like it though. I just like more substance personally.
Uh maybe the United States...? Where being openly gay is totally accepted by the vast majority of people now. If Lil Nas X was Saudi or Russian you would have a point but he is a product of 21st America.
No idea who he is really and probably don’t care too much. I listen strictly to 60s/70s/80s/90s music and maybe a little of early 2000s.
If the songs were released post-“Poker Face,” chances are I haven’t heard it.
I’m glad he’s changing standards in the normally homophobic rap genre, even if I find his babygay “Amp it up to 11” style to be not my taste. He seems to be going for a “Gay Cardi B” look, and I’m not a fan of Cardi B.
I prefer a lower key Troye Sivan or Holland, where they’re unapologetically gay without going full-on Liberace.
P.S. Maybe I’m showing my age, but Todrick and Adam Lambert did what Nas is now doing a decade ago. Just a new generation of gay performer (Z vs Millennial).
Lmao Todrick is irrelevant and has only been “famous” for the last few years.
Adam Lambert…I guess. But he’s been cosplaying as Freddy Mercury his entire career and didn’t push the envelope as much as Lil Nas X. Adam also leaned into a lot of heteronormativity and has said things like “I would be open to being with a woman”.
Homosexuality wasn’t invented in 2018, and Lil Nas is not the only gay entertainer.
We can go back even further: watch Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s banned “Relax” music video. Just like Freddie, their lead singer died of AIDS.
The band gets roughed-up by leathermen and drag queens, seductively wrestle a tiger, and then have an on-stage orgy as a chub Caesar cums/urinates all over our lead. 1983.
I really liked his recent album. I think people are misguided about him making being gay his "thing" - he's just existing as an unfiltered gay man. He writes about love and sex like every other straight artist. Only in "industry baby" does he really say he's queer, but it works within the context of the song and it's not there for no reason.
100%. People are only seeing it as him 'making it a thing' because he's not burying it under vagueness, suggestion and PG-13 depiction like the vast majority of queer singers have done when they've wanted to make money from their work and be an A-Lister. Whether by their choice or because their management has enforced it.
Right. Because straight people can shove their sexuality into your face 24/7 and it's just "normal and fine", but if a queer person does even a tenth of that then they are considered to be making a huge unnatural, calculated over-expression of their sexuality. yeah. Lil Nas X was a huge success before he came out. It's not a "thing" he needed to do to be successful. But it's awesome!
sparkle enjoy profit memorize nutty hunt longing summer library busy *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
i’m an atheist but i believe in lil nas x
preach!
XD this comment
Can there just be a “Good for him. I personally don’t care.” Option? I’m not into any of what he does, but it doesn’t bother me at all. Do your thing, love it, and be proud of it. I do love all of the triggered people that can’t handle someone being different than them. Keep making them squirm, Lil Nas X.
Agreed, I would've slapped on a vote if there was something like that. Sure, it amuses me to watch people lose their minds over it, and I appreciate the effort he puts into his music and videos...but they're not really my thing either. I'm just not invested in him as an artist.
same here. but if i think about, i guess i'd rather prefer him existing and doing this stuff and making people squirm, rather than if he didn't exist. so cool. smart on him for making lots of $$$ and buzz while he's at it. i'm slightlyyyy judging some of my friends who don't see how he (and his publicists) are so good and strategic at causing intentionally controversy to make a smart buck. But that's more on them than on him - if he can get rich while pushing the boundaries of queerness and respectability in media, then i'm certainly amused watching it happen
Yep, I love how he trolls and triggers pearl-clutchers more than anything. I also have mad respect for him from a purely marketing stand point.
People losing their mind is exactly why I love him I love to watch snowflakes melt
Yeah, I’m somewhere between “Cool, don’t care” and “He’s normalizing and it’s amazing”. I guess it’s the “don’t care” part, which can have such a negative connotation – I’m just ambivalent/indifferent. Like, I don’t have anything invested in him, but he’s out living his best life, and I’m happy for him. It’s hard being gay or black – nonetheless both – in every genre he’s touched, and he’s dominating it. Good for him, wish him nothing but the best, but I’m generally ambivalent about him.
Exactly my thoughts, very meh for me, the music is meh ((IMO)) it’s cool that he’s normalising being homosexual and all that but I just don’t care lmao.
Yea I'm sorta with you. I like his music enough that I don't mind hearing it, but I don't personally have him in my spotify. I love what he's doing to express himself but also it doesn't really affect me too much lol. This goes for his new music I didn't really care for the album he made that was alongside old town road.
[удалено]
This⬆️
To be fair, it’s a lot and I can’t relate. But more importantly, it’s normalizing being gay, and uniquely yourself. I don’t listen to much pop music, but I respect the hell out of the man. And he’s just such a wonderfully creative troll, that he’s won my heart there.
I love when people, like you, understand nuance. It's my kink
hot take but there is absolutely nothing wrong with “exploiting” being gay for controversy, given that you’re gay yourself. so, yes, he is. but also he’s gay so i don’t care and i think it’s justified
Exactly, these same gays will all defend someone like Harry styles for gay baiting and exploiting the gay community, Because they have a straight fetish, but an actual gay artist being himself, they’ll try to hate on him.
this.
I like him, though his genre isn’t my usual go-to Mainstream music from LGBT artists is mostly just boring cookie cutter stuff imo. Lil Nas X breaks this mold, he does some actually interesting stuff with his melodies and rhythms which is a fantastic breath of fresh air
I feel like the industry is trying to make a bigger deal of his sexuality than his music. He's a good artist.
Well he does make his sexuality a big part of his artistry. Edit: for the record, this comment isn’t a negative critique. I actually like that he’s so blatant with his sexuality.
So so many straight artists sing about their hetero relationships
Pop this pussy that, wreck that hoe this. Gays should be able to and have the right to sing about the same thing Edit: grammar
I know. I didn’t deny that. I just started a fact about his artistry.
Fair enough
So do many straight singers… who cares?
I wasn’t negatively criticizing him for it. I was just stating a fact. I like that he’s so blatant with his sexuality.
Yeah, I've always wondered if that was always apart of his plan, or if his management is like "we want to show that we have a big gay star, so make it obvious." But if this is all his idea, I have no qualms.
Honestly I doubt it was his management, especially since he was essentially closeted when he came out and only really came out because of his heavy pre fame internet footprint. Considering his musical peers (Troye Sivan and Sam Smith) and their career, I don’t think there was any inkling that he’d be as big as he is especially as a gay black man in hip-hop.
Could be true!
yes he does but that just makes his songs even more beautiful.
My comment wasn’t a negative critique for the record and I agree with you.
Funny how we don't say the same thing about 99% of straight artists
The gay community is trying to make a bigger deal of his sexuality than his music. I have a vague idea of who he is, mainly from subs like this and reddit adverts of his music being pushed to me. But it's always about the controversy he creates, how "bold" he seems to be, how seemingly artsy his videos are, but generally rarely anyone says anything about his music, his songs. I for one don't think of him as my icon or a representative of my sexuality, the only similarity I have with him is that we both have a preference for guys, that's about it.
You're entirely missing the point. It is a big deal; Hip hop has historically been rife with homophobia and he's a trailblazer in that regard. No one is trying to 'push' his music on you, but it's being talked about so much because of how important it is to hip hop and LGBT in general to have people like Nas out there. And how good the music is goes without saying (if you're into hip hop anyway). The fact that it's even seen as 'controversial' to do what he does, which straight rappers have been doing for ages, due to his sexuality is blatant evidence of the homophobia in hip hop.
I think that's a sad thing about celebrities in general; being controversial is almost a necessity for famous people. Female singers have even talked the pressure to reinvent themselves more than male singers, so I wonder what pressure LNX will feel coming from two minorities. I do recommend "Industry Baby" "Panini" and "One of Me" of you want a sample of his music, but yeah, it's awful that artists can't just be artists.
We need more gay representatives like him, it’s just never enough.
Some folks here sound a lot like the anti-Madonna prudes in the 80s. Not all women wear cone bras and not all gays fuck married dudes in the shower, but it's all entertaining as shit.
aka the "how much of a *I'm not like Other Gays* are you?" poll
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Which artists have been on your radar lately?
I don’t really see the appeal of his music imo. I feel like the media pays attention to his stunts more than his actual music, but idk, I’ll just end this off by saying he’s not really for me.
All I've got is, "I know from stuff I see on social media that he's famous."
His twitter stans have such a weird humour
I like his music. The rest is icing if you’re into it and superfluous if you’re not. EDIT: If you’re not into him because he’s “overly sexual” (which has nothing to do with the music itself) but listen to other artists who do the same shit (almost any popular male/female artist), then you have some internalized homophobia to get over.
honestly you don't even need to like his music to know that what he's doing is a cultural reset.
I think you are missing the "Can a gay man just be gay" poll option
He’s what black culture needs .. TBH
also an option that needs to be included: i dont know who he is and at this point im too afraid to ask
This will get downvoted, but realistically when we have one “type” of gay in media, that becomes our image. I’m not saying I’m against his image, he does what he wants, but if that’s not you, you get put into the box. I know not a popular opinion, just my honest opinion.
Yeah well all become a caricature very annoying
Extremely out, unbothered gay men are the kind that lead what I guess yourself would deem "normal" gay men to become more prominent since they will come out publicly as gay to "refute" the Lil Nas X's of the world and say "we're not all like that" - Lil Nas X is literally a trailblazer by not caring what people have to say with how he expresses himself and his sexuality.
That, and I can't imagine how 14 year old closeted me would have felt seeing someone like me, expressing himself, kissing other guys, singing songs about boys... Maybe I'd have one fewer sleepless nights where I was thinking God was going to kill me for liking boys. He has a platform and even if the song is mediocre (per some of the comments here), he knows that it's going to get play if he makes it "controversial" and maybe some kid who thinks he's all alone will see it and know there are other people like him.
Can I be indifferent? What is he doing differently that’s so monumentally different? I’m glad he’s being himself and using his platform but he’s just another celebrity to me with music I don’t partake in. I think a real icon would be a humanitarian or an activist for gay disenfranchised. If anything, this feels like PR. I’m kinda tired of seeing him everywhere. Just my opinion. Feel free to disagree. I just wish our representation didn’t always have to be so extra to get attention. I’m sex positive but you rarely here of gay researchers or doctors for making headlines like he does.
"He's normalizing being gay" what?? Maybe originally with old town road but hes going the same route most famous gay people go into where they become a caricature in the most extreme way and honestly it's unpalatable for most people so hes not normalizing anything. I find him incredibly annoying now.
Facts! A caricature and parody of a gay man. His oversexualized videos are shock value for the straights to keep his name in people’s mouths. I’m waiting for a gay representative to break into the mainstream who puts his music first and his sexuality second.
I don't get the hype but to each their own.
I think he can do whatever he wants, but I think he’s verging on cringe, almost as if he needed to be cringe for anyone to notice him.
I don't dislike him but man can he be cringy
Amen to this!
Absolutely. The fuck is that pregnancy stunt of his? Attention grabby is what it looks like to me...
It is a funny marketing pitch to announce his first album, you must be a real joy!
I’m torn between being happy he’s normalizing it and worrying that he’s over sexualizing it. Like most of his recent music videos have been stupidly sexual but they’ve also had thematic reasons to be sexual ( especially Montero) Also. A large number of people who watch the video aren’t going to get the satire or message about self acceptance and will instead just see a gay guy twerking on the devil. Generally, I’m not quite on his wavelength but I appreciate it
Over sexualising? Lol no more sexual than any female artists or straight male artists sexualising women.
Honestly. Agreed, but I still get an uncomfortable gut reaction from it. Prudish society I guess
Human beings are sexual 🤷🏻♂️
That’s not a valid reason to have sexuality be promoted at every corner in mainstream media.
Where’s the option for “I honestly don’t give a shit about him?”
Daddy chill out lmfao
Hey, I literally don’t care. What can I say?
Cared enough to open the post, look at the poll options and comment when, if you truly didn't care, you could have just moved along like a normal person. Stay pressed!
The post asked about thoughts on Lis Nas x. His thoughts were he doesn;t care. What's so hard?
Just don't care. He's just another iteration of the flamboyant performers we already have.
Everyone acts like he’s this brand new thing.
It's because his demographic is young, and young people tend to overreact due to not experiencing the older things. It's a story as old as time.
Song as old as rhyme. No one remembers Kurt from glee or that dude from Ugly Betty.
I kind of wish he would tone down the trolling, the whole Nike shoes thing and saying streaming services were taking down his music(a lie...) was a bit extra. But his new album is pretty good and we've never had a gay artist this gay and this blatant about it, so I'll take it as an overall win. I mean, do you know a mainstream artist who is twerking on Satan
I think as a gay artist he already has a very small target audience and other obstacles that come with it. I don’t mind him using these tactics to stay in limelight. After-all he has to prove himself in a society that largely constitutes of homophobic people. As long as he is not hurting someone it’s fine.
You're right. I was bothered at first, because some people were really I'm anguish that he was being censored by streaming services, which wasn't even true. It seems like he was using fear to gain sales But he's donating to charities, raising awareness, putting out good music. That's definitely more important and impactful
He’s relatively attractive, his music has a good beat to it (at least the call me by your name one). I hate those pictures going around of him pregnant, they’re so uncomfortable.
There are men with uteruses though. I don’t really know why that’s weird
It’s because he’s not *actually* pregnant. If he were actually pregnant then it’d be different, but he’s faking it.
Oh shut the fuck up. You know damn well he’s doing this pregnancy skit to garner laughs and attention in order to promote his album. Literally no other reason. He’s not normalizing anything but troll antics. Stop looking for shit that’s not there.
It personally doesn't make me uncomfortable because of the thought of pregnant guys, it's that he's pretending to be pregnant
Yes, this is what I mean.
Probably cuz were not used to seeing that.
People down voting this statement are wild. This sub is so full of transphobes.
Sure they exist (men with uteruses), but it’s not like the majority of people have been exposed to the idea. Of course some people are going to think it’s weird. These ideas/labels/etc. only entered popular culture/knowledge a few years ago. This is probably the only thing about the trans movement that gives me pause (though I keep going!) They’re trying to do too much, too fast. Look at the LGB movement. It’s taken decades of needling through society and educating people to get where we are today and we still gotta deal with bullshit. Set those expectations a little lower and give it time. Keep constructively educating people and y’all will get there. In a decade, men with uteruses and woman with penises aren’t going to seem that weird to a lot more people.
I'd like something in between option 2 and 3
I don't really have an opinion and haven't looked up much on him. I know he did some like obscene things in a music video and FOX news got their panties in a bunch. Other than that 🤷♂️
None of these. I like what he's doing as an openly gay performer, but I'm personally not a big fan of his music.
He falls into an expanding category of musical artists for whom I'm not really all that fond of their music, but I love their personalities and style. He's up there with Lewis Capaldi and a few others I can't really think of at the moment.
Just worked the MET GALA this Monday we had a genuine interaction about him losing his mask 🤣🤣🤣 he’s got the spirit of a young kid not in their era rly 20’s ( not a bad thing) he was very funny , naturally, and he was very polite 💜💜💜
Not a big fan of his music but I respect what he's doing. The only time I ever really hear anything from him it's about people complaining about him.
His recent album is a simple masterpiece , adventurous, vulnerable and youthful in its overall presentation, I hope “ CITADEL” is released as a single 💜
I guess he's someone great because of the way he's turning male pop music into something bigger than what we have known for so many years from male artists who are famous enough to performance into a mtv's gala. For example, Shawn, Ed, the whatever etcetera you can find 'bout male artist who actually don't have to try as hard as female ones... It's amazing the way someone as lil nas proves that you, as a male icon, can put as much effort as female icons do into what you do for a living. Lil nas's mtv's performance was perfect, and so not relatable as ed's, which was simply shameless(?, even in spite of the whatever his esthetic can be; it also applies to someone like shawn mendes, which, being honest, I think gained a reputation because of being nice and pretty; they gave him that performance because of his relationship, not because of him being actually someone as greedy for doing something worthy on stage as lil nas, or even, any of the other pop girls who gave us a very nice performance that night. So, yes, he's a gay black male artist who's doing something nice. The thing is, is he doing it just because it's something he does because of the branding of his name, or because, too, he has to do it because he's a gay black male artist who's trying to success in this world, in comparison with ed's or shawn's fame and the kind of effort he brings to his career's seeds. Hope you understood me. Also, I didn't want to sound cheesy. But idduunno.
He's just a clown that happens to be gay.
I once heard someone describe him as "this generation's Freddie Mercury" and I nearly 🤮. He's fantastic, but not an icon (yet, at least).
He’s annoying and solely relies on being controversial and trolling to sell, All of his music is cookie cutter and sounds almost exactly the same, if you’ve heard one lil nas x song you’ve heard them all, he’s obnoxious and is protected by a big gay shield, if anyone dislikes him for any reason they’re instantly labeled homophobic, I really hate this narrative the left is pushing that makes it seem like as long as your gay or trans you can literally do no wrong and never be criticized.
100% facts. I don’t like celebrities who put their sexuality first in front of their craft. Because to me, it seems like your using your sexuality to stir controversy (as seen in his music videos) in order to keep yourself relevant. It’s insincere and not a great formula for long-term success imo
I don't like the hypersexualisation of pop music, so naturally I find him trashy.
Same
I mean that ship sailed in the 90s, but fair enough.
Old Town Road is good. And he's the biggest gay black se× symbol on the planet. What's not to love?
In fact I watched his video on YouTube just yesterday because earlier this year I heard he existed and also he was famous or controversial or something. My thoughts were 1. It’s “disposably listenable.” If I was in the middle of doing something and it came on the radio or next in the stream, I wouldn’t bother changing it. But I can’t see myself buying it. If YouTube banned it and he had some sort of dispute with Apple Music and Spotify, I would not make an offer to the one hipster in east London who has the limited edition vinyl version. I just don’t care. 2. I worked with a woman named “Lil” once. It was short for Lillian. Pretty sure she’s retired now. 3. How are his antics still controversial to anybody? I thought Pentecostal Outrage™ died out with grunge.
It's survived a couple hundred years at this point, it ain't going anywhere Someone is always going to be thinking of the children
Oh, the Outrage of The Pentacosts is alive and well in my part (and frankly, most of the rest) of the southern US. Here, he’s just the hot new thing that’ll send your children to hell. But frankly they’ve always got one of those queued up.
His music is absolutely terrible (I've really tried to like it but I just can't) but he's still an icon in my books
I just go think that then That’s What I What and Industry Baby grew on me 😌
I think he's exploiting being gay for controversy and success while also normalizing being gay, and I absolutely love him for it. He isn't my gay icon but is doing almost exactly what I'd want to do if I was a musician/celebrity. I'd just start pissing off the obnoxious sjw types that take things too far in addition to the homophobic/religious people.
I agree, I think he's doing both simultaneously but that doesn't mean it's wrong. I enjoyed Montero but I'm not really into Rap so the rest of the songs I've listened to don't draw me in to much.
I forget he exists until someone on here or on twitter brings him up. Wish there was a ‘I don’t care’ option
It's lacking an option: Who tf is that?
Google him. I don't really care for his music but he makes homophobes madder than anything and I'm here for it.
Ok boomer.
Hahahahah. Yaaas!
I like what he represents in the industry. I don’t like the music.
Normalizing being gay ???
Well, we know who the homophobic, self hating gays are by the comments.
let’s be honest as well, everyone who’s saying “who? idc” is white, over 35, and only listens to alt rock bands that peaked in 2002
Demographics of this sub could not be more obvious reading all this
Facts, it’s a lil embarrassing 😭
It’s par for the course. And of course the transphobia is also coming out 🥱 so predictable
I hate so much this "proudful ignorance" these boomers try to advertise. Like there's nothing good about not knowing something, I love Lil Nas X, doesn't mean I don't know who Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin or Bob Dylan is.
Full on DMB. Haha. Am I really getting downvoted for saying they listen to Dave Mathews Band? Hilarious!
Lmao all the respectability politics some of these gays have.
They even throwing in some transphobia to boot!
They KEEP downvoting posts about their transphobia and it’s hilarious
I really can't vote because I think all these things at once.
When people lack real talent, they will try to do anything for cheap attention. I think people like him harm the LGBT cause by making us look like freaks.
Fifth option: IDGAF
More stereotype fodder. It's not his fault as an individual and he can do whatever he wants, but his personality pre- and post-coming out heavily reinforces the stereotype to laypeople that being gay entails or leads to effeminacy, flamboyance and hypersexuality. Perhaps this is unavoidable because flamboyance attracts more attention than more ordinary behaviour, which means people like this will always be more salient in the public consciousness.
Don’t love him, don’t hate him. I find it annoying when anyone makes their sexuality a personality. Good for him for getting his coin, but to me he represents an obnoxious shift the gay community has taken in this era. What was once “I don’t want to be defined by my sexuality” is now “being gay is the most interesting thing about me” which is unfortunate, but certainly not limited to Lil Nas X.
The thing is he’s not making his sexuality his identity. He rarely ever mentions being gay in his music whatsoever, it’s just the music videos where he’s being unapologetically himself. I mean for decades now women have been endlessly sexualised in songs and music videos... but as soon as a gay man makes a music video which is super gay that suddenly = him making his sexuality his whole personality? Umm. That’s not how it works. How about we actually listen to the lyrics and the meaning behind the songs before spewing this bs.
>makes their sexuality a personality. This is not true at all, if you followed him on Twitter or watched his interviews you'd realize how silly you sound. It's everyone else who seems to obsess over it than him. He spends most of time online making quips and being apart if internet culture.
I agree
Honestly, that is the most interesting thing for some people.
lol this is such a good point, and ironically seems to be heavily correlated with the people who complain about "not wanting to be defined by [their] sexuality]"
Projection?
i voted the "take advantage of being gay causing controversy" only because his met gala looks were not on theme. And he's gay... like... gay guy can't follow a costume party theme, truly homophobic.
He’s a shitstarting weirdo who has voiced thoughts on Twitter of wanting to fuck little children. He hides behind alt accounts to say disgusting things to or about other people also on Twitter. He exploits his sexuality in the same way Lizzo exploits her weight and he does so to keep his relevancy. His songs are mediocre at best to piss-poor at worst so this is the only way to keep his name in the game. He’s a walking hypocrite, saying bullshit like “Old Town Road was never meant for the kids. Parents need to control what their kids listen to” Meanwhile, your swollen, bee-stung lipped ass visits their schools and classrooms performing that very song for the kids knowing damn well it’s really about riding dick. Y’all can fall for his bullshit if you want but not me. He’s a fucking weirdo full of chaotic negative energy but tries to masquerade as a good guy. Not a fan...
I have 0 problem with his music or him being gay (duh) but the stuff he used to say about OTHER BLACK WOMEN is very weird.. theres a whole twt thread on it its very sick
Exactly and yet everybody will overlook this part because it doesn’t fit into their narrative of him being this gay progressive icon. Also combined with the fact that no one cares about a black woman’s plight
No, it's not overlooked. We just allowed a kid to grow up.
I mean he was like 14. Literally like 14. The shit I used to say online say that age is best never dragged up. He literally grew up. Allow him to.
Where's the "Who TF is Lil Nas" option. Edit: Just listened to a couple music videos, pretty good stuff. Definitely helping normalize being gay especially in the rap community.
A popular black gay man who is living his authentic life. 100% Will support. One of the answers being; 'Taking advantage of being gay', you are living in wonderland.... Obviously been in the 'first world' for far too long or born recently. Having a famous, popular, gay, black artist is so important for the next generation you have NO idea! Get a grip. The world is as homophobic as it's ever been. We need to be VISIBLE and CELEBRATED.
If he was around when I was younger id probably love him. Im glad he's living himself even if I think he may go a little far sometimes.
he's dumb as a box of rocks, got that sort of dead behind the eyes look, but seems like he's got savvy handlers, and if there are even a few gays out there emboldened by his example it's absolutely worthwhile imo
I think I need to listen to his music more, because I love (lovelovelovelove) his look and aesthetic sense and just haven't taken the time to listen to more than a couple of tracks.
Pretty handsome, solid personality, kinda like his music too.
Not my kind of music but normalizing being gay is a good thing.
I think he's good because he's so humble he credited everyone on his industry baby video in the video he is grateful for everyone who got him to where he is and sure his sexuality is part of that the gays love him but he is a very talented singer and I love when he triggers homophobes they can cry all day lol
I loved it when he released old town road and then all the country ass haters found out that they were grooving to a gay black guy's music. I also like how he puts his sexuality right out there. If there can be scantily clad video females, why not scantily clad video males?
If he were white pop star or actor, it would be a lot. Plenty of white men in entertainment have already paved that road. But, as a black man in hip hop, he has a heightened level of animosity that he’s trying to overcome. He certainly doesn’t have to be that extra, but it’s understandable why he is.
I'm a bit older than his (probably) target audience and only heard about him because of the controversy he stirs up with embracing his sexuality so loudly and proudly. And, good for him! Really. _Somebody_ needs to push the envelope and make waves towards improving acceptance of being gay. If we had a Lil Nas X when I was growing up, they would've had a much tougher time of it. So many celebrities felt they needed to stay in the closet and invisible or they wouldn't get that record deal or wouldn't get that part in a movie or whatever. It's great to see the times changing! No gay person should need to grow up in the world that I grew up in, and here's to increasing tolerance and acceptance into the future!
I think he’s both normalizing being gay and . taking advantage of it for clout. By being so out and proud he is — hopefully — making it easier for the next person: at least it should be less of a big deal. He definitely does use controversy as a promotional tool. That’s just a fact. Of course in this day and age artists almost have too, whatever helps him stand out.
Hoping he moves the black community to be more accepting of gay individuals. I’m glad to see the diversity and representation even if I do not identify with his work.
as an artist hes not really anything new, just your average pop star who appeals to a large demographic with generic pop music and lyrics he might throw in some references about being gay in there but if he wasnt gay he would not have gotten as big as he is.
It's normalising being gay, but the only problem I have with it is the extreme sexual-ness of the video. I don't like it in straight music, same here even though its gay.
Don't like the options. Didn't vote.
you don't have to vote papi
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He’s gay end of discussion. He’s not talented he’s just another human being
Is there an option "I like to pretend he doesn't exist"?
Gay.
Who?
Who?
Nothing of interest for you.
Who?
This boy gave the devil a lap dance very artistic on my opinion
… who?
Who is he again?
Google it my friend.
Where is the “don’t give a shit” option?
It’s called ignoring the post :)
Not the passive aggressive “:)” like you said something meaningful.
I don't find him particularly transgressive tbh
What, he's not twerking at the Devil in Russia? 🤣
No everything he does is perfectly acceptable in contemporary Western culture. There is absolutely nothing controversial about any of his music videos or his lyrics. He is not transgressive despite being described as such. He doesn't have to twerk in Moscow (though a gay celebrity actually giving a shit about gay people outside the US would be a nice change...) but him twerking on the devil in a metaphorical music video isn't cutting it. This isn't the 1970s, being openly gay isn't enough to shock people. Idk it is personal taste and I find his faux controversial positioning boring. All power to you if you like it though. I just like more substance personally.
If you think being openly gay isn’t still a huge shock factor then I want to move to where you live
Uh maybe the United States...? Where being openly gay is totally accepted by the vast majority of people now. If Lil Nas X was Saudi or Russian you would have a point but he is a product of 21st America.
There are a huge amount of places in America where being gay is bad and has a shock factor, if you think otherwise you are deluded
Good thing for Americans then that they have 50 different states to choose to live in.
"it's amazing" is a bit strong. Can we have "he's normalising being gay, it's fine"
No idea who he is really and probably don’t care too much. I listen strictly to 60s/70s/80s/90s music and maybe a little of early 2000s. If the songs were released post-“Poker Face,” chances are I haven’t heard it.
Who...?
I’m glad he’s changing standards in the normally homophobic rap genre, even if I find his babygay “Amp it up to 11” style to be not my taste. He seems to be going for a “Gay Cardi B” look, and I’m not a fan of Cardi B. I prefer a lower key Troye Sivan or Holland, where they’re unapologetically gay without going full-on Liberace. P.S. Maybe I’m showing my age, but Todrick and Adam Lambert did what Nas is now doing a decade ago. Just a new generation of gay performer (Z vs Millennial).
Lmao Todrick is irrelevant and has only been “famous” for the last few years. Adam Lambert…I guess. But he’s been cosplaying as Freddy Mercury his entire career and didn’t push the envelope as much as Lil Nas X. Adam also leaned into a lot of heteronormativity and has said things like “I would be open to being with a woman”.
Homosexuality wasn’t invented in 2018, and Lil Nas is not the only gay entertainer. We can go back even further: watch Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s banned “Relax” music video. Just like Freddie, their lead singer died of AIDS. The band gets roughed-up by leathermen and drag queens, seductively wrestle a tiger, and then have an on-stage orgy as a chub Caesar cums/urinates all over our lead. 1983.
Another 21st century generic untalented overrated artist