The rollout for Lil Nas X ‘s highly anticipated debut album “Montero” once again proves the 22-year-old pop star is America’s leading internet virologist. Our favorite sequin-clad rap cowboy decided the release, which includes features from Miley Cyrus, Elton John and Megan Thee Stallion, left him pregnant with possibility. So naturally, he booked an exclusive interview and photo shoot with People magazine to reveal his baby bump.
With a flower crown, a bouquet of white roses and a charming grin, he cradled his “womb” as the internet broke around him. The album is set to drop on Friday. On Wednesday, he released his “baby shower” video (no one showed up!) and by Thursday he was “in labor.”
As hype around his “pregnancy” ran high, the celebrity, who is gay, released his baby registry: a list of 13 LGBTQ and HIV advocacy organizations fans should support.
What’s in the Mirror, an Austin organization that “works to end mental health and HIV stigma through art, advocacy, and culturally affirming care,” is included in the rundown.
“Being included on Lil Nas X’s registry is invaluable visibility for our work to raise awareness about HIV prevention and treatment in the black and queer community,” Tarik Daniels, the group’s executive director, said in a statement. “The funds his fans are donating will accelerate our nonprofit’s plan to defeat the stigma that drives new infections.”
What’s in the Mirror founders think of HIV as a social justice and racial justice issue. “The three groups most affected by HIV are Black gay men, Black cisgender women and transgender women of color,” a release from the organization said.
They hope to overcome some of the structural barriers that lead to high infection rates by amplifying the message that HIV treatment and prevention strategies like frequent testing and pre-exposure medications are highly effective.
Like their pop star champion, the nonprofit is also trying to break down faith-based stigma around homosexuality which they believe contributes to the spread of HIV.
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Lil Nas X makes waves with emotionally charged debut album ‘Montero’
After spending months hyping his debut album, Lil Nas X‘s emotionally charged Montero is finally here.
Released Friday at midnight, Lil Nas X also delighted fans by dropping the heartbreaking music video for the song, “That’s What I Want.”
The single explores the 22-year-old Grammy winner’s pains of the heart as he openly craves sharing his life and success with a significant other that loves and needs him just as much. Lil Nas X also confesses that he’s garnered a reputation “for givin’ love away,” admitting it’s a crutch to combat the loneliness that’s consuming him.
The music video follows Lil Nas X loving and, eventually, losing the man he thought was going to be his forever, culminating with the rapper donning a wedding dress and walking down the aisle to accept a guitar given to him by Billy Porter.
Montero boasts a robust list of collaborators, including Elton John, Miley Cyrus, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and several others.
Montero explores personal themes of self-hatred and struggling with self-acceptance, such as in the track “Sun Goes Down,” with lyrics describing what it means to be happy or at peace with one’s self. The album, which boasts an array of pop and hip hop crossover tracks, also features the song “Dead Right Now,” which has Lil Nas X looking back at those who have doubted him when he took a leap of faith to drop out of college and pursue his dream of making music.
Montero is now available to purchase and stream everywhere.
(Video contains uncensored profanity.)
