Why did Lil Nas X claim he would be killed if he shared 'Montero' today? Reasons explained

Montero Lamar Hill, popularly known as Lil Nas X, rose to fame in 2018 with his hit single, Old Town Road. In a recent interview with Paper Magazine on April 2, 2025, the rapper and songwriter revealed his intentions to bring himself "to the world" and make a comeback in the music scene. Hill spoke of his earlier works, including J Christ and Montero (Call Me By Your Name), and noted that if they were released "today", the audience and critics may have extreme reactions to them.

He recognizes that he was grappling with changing times and his work featured unconventional and biblical themes. He claimed he released those music videos amid a "changing world" and added:

“Even right now, [there’s] everything with the young males being taught these super conservative ways."

He reportedly hinted at the current political climate and its link to gender representation. He wondered how the releases would be received and claimed:

“[If I did that today,] they’d actually try to kill me, like I’m not kidding.”

Lil Nas X talks about all things music and transformation in his creative process

Lil Nas X sat for a candid conversation with Paper Magazine to talk about his past and new work. The rapper is setting the stage for his new LP, Dreamboy. Hill surprised his fans with a mini-album, Days Before Dreamboy, featuring eight tracks. Lil Nas revealed he had held many songs "hostage" to make them "perfect." He said:

"So I was like, Let's put the music out, because we also exist now in a world where music can pop off from any time period, in any genre, and be the biggest thing ever just randomly."

Lil Nas X described himself as "sporadic" and noted that he "loves a little chaos," so he gave his shot at recognizing the "uncertainty" that comes with it. Speaking of his new LP, he stated:

"DREAMBOY is a collection of everything and anything I've ever loved or hated. It's just me going out there and doing me in whichever form I feel. I'll say that much."

Lil Nas X also revealed Camila Cabello's role in helping him get his "confidence" back and added:

"It was fun hanging out with Camila, because that was the beginning of me getting comfortable going out to places. It was just genuine fun. It didn't feel like work. Camila made me feel so good, she made me feel so great."

The rapper claimed that his songs, especially the ones with unconventional themes may have not been well received if they were released in today's times. Lil Nas X described that his new album, Dreamboy is a "way of fighting for a new world."

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Official release dates for Dreamboy are yet to be announced.

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