(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Lil Nas X’s Instagram Account)
What we can’t say in words out loud, we certainly can say in a song.
That’s exactly what the 20-year-old American rapper, singer, and songwriter Lil Nas X did when he came out as gay on social media recently. He tweeted: “some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure.”
some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure. 🌈🤩✨ pic.twitter.com/O9krBLllqQ
— nope (@LilNasX) June 30, 2019
Lil Nas X was referring to the 7th and final song titled C7osure (You Like) of his new album called 7 which was released on June 21, 2019. Said album debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200.
Part of the chorus of the aforementioned song reads:
True say, I want and I need/To let go, use my time to be free
While the post-chorus says:
Ain’t no more actin’, man, that forecast say I should just let me grow/No more red light for me, baby, only green, I gotta go/Pack my past up in the back, oh, let my future take ahold/This is what I gotta do, can’t be regrettin’ when I’m old.
The tweet naturally sparked a discussion among fans online with many of them asking: did Lil Nas X just come out? The rapper removed all doubt surrounding his sexuality by tweeting another message that said: “deadass thought i made it obvious.” Attached in said tweet was the cover of his album that featured a rainbow-colored building.
deadass thought i made it obvious pic.twitter.com/HFCbVqBkLM
— nope (@LilNasX) June 30, 2019
Lorenzo Sozzi—the designer of the album cover—told TMZ that Lil Nas X instructed him to “add a rainbow flourish to one of the buildings” and while he never explained to Sozzi why “he wanted to add the rainbow, but he was adamant about it.”
Anyway, his coming out was met with hate although fans and public figures alike have rallied behind the “Old Town Road” rapper to support him while others took the news in stride and even joked about it.
it’s true i am a guy https://t.co/7hsG0TEm8i
— nope (@LilNasX) July 1, 2019
.@LilNasX has gone from viral sensation to groundbreaking musician. As a fan, I’m thrilled and inspired to see him standing in his truth as a member of the LGBTQ community. Welcome to the family! #pride https://t.co/H81iXxCII6
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 3, 2019
It takes a true real man to do what you did. You are an amazing person. Nothing but love respect & support ✊🏾🏳️🌈
— Tigger_ReddXXX (@Tigger_ReddXXX) July 2, 2019
The more important question: who molested this young man to make him choose that lifestyle?
— yesno (@BatBoyGalt) July 1, 2019
Don’t think you could just put rainbows on one building an then everybody would be like “yuup he gay” ….
— Dr. Finesse (@Finesse947) July 1, 2019
We will protect Lil Nas X at all costs 🌈
— Ira thee Third (@ira) July 1, 2019
Lil Nas X is best known for his country rap breakout single “Old Town Road,” which currently tops the Billboard Hot 100. According to Billboard, Old Town Road is the “longest-running No. 1 for a hip-hop song ever” at 13 weeks.
So a rapper that can’t rap comes out incoherently through his lyrics and we are all supposed to cheer? Then Mayor Pete Butthurt chimes in because like Lil whatever X he is irrelevant too.
Aw, hell, Matt. I don’t like rap because to me it lacks melody in the lyrics; if I can use that word to describe the words of the so-called “rap songs”. But, if he wants to be gay, how he comes out if he chooses to doesn’t matter to me any more than his songs. At least he isn’t rappin’ about killing people and fuckin’ up his life and the lives of those around him with substance abuse. Well, if he does I don’t know about it. I say just let him be himself and see what comes of it.
I’m sure that’s the “editorial we” because you’re certainly not speaking for me. If you lack the courage of your convictions, state YOUR opinion and leave it at that. Not everyone comes out with a clap of thunder and a shower of glitter. And to be honest, the courage it takes to come out as a young black male rapper at the start of his career says more about courage than sniping from the shadows. While you’re at it, consider the strength of character it takes to make your life public and run for the Presidency. Or how little character… Read more »
Wait, isn’t exactly what he did the equivalent of coming out throwing glitter and thunder? He waited until his novelty song was a hit and then got even more press by using social media to come out. This wasn’t a hey by they way I happen to like guys.. its a PR move.
I’m so happy for him. Yo. It’s not easy to be out and a rapper. So get it Lil Nas
Lol well isn’t that cute.
MATT:
Well-written!
It is always the most incoherent and most irrelevant who declare themselves as “Gay.” And, as for Mayor Pete, naturally, is compelled, affirmatively, even if it diminishes his self-proclaimed education and experience as a politician.
It is, obvious: neither the Rapper nor the Mayor have more between their brains than what hangs between their legs.
An unfortunate yet suitable epitaph for America!
Oh yeah, using coming out to promote his album sales. Sigh
Pride and sexuality is simply a way to (and always has been) sell.
Somebody sounds pressed.
Many Main Street guys “Come Out!” everyday. Most people say “OK”. A media personality “Comes Out!” and their minions gush at what a wunnnnderful thing it is!!!!
And then there are men who are gay, but feel no need to be “stroked” about their sexuality and find no need to announce it to the world.
HUNTER0500: As usual, you have an abundance of common sense. No one needs to come out any more as it is old-had. Those who do come out either look it and realize that coming out is simple acknowledging what is already understood, or it is someone in show-biz whom everyone already is predisposed to already knowing…simply by default. We are all out and by a process of elimination or eventual default, everyone else will figure it all out…in due time. Today, all the Liberals come out…for this one or that one; or for this thing or for that thing…it’s just… Read more »
Positive and affirming role models are important. These are necessary for marginalized and negatively stereotyped people. His decision be open about his sexuality is no small feat.
Bravo to each individual and generation who steps forward.
Good for him. The more viability the better I say.
I guess its a big deal to some; back in the day, it was a hetero-black male thing, which is why, when Queen Latifah; as a women “broke-ground” when she began to rap. So, now because he’s gay, its a big thing, like gay-folk male or female can’t rap? Now, if Queen Elizabeth, were going to rap, that’d be news, lmao!
I feel like the lyrics of “Old Town Road” might have a whole different meaning now.
And in his next album, he’ll find Jesus and turn straight again. #opportunist #IdentityPolitics #tokenism
It is amazing reading some of the views , this one is going to the haters. We are here, not going anywhere and guaranteed to start fighting back 10 fold. So the next person that wishes to create harm to a Gay man or Women be prepared for a real fight. Trust me , you do not want to get your ass beaten by a Gay person ….LOL How are you going to live that. So haters beware we fighting BACK.
I am not surprised by the backlash from gay people against gay people coming out. If now its easier to come out, lets keep celebrating their courage to do it. Do you remember how hard it was for some of you to do it? So why the negativity against it? There are people still living in fear to come out for receiving negativity and backlash against them, from their family, friends, and from YOU, who should be the most supported and understanding of all. Maybe you guys should consider to turn your negativity into positive, like taking some dick up… Read more »
“…lets keep celebrating their courage to do it.” If someone chooses to come out, that’s what it is…a choice. No one else should be guilted or bullied into cheering at their party. Just as no one should be bullied or guilted into “Coming Out!!”
If someone needs the “Come Out!!”, they should. And anyone who wishes to overtly express support to them should do so.
Anyone who wishes to take a quieter approach to both of those should be able to … without being guilted or bullied.
Yass
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