After a long nine months, Lil Nas X gave birth to his awaited debut album “Montero,” which has been largely hyped up by fans, and has left us all in shock. The album includes a variety of fifteen tracks in pop and hip hop/rap categories, in which follows the current vibe of his three pre-released songs “Montero (Call Me by Your Name),” “Sun Goes Down,” and “Industry Baby” (ft. Jack Harlow), which were all released as hit singles.
Nas collaborates with a variety of artists on five of his tracks such as: Jack Harlow, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, and Doja Cat. In his tracks “That’s What I Want,” “One of Me” (ft. Elton John), and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name),” Nas clearly expresses his ideals and struggles with finding a partner within the LGBTQ+ community and the backlash he’s received since he came out in 2019.
In the music video of “That’s What I Want,” Nas highlights the beauty of queer love and intimacy within the POC community, and shocks fans with how unexpected the music video was. He brings a similar idea into his song “Sun Goes Down,” where he expresses the topic of acceptance of self-image while getting hate from others.
There’re also songs with a completely different aura including, “Void,” “Life After Salem,” and “Am I Dreaming” (ft. Miley Cyrus), where they’re much slower and give off numerous vulnerable lyrics and rhythm. The lyrics of the songs give off a late-night drive while blasting the music type of vibe. While on the other hand track such as, “Dolla Sign Slime” (ft. Megan Thee Stallion), “Scoop” (ft. Doja Cat), “Industry Baby” (ft. Jack Harlow), “Dead Right Now,” and “Don’t Want It,” which are more similar to Nas’ older rap songs like “Panini” since his career did get started from his rap music.
Lastly are the songs that fit more into the pop category, “Tales of Dominica” and “Lost In Citadel” are very much party songs and the lyrics roll right off the tongue and could easily be screamed at, at the top of your lungs anywhere.
Included in the album is a track titled “The Art Of Realization”, which is a voice recording of Nas’ voice talking to himself, reflecting on his life as of now and if he’s happy with where he’s currently at. If listened to in order this track perfectly transitions into “Scoop” which is satisfying to listen to.
The short clips that some of the songs have on Nas’ YouTube also fit with the aesthetic of the albums’ cover art and with the vibe and instrumentals of the songs as well. The clip for the song “Dolla Sign Slime” has Nas wearing a gold costume that is very similar to his second Met Gala look.
The marketing for this debut album was phenomenal when it comes to the art, costumes, and especially advertising it as a birth which really hooks people to stay intrigued until the release.
Fingers crossed Lil Nas X decides to go on tour soon, because that will be well awaited by fans, in hopes of screaming these lyrics live. The album’s wide range of songs and collaboration with artists will surely keep him up in those charts and around for many years in the future. Overall, this album is a 9/10.
Olivia Montgomery//Staff Writer