Checking in with Lil Nas X
Lots of controversy has been surrounding American rapper Lil Nas X after the release of his latest single “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” More specifically, people have had mixed opinions about the music video that goes along with the song.
The Music Video Controversy
On March 26, 2021, the music video for “MONTERO” was released. After 24 hours, the video reached #1 on YouTube’s trending list with 12 million views. The video showed Lil Nas pole dancing his way into hell and seducing the devil by giving him a lap dance. It was his response to the Christian belief that “all gays are going to hell.” The message of the video is that Lil Nas is accepting of his sexuality and who he is. He remains unbothered by the fact people believe he should go to hell. The video has created mixed responses among his audience.
Numerous fans who once supported Lil Nas X have decided to stop supporting him due to the video going against their beliefs. These fans have had no issue with letting him know by leaving hateful comments on his social media platforms, especially Christians who have been quick to criticize the video.
A commenter on the video wrote, “You can’t think this is cool, this is worshipping the devil you can’t possibly think this is ok and allowed if you believe in God. And with the devil shoes. No Christian should be happy with this.”
Not all responses have been so negative. Most people enjoyed the video and the message he is portraying. Lots of positive comments flooded his social media, praising the video. Even Roblox’s TikTok account left a message saying, “When is your Roblox performance of this bop!?!”
Lil Nas X responded to the criticism he received. In a tweet, he responded, “I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the shit y’all preached would happen to me because I was gay. So I hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the same anger you teach to us to have towards ourselves.”
The Sneaker Controversy
Shortly after the release of “MONTERO,” Lil Nas X partnered up with MSCHF, a small company in Brooklyn, New York, to release 666 pairs of “Satan Shoes.” They created their own version of the Nike Air Max 97s and priced them at $1,018 a pair. Each sneaker has the Bible verse “Luke 10:18” inscribed in them. The verse translates to “Jesus said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning.'” Six members of the MSCHF team donated their own blood so a single drop can be mixed with ink to fill the bottom bubble in each shoe. After being released, the 666 pairs sold out in minutes.
MSCHF is facing backlash from Nike and is being sued by the company. In the lawsuit, Nike states the reason as “decisions about what to put the ‘swoosh’ on belonging to Nike, not to third parties like MSCHF.” Nike also requested in the lawsuit that MSCHF should “immediately and permanently stop fulfilling all orders for its unauthorized Satan Shoe.” MSCHF has yet to respond to the lawsuit. Meanwhile, Lil Nas is playfully poking fun at the situation on his YouTube, TikTok and Twitter accounts.
