The country rap single Old Town Road, released on December 3, 2018, spent a record 19 weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Created by Montero Lamar Hill, known professionally as Lil Nas X, the track utilized a beat purchased for 30 dollars from producer YoungKio and samples from Nine Inch Nails.
Early Life and Education
Born in Atlanta in 1999, Montero Lamar Hill spent his youth in the Bankhead Courts housing project before moving to Austell. He attended Lithia Springs High School, graduating in 2017. He briefly enrolled at the University of West Georgia as a computer science major but withdrew after one year. During this period, he supported himself with positions at Zaxby's and the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park while developing his online presence.
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Before gaining recognition as a musician, Hill cultivated a massive following as an internet personality. He utilized platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to distribute comedy videos and interactive scenario threads. Investigations later linked him to influential fan accounts, including @NasMaraj, which utilized automated tweet-syndication strategies. These digital spaces allowed him to experiment with virality and audience engagement, providing a foundation for his eventual transition into the music industry.
Musical Breakthrough
In 2018, Hill adopted the moniker Lil Nas X and began recording in his home studio. After the viral success of Old Town Road, he signed with Columbia Records. His debut EP, 7, arrived in 2019, featuring tracks such as Panini and Rodeo. His first studio album, Montero, followed in 2021, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and securing a nomination for Album of the Year at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.
Public Recognition
Lil Nas X has secured numerous industry honors throughout his career. His accolades include the 2019 MTV Video Music Award for Best Direction and the 2020 Grammy Awards for Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. In 2021, Time magazine included him in its 100 most influential people list. By 2022, he became the youngest individual honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame through the Hal David Starlight Award.
Fast facts
- Born: 1999, Atlanta
- Citizenship: United States
- Notable Work: Old Town Road
- Education: University of West Georgia
- Key Award: Grammy Award for Best Music Video (2020)
- Debut EP: 7 (2019)
Questions readers ask
What was Lil Nas X's occupation before music?
He worked at a Zaxby's restaurant and the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park.
Where did he go to high school?
He graduated from Lithia Springs High School in 2017.
Achievements
- Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance — 2020
- Grammy Award for Best Music Video — 2020
- Notable work: Old Town Road
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: hip-hop, pop rap and country rap
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