Lil Nas X signals end of ‘gay era’ and return to ‘cowboy era’

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@lilnasx

Lil Nas X has signalled he’s set to return to his “cowboy era” and leave his “gay era” behind following the release of his debut album later this year.

The 22-year-old’s so-called gay era” has seen two top 10 Billboard hits ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ and ‘Industry Baby’ released to much acclaim for their vivid and open representation of Black queerness.

In his “cowboy era” Lil Nas X released ‘Old Town Road’ in 2019, which helped launch the star to global success.

“Make it a gay cowboy era bestie”

The 22-year-old rapper tweeted on Friday (6 August): “after i drop the album i will be finish with my gay era and returning to my cowboy era”.

Cue shock from his fans, who like us, have been enjoying this apparent era and weren’t expecting it to end so soon. However, some saw an opportunity to combine the two for a “gay cowboy era”, with one person tweeting: “

make it a gay cowboy era bestie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tPc6h8NwDw

— look at davy’s pinned (@gpositions) August 6, 2021

Lil Nas X has been praised by many for his contributions as openly gay rapper in a genre of music not known for its acceptance and inclusion.

Recently, DaBaby has highlighted issues with homophobia in hip-hop and rap with his ignorant comments regarding people with HIV and Aids, as well as making homophobic comments at the Rolling Loud festival in Miami. He has apologised, although his Instagram post has recently been deleted.

Fellow rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, has also entered the debate about inclusion in music, telling People magazine, “Representation is important, and it is really crucial for us all to have compassion and acceptance of every human.”

The Attitude Body Issue is out now.

Subscribe in print and get your first three issues for just £1 each, or digitally for just over £1.50 per issue.