After multiple chart-topping hits, Lil Nas X is set to release his debut studio album, Montero. The Grammy-winning artist announced his forthcoming LP on social media Tuesday (June 29) along with a Marvel-themed trailer that reflects on his past singles and performances.
“Montero the debut album coming soon,” he tweeted.
After releasing his breakout record “Old Town Road” in 2019 and the subsequent Billy Ray Cyrus-featuring remix, Lil Nas dropped his 7 EP. The project featured Cyrus, Cardi B and Travis Barker.
The 22-year-old performed his song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” on Sunday (June 27) at the BET Awards 2021. The Egyptian-inspired set ended with a kiss between Lil Nas and one of his male backup dancers, which received mixed reactions online. On Twitter, he admitted to being nervous about performing the song in front of his “straight peers” at the awards show.
“It took me a lot of time to mentally prepare for this performance,” he wrote. “While on stage I was trembling knowing that I was performing something like that in front of my straight peers. Even during the performance, I was having a hard time calming my nerves. Thank you guys for the love.”
Lil Nas received support for the performance from Diddy, who praised the singer’s bravery.
“Lil Nas X did that!! Be fearless!!!” Diddy tweeted.
Lil Nas also faced backlash for his “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” video, which saw him riding a stripper pole into hell. Speaking with comedians Desus & Mero, the Georgia native said he didn’t expect the amount of outrage the video received.
“What’s the real reason that everyone’s still angry? What’s the actual reason?” he reflected. “Even when I was planning the video, I was like, ‘Oh this is definitely gonna hit Fox News’. I definitely didn’t expect the outrage as much as it was at all, especially governors tweeting me.”
Watch the Montero album trailer below.