Lil Nas X’s “Montero” Video and Satanic Shoes Have the Internet in A Frenzy
Lil Nas X’s new video has angered conservative pundits and fellow rappers alike.
One of the music industry’s most skilled trolls is at it again. On Thursday, Lil Nas X dropped the video for his latest single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” The track is written to a 14-year-old version of himself (Montero Lamar Hill), and was paired with a letter he wrote. In the letter, Lil Nas reveals that he previously promised himself to never come out, and explains why he decided to do so in 2019.
“This will open doors for many other queer people to simply exist,” he wrote. “This is very scary for me, people will be angry, they will say I’m pushing an agenda. but the truth is, i am. the agenda to make people stay the fuck out of other people’s lives and stop dictating who they should be. sending you love from the future.”
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In the video, Nas X visits the Garden of Eden and ancient Greece, eventually pole dancing into Hell, giving Satan a lap dance before killing him. As expected, conservative pundits like Candace Owens decried the video.
Yes. You successfully got you used by corporations to help further destroy our youth.
Congratulations on being a pawn in a game you likely don’t even understand.
We can take cheap shots on Twitter or I can welcome you to have this discussion with me publicly because it matters. https://t.co/bEcTDi2vqm— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) March 28, 2021
Multiple accounts accused him of targeting children.
there was no system involved. i made the decision to create the music video. i am an adult. i am not gonna spend my entire career trying to cater to your children. that is your job. https://t.co/SzjjYe2tf4
— nope 🏹 (@LilNasX) March 27, 2021
“There is a mass shooting every week that our government does nothing to stop,” he responded to one critic. “Me sliding down a CGI pole isn’t what’s destroying society.
there is a mass shooting every week that our government does nothing to stop. me sliding down a cgi pole isn’t what’s destroying society. https://t.co/H21SMVnfNQ
— nope 🏹 (@LilNasX) March 26, 2021
Shortly after the video’s release, New York-based art collective MSCHF revealed a collaboration with Lil Nas X. The two teamed up to make 666 pairs of (unofficial) Nike Air Max 97s. The shoes, which cost $1,018 each — a reference to Bible verse Luke 10:18 — are Satan-themed, and allegedly feature a drop of human blood. The move prompted a statement from Nike and more criticism, this time from Massachusetts rapper Joyner Lucas.
MSCHF x Lil Nas X "Satan Shoes" 🏹
👟Nike Air Max '97
🩸Contains 60cc ink and 1 drop of human blood
🗡️666 Pairs, individually numbered
💰$1,018
🗓️March 29th, 2021 pic.twitter.com/XUMA9TKGSX— SAINT (@saint) March 26, 2021
“We do not have a relationship with Little Nas X or MSCHF,” the brand said in a statement. “Nike did not design or release these shoes, and we do not endorse them.”
On Monday, Nike filed a lawsuit against MSCHF for trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution, and common law trademark infringement/unfair competition. Nike has requested a jury trial to resolve the issue.
Nike is suing MSCHF over the blood shoes: pic.twitter.com/inFLwU8k0q
— Kevin Draper (@kevinmdraper) March 29, 2021
“I think the biggest problem for me is the fact he don’t understand “Old Town Road” is every kid’s anthem,” Lucas tweeted. “Children love him for that record. They tuned in and subscribed to his channels. So with no disclaimer he just dropped some left field ish & all our kids seen it. Smh.”
I think the biggest problem for me is the fact he dont understand “old town road” is every kids anthem. Children love him for that record. They tuned in and subscribed to his channels. So with no disclaimer he just dropped some left field ish & all our kids seen it. Smh
— Joyner Lucas (@JoynerLucas) March 28, 2021
“I literally sing about lean & adultery in Old Town Road,” Nas X responded. “[You] decided to let your kid listen. Blame yourself.”
i literally sing about lean & adultery in old town road. u decided to let your child listen. blame yourself. https://t.co/gYmTi49BqB
— nope 🏹 (@LilNasX) March 29, 2021
Candace Owens turned her sights from Cardi B to Lil Nas when she heard the news.
“We are promoting Satan shoes to wear on our feet,” she tweeted. “We’ve got Cardi B named as Woman of the Year, but we’re convinced it’s white supremacy that’s keeping Black America behind.”
“You know you did something right when she talks about it,” he responded. On Monday, the shoes went on sale, selling out in less than a minute.
you know you did something right when she talks about it https://t.co/9ujlFhBMdZ
— nope 🏹 (@LilNasX) March 28, 2021
Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” can be found on all digital streaming platforms.
