Lil Nas X has shared a defiant message for his “haters” after reaching number one with his new single, Montero (Call Me By Your Name).
The track, which is a celebration of gay sexuality, has been criticised by conservatives in the US, who have called it “depraved” and “evil”.
But the song has topped the charts in the US and UK, thanks in part to the spotlight his critics have shone on it.
“I hope my haters are sad,” he said in response. “I hope they are crying.”
Referring to the his chances at the prestigious Grammy Awards, he added: “I want your tears to fill my Grammy cup.”
https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1379172818114412545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1379172818114412545%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fentertainment-arts-56648936
It is the star’s second number one after Old Town Road, the country-rap crossover that spent a record 19 weeks at the top of the US chart in 2019.
Why is the song so controversial?
Montero has caused a stir with its high-concept video, which sees Lil Nas X descending to hell on a stripper pole and lapdancing for the devil – before killing him, stealing his horns and claiming them for himself.
The 21-year-old simultaneously released a limited edition range of sneakers, dubbed Satan Shoes, which featured a drop of human blood in the sole.
Both the video and the merchandise were condemned by some commentators.
Candace Owens accused the rapper of “keeping black America behind”, while author and former US marine Matthew Betley described the video as a “sick and depraved and an attempt to destroy our society”.
Nike also intervened, filing a trademark infringement claim against the art collective MSCHF, who used modified Nike Air Max 97s to create the Satan Shoes.
How did Lil Nas X react?
The critics played into Lil Nas X’s hands, as he waited by his keyboard with an arsenal of barbed responses.
When the governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, criticised the Satan sneakers, Lil Nas X replied: “ur a whole governor and u on here tweeting about some damn shoes. do ur job!”
Then the rapper Joyner Lucas suggested the Montero video was unsuitable for children. Lil Nas X shot back: “I literally sing about adultery in old town road. u decided to let your child listen. blame yourself.”
Fox News dedicated a segment to the rapper’s video, so he reposted the clip in celebration. “I thought y’all didn’t like political correctness. what happened?” he added.
Later, he posted a fake apology video on YouTube, which slam-cut into Montero’s infamous lap-dancing scene.
And he issued a separate “censored” version of the music video, which consisted of a single still image of a public toilet, captioned “Montero but ur in the bathroom of hell while lil nas is giving satan a lap dance in the other room”.
In stoking the fires of the trending topic pages, the rapper was drawing on his experience of running a Nicki Minaj “stan” account in his teens.
What makes him special, wrote internet culture analyst Brian Feldman is the “versatility” and the “variety to his approach”.
That approach is “one that can be inherently understood as someone adapting on the fly and deploying different strategies as needed”, he added. “It’s not a brute force approach, or a stubborn one. It’s very canny.”
Is he just baiting the critics?
Absolutely. The furore surrounding Montero is at least partly deliberate.
Lil Nas X’s video is teasing and camp – but it also knows the history of moral panic when musicians mix sexuality and religion, from the backwards messages supposedly hidden in songs by The Beatles and Judas Priest, to Madonna’s Like A Prayer video.
But there’s a serious side to this too.
The rapper says Montero was inspired by a man he met and fell for last summer. In a more reflective moment on Twitter, he wrote: “I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the [things] 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 us to have towards ourselves.”
How well has the song done?
In the UK, Montero was streamed 6.8 million times last week – 2.5 million of which were plays of the video. It is the second single to debut at number one this year, after Olivia Rodrigo’s Drivers Licence.
In the US, Montero drew 46.9 million streams and and sold 21,000 downloads. Lil Nas X was in a jubilant mood after finding out – recalling how he’d been branded a one hit wonder after the success of Old Town Road.
“Y’all told a 19 year old who had just escaped the lowest point of his life that he would never have a hit again,” he tweeted.
“You told him to stop while he’s ahead. he could’ve gave up. But 4 multi platinum songs and 2 #1’s later, he’s still here.”
Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.
Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.
More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.
With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.
‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.
As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
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