The video for Lil Nas X’s new single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” is a fierce tour-de-force with biblical and Greek mythology imaginary related to sexuality and temptation.
As Lil Nas X released the music video Friday, the 21-year-old hip-hop sensation, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, shared a letter on social media to his younger, closeted self.
“Dear 14-year-old Montero,
I wrote a song with our name in it. It’s about a guy I met last summer. I know we promised to never come out publicly, I know we promised to never be “that” type of gay person, I know we promised to die with the secret, but this will open doors for many other queer people to simply exist. You see 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. LNX”
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Lil Nas X exploded on the music scene two years ago with his mega hit “Old Town Road,” which has broken chart records. During his climb up the charts, and at the height of his popularity, Lil Nas X publicly said he’s gay.
In this scene from Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” he seduces the Devil with a lap dance. Photo: Screenshot.
“Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” which takes its name from the Oscar-winning film “Call Me By Your Name” starring Timothée Chalamet and has gone viral with more than 8 million views, also is a gay, gay, gay video.
The story opens in a lush Garden of Eden where Lil Nas X first introduces the theme of duality, which is repeated throughout the video. He plays the role of Adam as well as the snake that tempts him into the carnal desires he was forbidden to explore.
Following a nod to Plato’s “Symposium” displayed on the Tree of Life, Lil Nas X is shackled during his execution day in the Colosseum, where he is surrounded by and receiving judgement from various versions of himself.
Once he is executed, Lil Nas X ascends to Heaven, only to be pulled down to Hell where he harnesses his sexuality to seduce the Devil and snap his neck, stripping him of his power as an evil force.
Lil Nas X also destroys the throne of judgement and punishment, which has kept some people, out of fear, from embracing their true selves.
The video was co-directed by Lil Nas X with Tanu Muino.
