Lil Nas X (“Old Town Road”) has struck gold with his new album “MONTERO.” Released on Sept. 17, the project is his first ever studio album. Apart from his “7 EP,” Nas X has always been one to only release singles. However, with this release, the rapper/popstar has proved that he is more than capable of putting together a cohesive project that is successful in making listeners feel just about every emotion under the sun.

The album features stunning collaborations with the likes of many of today’s most iconic artists such as Jack Harlow (“What’s Poppin?”), Doja Cat (“Say So”), Megan Thee Stallion (“Savage”), Elton John (“Rocket Man”) and Miley Cyrus (“Angels Like You”). However, Nas X is not reliant on the features for the album to be a hit. Most of the songs are himself singing accompanied by beautifully provoking instrumentals and beats.

The rapper’s lyricism is one of the massive highlights on the record. The lyrics “Oh, I reach out my hand hoping that they’ll see I’m more than what everyone tells me,” from his song “VOID,” as well as, “These gay thoughts would always haunt me. I prayed God would take it from me. It’s hard for you when you’re fightin’ and nobody knows it when you’re silent,” from his song “SUN GOES DOWN,” are some of the best as they show the rapper’s willingness to be vulnerable with his fans and his lack of fear to speak about sensitive topics such as his problems growing up gay and having to hide it in order to feel accepted in society.

Mixed with perfect production, “MONTERO” is easily an album one can listen to over and over again and each time find something different to love about it.

“MONTERO” opens up with his popular song by the same name which does an excellent job setting the tone for the album. A tone which spells out how while the songs are catchy and that Nas X has really found his confidence as a singer, there are deeper meanings and tales of struggle. Songs such as “INDUSTRY BABY ft. Jack Harlow,” “SCOOP ft. Doja Cat” and “DOLLA SIGN SLIME ft. Megan Thee Stallion” all show the rapper’s ability to write instant classics that people will be drawn to due to their somewhat simple and confident lyrics. 

However, there is the flip side with songs like “DEAD RIGHT NOW,” “LOST IN THE CITADEL,” “TALES OF DOMINICA” and “AM I DREAMING ft. Miley Cyrus,” which show that, despite the songs that more people are likely to be drawn to, he is more than capable of driving home a message with his songs and being raw with his past.

    There is a clear break in the album about 10 songs in, beginning with “TALES OF DOMINICA,” where the mood shifts and Nas X gets much deeper with what he is singing about. While the first part of the album still has meaning in each song, there is a drastic change that occurs.

“THATS WHAT I WANT” is the perfect example of Nas X bringing his two strengths together and making what is easily one of the best songs on the album. An addicting chorus and instrumentals are the perfect pairing for his messages and pleas for someone to love him as he finds himself disliking being alone at night getting in his own head. In the song, the rapper introduces the sounds of a choir towards the end, creating a beautifully uplifting break in the more rock sound of the song. Someone who Nas X may have learned to use the sounds of a choir from is Kanye West (“DONDA”), who co-produced “INDUSTRY BABY ft. Jack Harlow,” and has been know to use similar sounds in his songs throughout his career.

The influences do not stop there. Through listening to the project, it is clear Nas X also took inspiration from Cleveland-born rapper, Kid Cudi (“Man On The Moon III: The Chosen”), especially in the song “SUN GOES DOWN,” which draws similarities to Cudi’s “Soundtrack To My Life.” In recent days, the Cleveland native has been public about his praise for Nas X, as well as his criticism for homophobia in hip-hop.

“MONTERO,” simply put, is a brilliant culmination and representation of Nas X’s skills as an artist. With instant classics and hard-hitting songs perfectly placed throughout the project, the rapper has proven that he is much more than a producer of catchy singles that are doomed to be criticized by those who remain close-minded. While only being 22 years of age, the sky is the limit for Lil Nas X.

Image from Lil Nas X via YouTube