Early Life and Education of Lil Nas X: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Lil Nas X. A timeline of key moments.

Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his breakthrough hit "Old Town Road" in 2018. The song achieved unprecedented success, becoming the longest-running number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. Lil Nas X also made a significant cultural impact by coming out as gay while having a number-one record, making him a trailblazer in the music industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1958: Billboard Hot 100 Inception

In 1958, the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 was established.

April 9, 1999: Montero Lamar Hill's Birth

On April 9, 1999, Montero Lamar Hill, who is better known as Lil Nas X, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2017: High School Graduation

In 2017, Lil Nas X graduated from Lithia Springs High School.

2017: Running Nicki Minaj Fan Accounts

In 2017, Lil Nas X reportedly created and ran Nicki Minaj fan accounts on Twitter, including "@NasMaraj", which gained attention for its flash fiction-style interactive threads. This account was later suspended by Twitter for violating spam policies.

October 2018: Discovery of 'Old Town Road' Beat

In late October 2018, Lil Nas X discovered the beat that would become his hit song "Old Town Road".

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June 2019: Coming out to family

In early June 2019, Lil Nas X came out to his sister and father.

June 30, 2019: Public coming out as gay

On June 30, 2019, Lil Nas X publicly came out as gay, confirming earlier suggestions, particularly in his track "c7osure".

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July 2019: Vogue praises Lil Nas X's fashion sense

In July 2019, Vogue noted Lil Nas X as a "master" at giving the cowboy aesthetic a glam look in his appearances and on Instagram.

January 2020: Response to Homophobic Comments

In January 2020, Lil Nas X responded to homophobic comments made by rapper Pastor Troy regarding his outfit at the Grammy Awards with "Damn I look good in that pic on god."

May 2020: Admission of Being a Nicki Minaj Fan

In May 2020, Lil Nas X admitted to being a fan of Nicki Minaj, explaining that he initially denied it because he feared being perceived as gay, which he thought would negatively impact his career in the rap/music industry.

May 21, 2021: Release of "Sun Goes Down"

On May 21, 2021, Lil Nas X released "Sun Goes Down", a single where he reflects on his experiences with bullying and coming to terms with his homosexuality during his upbringing.

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September 2021: Lil Nas X discusses his spirituality

In September 2021, Lil Nas X stated that he was an atheist "at one point," but is now "a very spiritual person in terms of the Universe, how everything works."

April 26, 2022: Announcement of Long Live Montero Tour

On April 26, 2022, Lil Nas X announced his first concert tour, named the Long Live Montero Tour, in support of his album Montero.

September 2022: Start of Long Live Montero Tour

In September 2022, Lil Nas X's Long Live Montero Tour commenced.

January 2023: Tweet about bisexuality

In January 2023, Lil Nas X tweeted a statement suggesting he was "a little bisexual," followed by a tweet saying "that was my last time coming out the closet i promise".

January 2023: End of Long Live Montero Tour

In January 2023, Lil Nas X's Long Live Montero Tour concluded.

May 2023: Lil Nas X at the Met Gala

In May 2023, Lil Nas X attended the Met Gala wearing silver body paint, a thong, and high-heeled platform shoes, with his face covered in rhinestones. His look was inspired by Karl Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette.

November 2023: Statement about being "still gay"

In November 2023, Lil Nas X tweeted that he was "still gay."

December 2023: Entering his "Christian era"

In December 2023, Lil Nas X wrote that he was entering his "Christian era".

2023: Premiere of "Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero" at TIFF

In 2023, the documentary film "Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero", premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The premiere was briefly delayed due to a bomb threat targeting Lil Nas X.

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