Lil Nas X's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Lil Nas X. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2018: Rise to Prominence with "Old Town Road"

In 2018, Lil Nas X rose to prominence with the release of his country rap single "Old Town Road".

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March 2019: Signing with Columbia Records and Controversy Over Billboard Chart Removal

In March 2019, Lil Nas X signed with Columbia Records after an intense bidding war. Also in March 2019, Billboard controversially removed "Old Town Road" from the Hot Country Songs chart.

April 2019: "Old Town Road" Remix and Streaming Records

In April 2019, Billy Ray Cyrus was featured on a remix of "Old Town Road". That same month, Lil Nas X broke Drake's record for the most U.S. streams from one song in one week with 143 million streams, surpassing Drake's "In My Feelings".

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".

July 2019: "Old Town Road" Dominates Billboard Charts

In early July 2019, "Old Town Road" reached its 13th week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first hip hop song to achieve this milestone. It also became the first song to sell 10 million copies while holding the top spot. During its 15th week at number one in July 2019, Lil Nas X became the first openly gay artist to have a song last that long.

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August 2019: "Old Town Road" Charts for 19 Weeks

As of August 2019, "Old Town Road" had charted for 19 weeks atop the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, breaking a three-way tie record. The song also topped the Hot Rap Songs chart for 19 weeks, surpassing another three-way tie, marking a significant achievement in August 2019.

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November 2019: "Old Town Road" Achieves Diamond Certification

By November 2019, "Old Town Road" had been Diamond Certified, having moved a combined sales and streaming total of 10 million units, marking a major milestone.

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2019: Named One of Time's Most Influential People

In 2019, Time recognized Lil Nas X as one of the 25 most influential people on the Internet, citing his global impact on social media and ability to drive news.

2019: Signing with Columbia Records and releasing '7'

In 2019, following the success of "Old Town Road", Lil Nas X signed with Columbia Records and released his debut extended play (EP) 7, which spawned singles like "Panini" and "Rodeo".

2020: Forbes 30 Under 30

In 2020, Lil Nas X was placed on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

2020: Included in Forbes 30 Under 30 List

Lil Nas X was named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2020, recognizing his achievements and influence.

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.

September 1, 2021: Receives Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award

On September 1, 2021, The Trevor Project announced that Lil Nas X would receive its inaugural Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year award, recognizing his contributions to mental health advocacy.

October 23, 2021: "Industry Baby" reached number one

On the week ending October 23, 2021, "Industry Baby", featuring Jack Harlow, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Lil Nas X's third number one and fourth top-ten single.

2021: MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year

In 2021, Lil Nas X became the third artist to win an MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for a video he co-directed – "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)".

2021: Release of 'Montero'

In 2021, Lil Nas X released his debut studio album, Montero, which was supported by hit singles such as "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" and "Industry Baby".