Lil Nas X is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who became a global star almost overnight. His country rap song “Old Town Road” broke records and turned him into one of the most talked-about artists of his generation. Known for his bold style and viral internet moments, he has since become a pop culture and fashion icon.
Who is Lil Nas X?
Lil Nas X is a musician who mixed rap, country, and pop into a sound that felt fresh and new. He first went viral on TikTok in 2019 with “Old Town Road,” which spent a record 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Beyond music, he is known for his fearless personality, LGBTQ advocacy, and eye-catching visuals. Over the years he has won Grammy Awards, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and been named one of Time’s most influential people.
| Full Name | Montero Lamar Hill |
| Nickname | Lil Nas X, Nas |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1999 |
| Age | 27 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Lithia Springs, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Known For | “Old Town Road” |
Lil Nas X Real Name
Lil Nas X’s real name is Montero Lamar Hill. You might already know his first name, since he used “Montero” as the title of both a hit single and his debut album in 2021.
There is a fun story behind the name too. His parents named him after the Mitsubishi Montero car.
As for the stage name, “Lil Nas X” is a tribute to the legendary rapper Nas. He picked it early in his career when he was making music and memes online, and it stuck.
Lil Nas X’s Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Lean |
Lil Nas X is a tall figure who stands out easily in any crowd. Most sources list him at around 6 feet 2 inches, though a few place him closer to 6 feet 1 inch.
He has a lean, slim frame that suits his energetic stage performances. Fans have even joked online that the “Lil” in his name does not really fit, since he is far from little.
He is also known as a fashion icon and loves experimenting with bold outfits, colors, and looks that match his creative music videos.
Background and Early Life
Montero Lamar Hill was born on April 9, 1999, in Lithia Springs, Georgia, a small town near Atlanta. When he was six, his parents divorced, and he lived with his mother and grandmother for a few years.
He later moved in with his father, a gospel singer, in Austell, Georgia. Music clearly ran in the family.
As a teenager, he spent a lot of time online making memes and short videos. He played the trumpet in fourth grade but quit because he worried it was not cool. He graduated from Lithia Springs High School in 2017.
Is he married? Who is Lil Nas X’s Partner?
Lil Nas X is not married. He has been open about being part of the LGBTQ community and publicly came out in 2019.
Over the years he has spoken about his relationships in a fairly private way. In 2021, he briefly dated dancer Yai Ariza, who appeared in the music video for his song “That’s What I Want,” but the two parted ways after a few months.
As of now, he has not confirmed being in a public long-term relationship. He tends to keep his romantic life mostly out of the spotlight.
Family Background
Lil Nas X’s parents are Robert Stafford and Tamikia Hill. His father works as a gospel singer, which helped spark his early interest in music.
His parents separated when he was young, and his father later married his stepmother, Mia Stafford.
He comes from a big family. Reports say he has two brothers along with several half-siblings, and a few of them have shown interest in music careers of their own. Family and his Georgia roots remain an important part of his story.
Lil Nas X’s Net Worth 2026
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $5 million |
| 2023 | $6 million |
| 2024 | $7 million |
| 2025 | $8 million |
| 2026 | $9 million |
As of 2026, Lil Nas X’s net worth is most commonly estimated at around $9 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Some outlets suggest the figure could be higher, but $9 million is the most widely cited number.
Music is the foundation of his wealth. “Old Town Road” alone reportedly generated huge profits, and streaming royalties keep the money flowing.
He also earns through touring, merchandise, and brand deals. His partnerships with companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, and others have added to his income, proving he is as sharp at marketing as he is at music.
Career
Lil Nas X started out as an internet kid who loved memes and social media. He reportedly ran a popular Nicki Minaj fan account before turning to music.
In 2018, he bought a beat online for just $30 and recorded “Old Town Road” in his closet. He promoted it heavily on TikTok, and the song exploded in 2019, topping charts worldwide.
Since then he has released the EP “7,” the album “Montero,” and hits like “Panini,” “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” and “Industry Baby.” Today he is known as a boundary-pushing artist, performer, and fashion figure.
Lesser-Known Facts About Lil Nas X
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Named After | Mitsubishi Montero car |
| First Instrument | Trumpet |
| Old First Jobs | Zaxby’s and Six Flags |
| College | University of West Georgia (dropped out) |
| Big Honor | Youngest Songwriters Hall of Fame honoree (2022) |
There is a lot more to Lil Nas X than his hit songs. Before fame, he worked regular jobs at Zaxby’s restaurants and the Six Flags theme park to support himself.
He briefly studied computer science in college before dropping out to chase music full time. He was skilled at the trumpet as a kid but gave it up.
In 2022, he made history as the youngest person ever honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, showing just how far his talent has taken him.
Lil Nas X Social Media
Lil Nas X is very active online, which makes sense given that the internet launched his career. He is known for his witty, playful, and sometimes controversial posts.
On Instagram, he goes by @lilnasx, where he has millions of followers. On X (formerly Twitter), his handle is @LilNasX, and he often shares jokes and reactions there.
He also has a hugely popular YouTube channel with well over 18 million subscribers, where his music videos rack up massive views. His clever use of social media remains a big part of his fame and brand.
FAQs
1. What is Lil Nas X’s real name?
His real name is Montero Lamar Hill. He was named after the Mitsubishi Montero car.
2. How old is Lil Nas X?
He was born on April 9, 1999, which makes him 27 years old in 2026.
3. What is Lil Nas X’s net worth?
His net worth is most commonly estimated at around $9 million as of 2026.
4. What is Lil Nas X famous for?
He is best known for his record-breaking hit “Old Town Road,” along with songs like “Montero” and “Industry Baby.”
5. Is Lil Nas X married?
No, he is not married. He came out as gay in 2019 and keeps his personal life mostly private.